Indiana Unclaimed Money: Documents You’ll Usually Need To Claim Assets

Finding out you might have unclaimed money in Indiana is exciting—but to actually receive it, you usually have to prove you’re the right person (or heir or business) to claim it. That’s where the right documents make all the difference.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, the typical documents needed to claim unclaimed assets in Indiana, how the process usually works, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or application portal—we simply help you understand what to expect so you can be better prepared.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Indiana?

In Indiana, unclaimed property (or unclaimed assets) usually means money or property that a business, financial institution, or government agency has been holding for someone who:

• Moved and didn’t update their address
• Forgot about an old account
• Never cashed a check
• Passed away without all accounts being settled

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts and CDs
• Uncashed paychecks or dividends
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Insurance policy proceeds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds

When an account is inactive for a certain period and the owner cannot be contacted, Indiana law generally requires the holder to turn it over to the state’s unclaimed property program. From there, the state keeps it safe until the rightful owner or heir claims it.

Big Picture: What Documents Do You Usually Need?

The exact documents depend on who you are and what type of claim you’re filing, but almost every claim in Indiana centers around three things:

1. Proof of identity (you are who you say you are)
2. Proof of ownership or connection (the money actually belongs to you or someone you legally represent)
3. Any special legal paperwork if you’re claiming for someone else (like for a deceased relative, a business, or a trust)

You can expect to need some combination of:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of Social Security Number or Tax ID
• Documents showing your current and/or past addresses
• Legal documents (death certificates, letters of administration, trust documents, business records, etc.)

The sections below walk through each common claim type and the documents typically required.

Core Documents Almost Everyone Needs

1. Proof of Identity

Indiana’s unclaimed property office generally requires a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as:

• Indiana driver’s license
• Indiana state ID card
• U.S. passport
• Military ID (if accepted by the state office)

If your ID is expired, the state may still accept it in some cases, but you may be asked for additional documentation. The safest approach is to use current identification whenever possible.

2. Proof of Social Security Number or Tax ID

To help confirm your identity and prevent fraud, Indiana may ask for proof of your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), such as:

• Copy of your Social Security card
• Tax return showing your full name and SSN
• W-2 or 1099 form
• Pay stub with your SSN (if clearly printed)

For business claims, this might be a document that clearly shows the Employer Identification Number (EIN).

3. Proof of Address or Ownership Connection

Many unclaimed accounts are tied to old addresses. To show that you are the same person who lived at that address or owned the account, you may need:

• Utility bill (gas, water, electric, internet, etc.)
• Bank statement
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement
• Property tax bill
• Driver’s license showing the old address (if still available)

If you no longer have documents for a very old address, the state may use alternative verification methods. That’s usually handled on a case-by-case basis once you submit your claim.

Common Indiana Claim Situations and Required Documents

The documents you need depend largely on what kind of claim you’re filing. Use this as a quick reference:

Below are more details by scenario.

If You’re the Original Owner

If the unclaimed property is listed under your own name, this is usually the most straightforward claim type.

Typical Documents

You’ll usually need:

• Valid photo ID (Indiana driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Proof of SSN (Social Security card, tax document, W-2, etc.)
• Proof of address that matches either:
  • The address listed with the unclaimed property; or
  • Your current address, plus some other way for the state to connect you to the listed address

Examples of helpful address documents:

• Utility bill in your name
• Bank statement
• Old lease or mortgage document
• Old pay stub or employment record

If your name has changed (for example, due to marriage or divorce), you may also be asked for:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for legal name change

These documents help the state see that the old name and new name refer to the same person.

If You’re Claiming for a Deceased Relative (Estate Claim)

Claims for deceased owners are common and usually require more legal documentation.

Typical Core Documents

You will usually need:

• Your government-issued photo ID
• Your proof of SSN
• Certified death certificate for the deceased owner
• Documents naming you as the personal representative, executor, or administrator of the estate, such as:
  • Letters Testamentary
  • Letters of Administration
  • Order appointing executor or personal representative

If the estate was opened in court (probate), these letters or court orders show you have legal authority to collect assets on behalf of the deceased.

