Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Unclaimed Assets in Indiana

Finding unclaimed assets in Indiana can feel like discovering “found money” you forgot you ever had. Many people have money waiting for them and don’t realize it—often from old bank accounts, utility deposits, insurance policies, or paychecks.

This guide walks you through, step by step, how unclaimed property usually works in Indiana, how to search for it, and how to claim it through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or claims portal; this article is here to help you understand the process so you can use the official Indiana resources confidently.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Indiana?

In Indiana, “unclaimed assets” (also called unclaimed property) typically means money or property that belongs to you but has been turned over to the state because the business holding it could not reach you.

Common examples include:

• Old bank or credit union accounts
• Uncashed paychecks or commission checks
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Insurance benefits or claim payments
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Refunds or rebates from companies
• Estate distributions that were never received

After a certain period with no contact (often a few years), businesses are usually required to turn this property over to the state’s unclaimed property program, which holds it until the rightful owner or heir files a claim.

Who Typically Has Unclaimed Property in Indiana?

Almost anyone who has lived, worked, or done business in Indiana could have unclaimed property, including:

• People who have moved and didn’t update their address
• Individuals who changed jobs and never picked up their last check
• People who closed a bank account but had a small remaining balance
• Heirs of someone who has passed away and left unclaimed assets
• Small business owners, nonprofits, and organizations

Because unclaimed property can date back many years, it’s common for people to find something under:

• A maiden name or previous married name
• An old address
• A business name they used to own

There is usually no fee to search or claim unclaimed property through the official Indiana state system.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can often do a quick search with just your name, but having a few extra details ready can make it easier to confirm results and file a claim.

Helpful information to gather:

• Full legal name (and any former names)
  • Maiden names
  • Previous married names
  • Commonly used nicknames (if they might be on accounts)
• Past addresses in Indiana
  • Old rental addresses
  • Former homes
  • College or temporary addresses
• Social Security number (SSN)
  • You may not need this to search, but it is often needed to verify your identity when filing a claim.
• Date of birth
• Business information (if applicable)
  • Former business names
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN), if known

You do not usually need all of this just to run a search, but it helps when you go to prove the asset is yours.

Step 2: Use Indiana’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

Indiana’s unclaimed property is generally managed by a state-level office, often connected to the state treasurer or similar department.

To search:

1. Go to Indiana’s official unclaimed property website.
   • You can find this by searching online for phrases like:
     • “Indiana unclaimed property official site”
     • “Indiana state treasurer unclaimed property”
2. Look for a tool labeled something like:
   • “Search for Unclaimed Property”
   • “Search for Your Name”
   • “Find Unclaimed Money”
3. Enter:
   • Your last name (required)
   • Your first name (recommended)
   • Optional: city, zip code, or business name to narrow the results.

Most people can do this search for free in a few minutes. You can also search for:

• Family members
• Deceased relatives
• A business or organization name

If you don’t have internet access, you may be able to:

• Call the Indiana unclaimed property office (phone number is usually listed on the state treasurer or unclaimed property page).
• Request that staff check for your name or mail you a form.

Step 3: Review Search Results and Identify Possible Matches

After you run a search, you’ll typically see a list of potential matches showing:

• Name of the owner
• Last known address or city
• Type of property (e.g., wages, bank account, insurance)
• Holder (the company that turned it over)
• Sometimes: value range (e.g., under $100, over $100)

To decide if a listing might be yours:

• Check whether the name is exactly yours (or a close variation you’ve used).
• Confirm the city or address looks familiar.
• Look at the holder name (such as a bank, insurer, or employer you recognize).
• Consider whether the type of property makes sense for your situation.

If it looks like a match, you can usually click or select a button such as “Claim”, “File a Claim,” or “Add to Cart” to begin the claim process.

You can often select multiple properties belonging to you and file for them together.

Step 4: Start Your Claim Through the Official Indiana System

Once you’ve selected the properties you believe are yours, the Indiana system will usually guide you through an online claim process.

Expect to:

1. Confirm your identity

   • Provide your full legal name
   • Current mailing address
   • Date of birth
   • Possibly your SSN (last four digits or full number) for verification

2. Confirm your relationship to the property

   • Are you the original owner?
   • Are you a heir or executor for someone who died?
   • Are you filing as a business owner or representative?

3. Submit your claim

   • Review the property list you are claiming.
   • Certify that the information is correct.
   • Follow any instructions to print, sign, and mail forms if required, or submit electronically if that option is available.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or submit claims for you. All claims must go through Indiana’s official unclaimed property office or its online claim system.

