Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Indiana: Why It Happens and How to Claim What’s Yours

Unclaimed money from old bank accounts, checks, and other financial accounts is more common than many people realize. In Indiana, this money is usually handled through the state’s unclaimed property system.

This guide explains, in plain language, how bank accounts become “unclaimed” in Indiana, how to search for them, what you may need to claim them, and how to avoid scams.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government office, not an official portal, and cannot process claims. This article is meant to help you understand the usual steps so you can work with the official Indiana agencies that manage unclaimed property.

What Is an Unclaimed Bank Account in Indiana?

An unclaimed bank account is usually a checking, savings, CD, or similar account that has had no activity by the owner for a certain number of years and the owner cannot be contacted.

In Indiana, banks and financial institutions are required by law to:

• Try to contact the owner when an account becomes inactive
• Turn over (or “escheat”) the money to the State of Indiana’s unclaimed property program after a certain dormancy period
• Provide the state with information about the owner (name, last known address, Social Security Number if available, etc.)

Once the funds are transferred, the state holds the money until the rightful owner or heir files a claim through official channels. The state does not “keep” it permanently if an eligible person comes forward with proper proof.

How Bank Accounts Become Unclaimed in Indiana

Unclaimed bank accounts usually fall into a few common situations. Understanding these can help you recognize when you might have money waiting.

1. Inactivity Over Time

Most unclaimed accounts start with simple inactivity, such as:

• No deposits or withdrawals for several years
• No online logins or ATM use
• No response to bank letters or emails

After the inactivity period (which can vary depending on the type of account and state law), the bank is often required to:

1. Attempt to contact you at your last known address or email.
2. If there’s still no response, transfer the funds to the State of Indiana as unclaimed property.

2. Change of Address or Life Transitions

Accounts often go unclaimed when people:

• Move and forget to update their address
• Change names after marriage or divorce
• Open accounts while in college or the military, then move away
• Close one account but mistakenly leave funds in a related account

If mailed statements are returned as undeliverable and the bank can’t reach you, your account is more likely to end up as unclaimed property.

3. Death of the Account Holder

If someone passes away and:

• Their family doesn’t know about all of their accounts, or
• The estate process never identifies or claims the accounts

…the funds could eventually become unclaimed property under the deceased person’s name. Heirs, beneficiaries, or estate representatives may later be able to claim these funds through the state with proper documentation.

4. Forgotten or Small Accounts

Accounts with:

• Very small balances
• Old Christmas Club or “vacation” accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs) that auto-renew but are never checked

are often forgotten, especially if they were opened long ago or for a one-time purpose.

Types of Unclaimed Bank-Related Property in Indiana

While “unclaimed bank accounts” is a common phrase, Indiana’s unclaimed property program usually covers a wider range of items, including:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Money orders or cashier’s checks
• Uncashed payroll checks
• Uncashed refund checks from businesses or utilities
• Safe deposit box contents (the contents are often held or sometimes sold, with proceeds held for the owner)

All of these may show up under your name in Indiana’s unclaimed property search tools, not just standard bank accounts.

Who Can Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account in Indiana?

Generally, an unclaimed account can be claimed by:

• The person listed as the owner
• A joint owner on the account
• A legal heir (such as spouse, child, or other family member) when the owner has passed away
• A legal representative (such as an executor, personal representative, or attorney) with proper documentation
• A business owner or authorized officer for accounts in a company’s name

To succeed in claiming, you usually must:

• Show you are the same person listed, or
• Show a clear legal link to the original owner (for example, proof you are their heir or estate representative)

How to Search for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Indiana

Indiana typically provides free, official online tools to search for unclaimed property. While this article cannot link directly, here is the general approach many Indiana residents use:

1. Go to the official Indiana state website and look for “Unclaimed Property” or “Treasurer” or “Attorney General” sections.
2. Use the state’s unclaimed property search feature.
3. Enter your:
   • Last name and first name, and
   • City or ZIP code (optional, but can help narrow results)
4. Review any results that match your name, previous addresses, or businesses.
5. Look at the holder name (often the bank or financial institution) and the approximate amount category (if shown).

You can usually start a claim online for many properties, but some may require printing and mailing forms or providing notarized documents.