Additional Documents That May Be Required

Depending on the situation, you may also be asked for:

• Will (if one exists and is relevant to the claim)
• Estate tax identification number (EIN) if the estate has one
• Proof of relationship (for example, when you’re both the executor and an heir):
  • Birth certificate showing the deceased as your parent
  • Marriage certificate showing you as the spouse

If there is no formal probate estate, Indiana’s unclaimed property office may provide an affidavit of heirship or similar form that heirs can use. In that case, you may need:

• Notarized affidavit listing all legal heirs
• Proof of relationship for each heir

Because estate rules are often complex, it’s wise to read the state’s instructions carefully on the official unclaimed property site or contact the Indiana unclaimed property office directly for guidance before sending sensitive documents.

If You’re an Heir but There Is No Estate Open

Sometimes a person dies with small or scattered assets, and the family never opens a formal estate in court. In those cases, an heir might be able to claim unclaimed property directly, depending on Indiana’s rules and the value of the property.

Typical Documents for Heir Claims Without Probate

Heirs are often asked for:

• Your photo ID
• Your proof of SSN
• Death certificate of the deceased
• Proof of relationship to the deceased, such as:
  • Your birth certificate (if you’re a child of the deceased)
  • Your marriage certificate (if you’re the spouse)
  • Birth certificates of both individuals to show sibling relationships

You may also need:

• Affidavit of heirship or similar form, often notarized
• A statement indicating that no estate has been opened or that it’s closed

The Indiana unclaimed property office often has specific forms for this type of claim. Those forms typically explain what documentation is acceptable and how to complete them correctly.

If You’re Claiming for a Business

If the unclaimed asset belongs to a business or corporation, the state generally has to verify that:

1. The business is (or was) real
2. The property is tied to that business
3. You have authority to act for the business

Typical Documents for Business Claims

You’ll usually need:

• Your photo ID
• Proof you are authorized to act for the business, such as:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on company letterhead
  • Business card plus documentation showing you’re an officer
• Business formation documents, for example:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Articles of organization (for LLCs)
  • Partnership agreement
• Proof of the business’s EIN (tax documents, IRS notice, etc.)
• Proof of business address that matches the unclaimed asset listing:
  • Business utility bill
  • Lease or property tax bill
  • Bank statement or vendor invoice

If the business has been dissolved or closed, additional documents may be needed:

• Evidence of dissolution
• Documents showing who now has authority to wind up the business’s affairs

Because rules for business claims can be more technical, it’s usually helpful to contact the unclaimed property office or review their business claim instructions on the official website before submitting.

If You’re Claiming for a Trust or Other Organization

Trusts, churches, nonprofits, and other organizations can also have unclaimed property in Indiana.

Typical Documents for Trust or Organization Claims

You may need:

• Your photo ID
• Documentation proving the organization or trust exists, such as:
  • Trust agreement or trust declaration
  • Articles of incorporation for a nonprofit
  • Bylaws or charter documents
• Proof of tax ID number (EIN)
• Proof that you are a trustee, officer, or authorized representative, such as:
  • Page of the trust naming you as trustee
  • Board resolution naming you as an officer
• Address documentation that ties the trust or organization to the address listed on the unclaimed property record

Trust documents sometimes include sensitive information. If you only need to show certain pages (like the page naming trustees), the state may allow you to redact (black out) irrelevant details, but always check with the unclaimed property office for their preferences.

Special Case: Safe Deposit Box Contents

Unclaimed safe deposit box contents can involve physical items, such as:

• Jewelry
• Coins or cash
• Important documents
• Collectibles

When these are reported to the state, the process to claim them may differ slightly from money-only claims.

Typical Documents and Steps

You usually still need:

• Photo ID and proof of SSN
• Proof of ownership or connection to the box (old bank records, rental agreement, or address that matches the bank’s records)

If the owner is deceased, you may also need:

• Death certificate
• Estate or heirship documents (as described above)

Safe deposit contents can sometimes be auctioned after a certain period, with only the proceeds kept for the owner or heirs. The state’s official unclaimed property site usually explains how they handle physical items and what deadlines apply, so it’s worth checking that information if your claim involves a safe deposit box.

How to Start a Claim Through Official Indiana Channels

HowToGetAssistance.org does not process claims. To actually claim your unclaimed property, you need to work with Indiana’s official unclaimed property program.

The usual process looks like this:

1. Search for your name or business name

   • Use the official unclaimed property search tool provided by the State of Indiana.
   • Double-check that you are on a legitimate state government website (look for “.gov” and official state branding).