Step 5: Prepare and Submit Required Documents

Indiana typically requires supporting documents to make sure the correct person receives the money. These can vary by situation and property type, but common documents include:

For Individuals Claiming Their Own Property

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security number
  • Social Security card
  • Tax document (W-2, 1099) with visible SSN
• Proof of current address
  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement
• Proof of prior address (if different from current)
  • Old bills or statements
  • Tax records
  • Mortgage documents

For Heirs or Estates

If the property belongs to someone who has passed away, you may be asked for:

• Death certificate (copy or certified copy, depending on Indiana’s rules)
• Proof of relationship
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Will, trust, or estate documents
• Letters of administration / letters testamentary or appointment as executor or personal representative, if available
• Court orders or small estate documentation, if applicable

For Businesses or Organizations

• Proof of authority to act on behalf of the business
  • Business license
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Corporate resolution or letter of authorization
• Tax identification number (EIN)
• Proof the business owned the property
  • Old account statements
  • Lease, invoice, or payment record

You may be able to upload these documents through the state’s online portal or send copies by mail to the official Indiana unclaimed property office. Check the instructions on your claim form carefully.

Quick Reference: Common Situations and Typical Documents

Requirements can change, so always verify with the official Indiana unclaimed property office instructions on your claim.

Step 6: Track Your Claim and Understand Timelines

After submitting your claim and documents:

• You may receive a claim number or confirmation.
• Some states allow you to check claim status online using your name or claim number.
• Processing time can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on:
  • Volume of claims
  • Completeness of your documentation
  • Whether they need additional information

If there are issues, the office may:

• Send you a letter requesting more supporting documents
• Reach out by phone or email (based on what you provided)

If you do not hear back within the expected timeframe, you can usually call the Indiana unclaimed property office or check the status through their official website.

Common Reasons Indiana Unclaimed Property Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Processing delays or denials often come down to missing or incomplete information. Typical issues include:

• Insufficient proof of identity
  • ID is expired or unclear
  • SSN proof not provided when requested
• No clear link to the address on record
  • No documentation proving you lived at the address tied to the account
• Heir-related documentation missing
  • No death certificate
  • No proof of relationship
  • No estate appointment documents when required
• Mismatched information
  • Name spelling differs significantly
  • Different middle initials
  • Multiple people with the same name at the same address
• Forms not signed or not fully completed
  • Missing signature
  • Sections left blank
  • Incorrect claim type selected (e.g., claiming as “owner” when you’re an heir)

If your claim is denied, the notice usually explains:

• Why it was denied
• Whether you can provide additional documentation
• Whether there is an appeal or review process

If you disagree with the decision, you can often contact the Indiana unclaimed property office directly to ask what additional proof might resolve the issue.

Can You Claim Old or Very Small Amounts?

In many states, unclaimed property does not expire, meaning:

• You can often claim old property from many years ago.
• You can usually claim small amounts (like $10 from an old utility deposit) the same way as larger amounts.

However, processes can change over time. It’s a good idea to:

• Check the official Indiana unclaimed property website for any time limits.
• Clarify with the state office if you have questions about very old accounts.

What If You Do Not Find Any Unclaimed Property?

If no results show up:

• Try searching different name variations:
  • Middle initial vs. full middle name
  • Former married or maiden names
• Try old addresses or nearby cities
• Search for family members, especially deceased relatives
• Search for any business names you’ve used in Indiana

If you still find nothing:

• You can check again later. New property is turned over to the state regularly.
• You may also want to search in other states where you have lived, worked, or opened accounts.

Remember, not everyone will have unclaimed property—and that’s normal.

How to Tell You’re Using the Official Indiana Unclaimed Property Channel

Because unclaimed property involves money, scams do exist. It’s important to make sure you are using official state resources.

Here are some tips:

• 🛑 Be cautious of fees.
  The official Indiana unclaimed property search is typically free. Some private “finder” services charge a fee or percentage to do a search you can usually do yourself.

• ✅ Look for clear state identification.
  Official websites usually:

  • Use state branding or seal
  • End in a government-related domain (such as a state “.gov” domain)
  • List a state office address and phone number

• ✅ Call to verify.
  If you are uncertain:

  • Call the Indiana state treasurer’s office or the number listed on the state’s main government site.
  • Ask them to confirm the official unclaimed property website and contact information.

• 🛑 Avoid giving sensitive information to unknown sites.

  • Do not share your full SSN, bank details, or ID copies with any website or individual unless you are sure it is the official Indiana unclaimed property office or a clearly identified, legitimate state portal.

• 🛑 Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails.
  If someone contacts you claiming you have unclaimed money and demands a fee or personal information:

  • Hang up or ignore the message.
  • Independently look up the Indiana unclaimed property office and verify through them.

Alternatives and Additional Resources if You Need Help

If you need extra assistance:

• Call the Indiana unclaimed property office
  • Staff can often explain document requirements and basic procedures.
• Visit a local library or community center
  • Many libraries help people access government websites and use computers.
• Dial 211 (in many areas)
  • 211 can sometimes connect you with local nonprofit or community agencies that help with navigating government forms and online systems.

Remember:

• HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only.
• We do not run Indiana’s unclaimed property program.
• You cannot submit claims, forms, or personal documents through this site.

All official actions—like searching, filing a claim, sending documents, or checking status—need to go through Indiana’s official government channels.

By gathering your information, using the official Indiana unclaimed property search, and carefully following the claim instructions, many people are able to reconnect with money or assets they didn’t realize were waiting for them.