Indiana’s Unclaimed Property Office: What It Does and What It Holds

The Indiana Unclaimed Property Office is a state-run program that works like a lost-and-found for money and certain financial assets. Its job is to hold property that businesses could not return to the rightful owner—and to reunite that property with individuals, families, and organizations that can prove ownership.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not part of the State of Indiana and cannot check, manage, or pay out any unclaimed property. This guide explains how the process usually works so you can take your next steps through official state channels.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Indiana?

In Indiana, unclaimed property generally means money or financial assets that have been inactive and could not be returned to the owner after a period of time. When that happens, businesses are usually required to send those funds to the state’s unclaimed property program for safekeeping.

Common reasons property becomes “unclaimed” include:

• An address change the company wasn’t told about
• A closed bank account with a small remaining balance
• An uncashed check that expired or was never deposited
• A safe deposit box that stopped being paid for
• A deceased owner whose heirs never claimed the asset

The Indiana Unclaimed Property Office (often part of the state treasurer or a similar agency) serves as a custodian. It does not take ownership; it holds the property until the rightful owner or heirs make a valid claim.

What Does the Indiana Unclaimed Property Office Do?

The office has several core responsibilities:

1. Receiving Unclaimed Property from Businesses

Indiana law generally requires certain businesses and organizations to turn over property after it has been inactive for a specific “dormancy period.” Examples of holders include:

• Banks and credit unions
• Insurance companies
• Utility companies (gas, water, electric, phone)
• Employers (for uncashed payroll checks)
• Retailers and online companies (for unused refunds or gift certificates, in some cases)
• Investment firms and brokers

Once the dormancy period has passed and attempts to contact the owner have failed, these holders send the property to the state unclaimed property program, along with the last known owner information.

2. Safeguarding Money and Assets

The office is responsible for:

• Tracking records: Keeping names, last known addresses, and account details.
• Protecting funds: Holding money until claimed (sometimes with interest rules defined by state law).
• Storing physical contents: Temporarily storing contents from safe deposit boxes and similar property types, often with procedures for eventual sale if unclaimed.

3. Helping the Public Search for Property

The Indiana Unclaimed Property Office typically offers:

• An official online searchable database
• Options to file a claim for property you believe is yours
• Staff who can answer questions by phone, mail, or in person

The state’s role is to match you (or your business, or your family) with any property listed under your name or associated data such as your old address.

4. Reviewing and Processing Claims

When you submit a claim through the official state process, the office will:

• Review your application and documents
• Ask for additional information if something is unclear
• Approve or deny the claim based on state law and evidence
• Arrange for payment or transfer of property if approved

What Types of Property Does Indiana’s Unclaimed Property Office Hold?

Unclaimed property is usually financial in nature. It does not usually involve land or real estate (those follow separate legal processes, such as tax sales or probate).

Below are common categories the Indiana office may hold.

Common Types of Unclaimed Property

1. Bank Accounts and Deposits

• Savings and checking accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Money market accounts
• Refundable deposits (for utilities or rentals)

2. Uncashed Checks

• Payroll checks
• Vendor or contractor payments
• Insurance claim checks
• Refund checks from companies or schools

3. Insurance Proceeds

• Life insurance benefits or annuities
• Refunds of premium overpayments

4. Securities and Investment-Related Assets

• Stocks and mutual funds
• Dividends not delivered
• Brokerage accounts that have gone dormant

5. Retail & Consumer Credits

• Some types of unused gift certificates or gift cards (depending on state law)
• Store credits or customer refunds that were never received

6. Safe Deposit Box Contents

• Jewelry and collectibles
• Documents and certificates
• Coins, stamps, or small valuables

These items may be held for a period and, in many states, eventually sold at public auction, with proceeds credited to the owner’s unclaimed property account.

Quick Reference: What the Office Usually Holds vs. What It Usually Doesn’t

For exact rules in Indiana, it’s best to confirm with the official state unclaimed property office.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property in Indiana?

Typically, the following people or entities can file a claim:

• The original owner listed on the account
• Heirs or beneficiaries of a deceased owner
• Legal guardians or conservators managing someone else’s finances
• Business owners or officers for business accounts
• Estate representatives (executors or administrators)

Indiana’s specific eligibility rules may differ based on:

• The type of property
• Whether the original owner is alive or deceased
• Whether there is a will or an estate case in court
• The amount being claimed

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the best step is usually to contact the official Indiana unclaimed property office or hotline and ask what documentation would be needed for your situation.

How to Search for Unclaimed Property in Indiana

You cannot search or claim unclaimed property through HowToGetAssistance.org. To look for property in Indiana, people typically follow steps like these:

1. Go to the official Indiana unclaimed property website

   • Use a search phrase such as “Indiana unclaimed property” and choose the result that clearly shows it is a state government site (for example, something run by the state treasurer or a .gov domain).

2. Use the online search tool

   • Enter your full legal name.
   • Try former names (maiden names, previous married names).
   • Try business names if you own or manage a business.
   • Search using old addresses or cities where you once lived or worked.

3. Review search results carefully

   • Match spelling variations of your name.
   • Check last known address or city to see if it is familiar.
   • Note the holder (bank, employer, insurer) if listed.

4. Select any property that appears to be yours

   • The system usually allows you to “claim” items in your online cart to start the process.

5. Follow the instructions to file a claim through the official portal

   • This will typically involve creating an account or providing contact information, then uploading or mailing documentation.

If you don’t have internet access, you can usually call the Indiana unclaimed property office directly and ask about alternative ways to search, such as by phone or mail.