2. Select the property you believe is yours

   • Review the name, last known address, and holder name (e.g., a bank or employer).
   • If it looks like a match, select it for claiming.

3. Submit an online or paper claim form

   • Provide basic information like your name, address, SSN, and relationship to the property owner.
   • Review the list of required documents shown for your specific claim type.

4. Upload or mail required documentation

   • Some claims can be completed entirely online by uploading scans or photos of your documents.
   • Others may require mailing copies, or in rare cases, certified copies.
   • Follow the instructions exactly—missing documents are a common cause of delay.

5. Wait for review and respond to any follow-up requests

   • The unclaimed property office will review your claim and may:
     • Approve it as submitted
     • Ask for more information
     • Deny it with an explanation

6. Receive your payment

   • If approved, payment is usually issued by check, and in some cases, by direct deposit if that option is offered.
   • For safe deposit box claims, you’ll get instructions on how items or proceeds will be delivered.

Processing times can vary depending on claim volume, complexity, and whether you’ve provided all required documents upfront.

Common Reasons Indiana Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the main reasons claims don’t go smoothly. Some typical issues include:

• Missing photo ID or sending an ID that is too blurry to read
• No proof of SSN or numbers that don’t match what’s on file
• Not providing proof of address that connects you to the listed address
• Name mismatches (married vs. maiden name, spelling differences) without supporting documents
• Estate documents missing when claiming for a deceased owner
• Heirship not clearly documented (no birth or marriage certificates to prove relationship)
• Outdated or incorrect information on the claim form

You can reduce delays by:

• Double-checking the document checklist for your claim type on the official site
• Making sure copies are clear and easy to read
• Including name-change or relationship documents whenever your name or the owner’s name has changed
• Responding quickly and thoroughly to any follow-up requests from the unclaimed property office

How Appeals or Reconsideration Usually Work

If your Indiana unclaimed property claim is denied or partially approved, you may have options:

• The denial notice typically explains why the claim was denied (for example, lack of proof of ownership).
• In many cases, you can submit additional documentation and ask the office to reconsider.
• For more complex cases, especially involving estates or business ownership, you may want to:
  • Call the unclaimed property office to clarify what evidence they need
  • Review any appeals information on the official state website
  • Consider speaking with an attorney if large sums or complicated ownership questions are involved

Formal appeal processes vary, so it’s important to follow the instructions provided directly by the Indiana unclaimed property program.

How to Tell You’re Using an Official Indiana Channel (and Avoid Scams)

Unclaimed property is a common target for scams. To protect yourself:

Signs You’re on an Official State Site

• The website address usually ends in “.gov”
• The site uses state branding, such as “Indiana” and state seals or logos
• Contact information points to official state offices, not private companies
• The site does not demand upfront fees just to search for property

Red Flags to Watch For

• Someone contacts you unexpectedly claiming you’re “owed millions” and demanding a large fee
• A website that looks generic, doesn’t clearly identify which state it belongs to, or has a strange web address
• Requests for sensitive personal information (full SSN, bank account numbers) on a site that is not clearly a government portal
• High-pressure language like “act immediately or lose your money forever,” when in reality unclaimed property is typically held for many years

If you’re not sure whether a site or call is legitimate:

• Look up the Indiana State Treasury or unclaimed property office contact information separately using a trusted source.
• Call the official number listed there to ask whether you’ve reached the correct office.

You can also dial 211 in many areas to ask for help locating the correct state agency for unclaimed property.

Key Takeaways: What to Gather Before You Start

To claim unclaimed assets in Indiana, it often helps to gather in advance:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of Social Security Number or tax ID
• Documents showing current and past addresses
• For deceased-owner claims:
  • Death certificate
  • Estate papers (Letters Testamentary/Administration) or heirship documents
  • Birth or marriage certificates proving your relationship
• For business or trust claims:
  • Formation documents, EIN, and proof of authority to act

Once you have these documents ready, your next step is to:

1. Use the official Indiana unclaimed property search (on an official state website).
2. Follow the instructions listed for your specific claim, including any document checklists.
3. Submit your claim and documentation directly to the Indiana unclaimed property program, then wait for their review.

Preparing the right paperwork at the start usually makes the process smoother and helps you move closer to actually receiving any unclaimed assets that belong to you or your family.