How To File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Indiana: Step-by-Step Guide

Finding out you might have money waiting for you can be exciting—but also confusing if you are not sure where to start. This guide explains how unclaimed property works in Indiana, who can file a claim, and how to submit an unclaimed assets claim through the proper state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. It does not process claims, store unclaimed property, or connect to any government systems. To actually file a claim, you will need to use Indiana’s official unclaimed property office or online portal.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Indiana?

In Indiana, unclaimed assets (often called unclaimed property) usually means money or property that a business or financial institution has been holding but has lost contact with the owner for a certain period of time.

Common examples include:

• Old bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks, including payroll or refund checks
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Insurance proceeds or policy benefits
• Safe deposit box contents turned over to the state
• Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that were abandoned
• Gift cards or store credits (in some cases, depending on state rules)

Indiana law generally requires businesses to turn this property over to the state’s unclaimed property program after a period of inactivity. The state then becomes the custodian, holding it until the rightful owner or heir files a valid claim.

You do not lose your right to the property just because it was turned over to the state, but you usually must file a claim and prove you are the rightful owner.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Indiana?

You may be able to file a claim in Indiana if:

• You are the person named as the owner on the account or record
• You are the heir or legal representative of a deceased person who was the owner
• You are a business owner or authorized officer of a company named as owner
• You are a trustee, executor, or person with power of attorney (with proper documentation)

In most cases, you will need to show:

• Proof of identity, and
• Proof of your connection to the listed owner, address, or account

If the owner has died, you may also need estate or probate documents to show your legal right to claim on their behalf.

How to Search for Unclaimed Money in Indiana

You typically start by searching for your name in the official state database.

1. Go to Indiana’s official unclaimed property website.

   • To find it, you can search online for phrases like “Indiana unclaimed property official site” or “Indiana unclaimed money state”.
   • Make sure the site clearly appears to be run by the Indiana state government (look for “.gov” in the web address and official state seals or wording).

2. Use the search tool.

   • Enter your first and last name.
   • Try former names (maiden names, previous married names, or nicknames).
   • Search old addresses, cities, or employers if the site allows it.

3. Review the search results.

   • Look for claims that match your name and city.
   • Check the reported owner address to see if it is one you used in the past.
   • Some records may show the type of property (for example, “wages” or “utility refund”).

4. Select the property you think belongs to you.

   • Most state systems let you “claim” or “add to cart” any properties you believe you own, then proceed to an online claim form.

If you need help at this stage, you can usually contact the Indiana unclaimed property office using the phone number or email listed on the official site.

Documents You May Need to File an Indiana Unclaimed Assets Claim

Indiana’s unclaimed property office usually asks for supporting documentation to make sure the right person receives the funds.

Commonly requested documents include:

• Proof of identity

  • State-issued driver’s license or ID card
  • U.S. passport or other government-issued ID

• Proof of Social Security number (if requested)

  • Social Security card
  • Tax document (such as a W-2)

• Proof of current address

  • Recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease with your name and address

• Proof of previous address (if the unclaimed property is tied to an old address)

  • Old utility bills
  • Old bank statements
  • Tax returns or pay stubs showing that address

• Proof of ownership or relationship to the account (if available)

  • Old account statements
  • Insurance policy documents
  • Pay stubs from an employer
  • Deposit receipts or other records

If you are claiming on behalf of someone else (for example, a deceased relative), you may also need:

• Death certificate
• Will, letters of administration, or letters testamentary
• Court orders naming you executor, administrator, or personal representative
• Documents verifying your relationship to the deceased (such as a birth or marriage certificate)

Quick Reference: Likely Documents by Claim Type

*Exact requirements can vary. Always follow the document list provided by Indiana’s official unclaimed property office for your specific claim.

How to File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Indiana

Once you find property that appears to belong to you, you usually file a claim either online or by mailing in forms and copies of your documents.

Step 1: Start the Claim Online

On Indiana’s official unclaimed property site:

1. Select each property that you believe belongs to you.
2. Click the button to file a claim or start claim process.
3. You may be asked to create an account or provide an email address to track your claim.
4. Fill out the online claim form with:
   • Your full legal name
   • Current mailing address and contact information
   • Last four digits of your Social Security number (or full SSN, depending on the form)
   • Any additional information that helps match you to the property (old addresses, employer names, etc.)

Be sure that everything is accurate and consistent with the documents you will upload or mail.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

After submitting the online portion, Indiana typically:

• Gives you a list of required documents based on your claim type
• Offers instructions to either:
  • Upload documents securely through the official portal, or
  • Print and sign a claim form and mail it with copies of your documents

Tips:

• Use clear copies—if scanning, make sure all text is legible.
• Write your claim number on each page if the instructions recommend this.
• Do not send original documents unless the state specifically requires them.

Step 3: Submit Your Claim (Online or by Mail)

Depending on Indiana’s current process, you might:

• Upload documents online

  • Log into your account on the official unclaimed property site.
  • Follow the instructions to attach and upload your documents.