Documents Commonly Needed to Claim Property

The exact documents you need depend on who you are and what you are claiming. Indiana may have its own specific list, but people are commonly asked for:

For Individuals Claiming Property in Their Own Name

• Valid photo ID
  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • Passport (U.S. or foreign, if accepted)
• Proof of current address
  • Utility bill, lease, or bank statement
• Proof of connection to the address or account listed
  • Old utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Pay stub with address
  • Tax document (W-2, 1099, etc.)

For Name Changes (Marriage, Divorce, or Legal Change)

• Marriage certificate (if property is under a maiden name)
• Divorce decree (if relevant)
• Court order or legal name change document

For Heirs or Estates (Owner Deceased)

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will, if one exists, or letters testamentary/letters of administration
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
• Court documents showing appointment as:
  • Executor
  • Administrator
  • Personal representative

For Businesses

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, LLC documents)
• Proof of authority to act for the business (e.g., corporate resolution or position as an officer)
• Tax ID (FEIN) and business license, if requested

Because requirements can change, it’s best to check the official Indiana unclaimed property website or call the office before submitting anything, especially for complex claims.

How the Claim Process Usually Works

Although details vary, claiming unclaimed property in Indiana generally follows a pattern like this:

1. Submit a claim online or by mail

   • Identify the property you’re claiming.
   • Provide basic contact information.

2. Provide supporting documents

   • Upload scanned documents to the official portal, send by mail, or use another method listed by the state.

3. Agency review

   • Staff verify your identity and ownership.
   • They may check:
     • Name and address matches
     • Dates of residence or employment
     • Legal authority (for heirs or business representatives)

4. Requests for more information

   • If the office needs clarification, they may send you a letter or email, or call using the contact information you provided.

5. Approval or denial

   • If approved, you typically receive:
     • A check for the amount of money owed, or
     • Instructions for how securities or other assets will be handled.
   • If denied, the denial notice usually explains the reason and may outline options to appeal.

6. Payment timeline

   • Processing times can vary depending on:
     • Claim complexity
     • Volume of requests
     • Whether extra documentation is needed

For the most accurate timelines, contact the Indiana unclaimed property office directly or refer to the guidance posted on its official site.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Delays or denials do not always mean you are ineligible. Many issues are procedural and can be corrected. Typical reasons include:

• Incomplete applications
  • Missing signatures or blank fields
• Insufficient ID or proof of address
  • Expired documents
  • Documents not clearly showing name or address
• Name mismatch
  • Claim filed in a different name with no documentation of name change
• Lack of proof of relationship
  • For deceased owner claims, missing will or estate documents
• Wrong person claiming
  • A relative trying to claim property without being a legal heir or authorized representative

If your claim is denied, you can usually:

• Review the denial letter for missing elements
• Gather any additional records requested
• Contact the office for clarification
• Refile or request a review if Indiana offers an appeal process

Specific Indiana appeal or review options should be available through the official unclaimed property office or its written materials.

How to Tell if You’re on the Official Indiana Unclaimed Property Site

Because unclaimed property is a common target for scams, it’s important to confirm you’re dealing with official state channels before sharing personal information.

Here are some tips:

• Look for signs you are on a state government domain, often ending in “.gov”.
• Check for official seals or logos that match other Indiana state government sites.
• Confirm that contact information matches numbers and addresses posted on other trusted state pages (for example, the state treasurer’s office).
• Be cautious if a site:
  • Asks for upfront fees to “help you claim” your property
  • Promises faster processing for extra money
  • Uses urgent or threatening language
• If in doubt, look up the Indiana State Treasurer or Indiana unclaimed property through a well-known search engine and cross-check phone numbers and office addresses.

You can also call a public information line like 211 (in many areas) or your local consumer protection office to ask how to reach the correct state agency.

Are There Fees to Claim Unclaimed Property in Indiana?

State unclaimed property offices, including Indiana’s, typically:

• Do not charge a fee for you to file a claim directly with the state.

However, some private companies or individuals—sometimes called “finders” or “locators”—may offer to help you search and submit claims for a fee or a percentage of the recovered amount. Before agreeing:

• Understand that using a paid service is usually optional.
• You often can search and claim directly through the state at no cost (aside from things like postage or notary fees, if required).
• Indiana may have specific laws regulating how much “finders” can charge and what kind of contract must be provided.

To avoid unnecessary costs, many people try the official Indiana unclaimed property website or hotline on their own before considering paid assistance.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Your Claim Is Denied?

In some situations, you may not be legally entitled to certain property—for example:

• You are not an heir under Indiana law.
• The property has already been claimed by someone else with stronger documentation.
• The records on file do not sufficiently match your identity or address.

If that happens, you may want to:

• Ask the Indiana unclaimed property office if there are any appeal or review options.
• Speak with a local attorney (especially for complex estate or business matters).
• Check other resources if your main concern is financial need, such as:
  • Indiana social services agencies
  • Local housing or utility assistance programs
  • Food assistance programs like SNAP or community food banks
  • 211 or similar referral services that direct people to nearby help

Unclaimed property is just one possible source of funds. If you are dealing with hardship, it can be useful to explore multiple types of assistance through official channels.

Key Takeaways About the Indiana Unclaimed Property Office

• The Indiana Unclaimed Property Office is a state-run custodian of lost or forgotten financial assets, not a private company and not part of HowToGetAssistance.org.
• It typically holds bank balances, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, securities, and safe deposit contents, but not real estate.
• You can usually search for property for free through the official Indiana unclaimed property website or by contacting the office directly.
• To claim property, you will likely need photo ID, proof of address, and, for complex cases, legal documents (such as estate or business records).
• Processing times and documentation requirements can vary, so it is important to follow the instructions provided by the official Indiana unclaimed property program and to verify you are on an official government site.

By understanding how the Indiana Unclaimed Property Office works and what it holds, you can take informed, practical steps through the state’s official systems to find out whether any forgotten funds might belong to you or your family.