• Mail your claim packet

  • Print your signed claim form.
  • Attach copies of your ID and supporting documents.
  • Mail them to the address provided on the Indiana unclaimed property site or instructions.

Always use the mailing address or upload system that is clearly listed on the official Indiana state website, not from third-party sources.

Step 4: Keep Records

Save:

• Your claim number
• Copies of the claim form and documents you submitted
• Any emails or letters you receive from the Indiana unclaimed property office

These can help if you need to follow up or there is any delay.

What Happens After You File Your Claim?

After you submit your claim and documents, the Indiana unclaimed property office typically:

1. Reviews your paperwork

   • Staff compare your information to the original property records.
   • They verify your identity and your connection to the property.

2. May request more information

   • If something is missing or unclear, you may receive a letter, email, or phone call asking for:
     • Additional proof of address
     • Clarification about your relationship to the owner
     • Corrected or updated documents

3. Makes a decision

   • If approved, you usually receive a check by mail or another type of payment.
   • If denied or partially approved, you typically receive a written explanation.

Processing times can vary based on:

• The number of claims the office is handling
• How complex your claim is
• How quickly you respond to any requests for more information

If you want an update, use:

• The claim status tool (if available on the official site), or
• The phone number or email listed for Indiana’s unclaimed property office

Common Reasons Indiana Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

People often experience delays or rejections for reasons such as:

• Incomplete paperwork

  • Missing a required signature
  • Not including proof of address or identity

• Documents that do not match the record

  • Different spellings of your name
  • Different middle initial or last name
  • Address that does not match the one on file, with no explanation

• Unclear relationship to the owner

  • Claiming on behalf of a deceased person without sufficient estate documents
  • No documentation showing your role as executor, heir, or legal representative

• Poor-quality document copies

  • Blurry, dark, or cut-off images that staff cannot read

If your claim is denied, the notice usually explains the reason. You may sometimes:

• Submit additional documents to fix the problem, or
• Refile a new claim with the corrected information

If the decision process is unclear, you can contact the Indiana unclaimed property office directly and ask what options you have for review or reconsideration.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Assets in Indiana?

In many states, unclaimed property is held indefinitely for the rightful owner; it does not “expire” in the same way other benefits might. However:

• Certain types of property may have different rules.
• Procedures and timelines can change over time.

The safest approach is to:

• Search regularly for your name, especially if you move or close accounts.
• File a claim as soon as you discover property that appears to belong to you.

For precise rules, check directly with the Indiana unclaimed property office.

Verifying You Are Using Official Indiana Channels

Because “unclaimed money” can attract scams, it is important to confirm you are working directly with the state, not with a fake site or an unauthorized service.

Here are some practical checks:

• ✅ Look for “.gov” in the web address for the main site
• ✅ Confirm that the site clearly identifies Indiana’s state government and unclaimed property program
• ✅ Get phone numbers and mailing addresses directly from the state’s official site
• ✅ Be cautious of third-party companies that:
  • Ask for upfront fees
  • Claim they are the only way you can get your money
  • Pressure you to sign a contract quickly

Indiana, like most states, allows individuals to claim unclaimed property directly from the state without paying a finder’s fee. There may be legitimate “finder” or “locator” services, but they are not required for you to access your property.

If you are unsure whether you are using an official site:

• Call the Indiana state treasurer’s office or the Indiana unclaimed property office using a phone number listed on a recognized Indiana state government (.gov) website.
• You can also call 211 (a general community resource line in many areas) and ask for help locating Indiana’s official unclaimed property contact information.

What If You Do Not Qualify or Cannot Prove Ownership?

Sometimes, a person finds a listing that looks familiar but cannot gather enough documentation. In that situation, options may include:

• Asking the unclaimed property office what alternative documents they will accept
• Checking old records such as:
  • Previous tax returns
  • Old pay stubs or bank statements
  • Old leases or utility bills
• Requesting copies of certain records from employers, banks, or utility companies, if still in existence

If you truly cannot prove ownership to the satisfaction of the Indiana office, they may not be able to release the funds. In some more complicated cases, you may wish to:

• Speak with a consumer law attorney or
• Get help from a free legal aid organization in Indiana

They may be able to explain whether there is another route, especially for complex estate or business-related claims.

Key Takeaways for Filing an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Indiana

• Indiana holds unclaimed money and property that businesses and institutions cannot return to the owner.
• You can search for your name on the official Indiana unclaimed property website.
• To file a claim, you typically:
  1. Start an online claim on the state’s official site.
  2. Gather proof of identity and proof of address/ownership.
  3. Submit documents online or by mail following the state’s instructions.
• The Indiana unclaimed property office reviews your claim and either approves, requests more information, or denies it with an explanation.
• Always verify that you are working with an official Indiana government office, especially before sharing personal information.

HowToGetAssistance.org can help you understand how the process works, but to actually file and track an unclaimed property claim, you will need to use Indiana’s official unclaimed property office, website, or hotline.