If you are not comfortable using the internet, you can typically:

• Call the state unclaimed property office or the state treasurer’s office
• Ask if they can guide you on how to search or mail a claim form

Typical Steps to Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account in Indiana

The exact process can change over time and may vary based on your situation, but it often follows this pattern:

Step 1: Identify the Property

• Use the official Indiana unclaimed property search.
• Select any properties that appear to belong to you.
• Start an online claim or note the claim ID if you need to file by mail.

Step 2: Provide Your Contact Information

You are usually asked to provide:

• Current mailing address
• Phone number
• Email address (if available)

This allows the state to communicate about your claim and send your payment if approved.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Depending on the situation, you may need:

For your own account:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN card, W-2, or other official document)
• Proof of address or previous addresses tied to the account (utility bill, bank statement, lease, tax document)

If the owner is deceased:

• Death certificate
• Documents showing your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or family relationship documents)
• Estate documents (letters testamentary, small estate affidavit, or similar, depending on Indiana rules)

For a business:

• Proof you are an authorized representative (articles of incorporation, business license, corporate resolution)
• Tax ID/EIN documentation

The official website or instructions from the state office usually list what is required for each type of claim.

Step 4: Submit the Claim

Indiana typically allows claims to be submitted:

• Online, by uploading scanned copies or photos of documents
• By mail, by printing a claim form, signing it, and sending it with copies of supporting documents
• Occasionally in person, at certain state offices or outreach events (this can vary by year and location)

Always make sure you are using:

• An official Indiana government website (look for .gov in the web address), or
• A published mailing address from the official state unclaimed property office

Step 5: Wait for Review

Once your claim is submitted, the state will usually:

• Review your documentation to confirm identity and ownership
• Match your information against their records
• Contact you if they need additional proof or clarification

Processing time can vary. Some simple claims are resolved in a few weeks; more complex cases, especially involving estates or older records, may take longer.

Step 6: Receive Payment

If your claim is approved, Indiana typically sends:

• A check by mail, or
• Occasionally, another form of payment as specified in their official instructions

The state usually does not release funds in cash at the office for unclaimed property claims.

Common Documents Needed to Claim Unclaimed Bank Accounts

Here is a simple comparison of documents people commonly need, depending on their situation:

The official instructions from Indiana’s unclaimed property office are the best source for the exact document list.

Why a Claim Might Be Delayed or Denied

Some people experience delays or denial when claiming unclaimed bank accounts. Common issues include:

• Insufficient documentation
  • Missing ID, missing proof of Social Security Number, or no documents showing an old address
• Name mismatches
  • The name on the account doesn’t exactly match your current name, and the state doesn’t receive proof of the name change
• Incomplete estate paperwork
  • For deceased owners, lack of authority documents (such as letters of administration) can hold up the claim
• Unclear relationship to the owner
  • Heirs cannot show a legal link to the original account holder

If your claim is delayed or rejected, you can usually:

• Contact the unclaimed property office (by phone or email listed on the official Indiana site)
• Ask what additional documents might resolve the issue
• Re-submit with the appropriate additional proof

Can You Appeal an Unclaimed Property Decision in Indiana?

If Indiana denies your claim, there may be a review or appeal process, which typically involves:

• Receiving a written explanation or notice of denial
• Being given instructions on how to provide more information or request review
• Submitting additional documents or a written statement explaining your position

The exact appeal or review steps can change, so it’s best to:

• Carefully read any notice you receive
• Call or write to the state unclaimed property office to ask about your options

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Indiana?

In many states, unclaimed property does not expire once it is turned over to the state. Indiana typically holds the money indefinitely for the rightful owner or heirs.

However:

• The rules can change over time
• Certain types of property may have special rules

It is usually a good idea to file a claim as soon as you discover the property instead of waiting. That way, records are fresher and it may be easier to track down any extra documentation needed.

Checking for Old or Out-of-State Accounts

People who have moved may have unclaimed accounts in more than one state. Consider searching for:

• States where you previously lived or worked
• States where you attended college
• States where an employer or insurance company may have been based

Each state has its own unclaimed property program and official website. You can typically:

• Search each state’s site individually, or
• Use nationwide search tools that point you to the correct state (run by official associations, not by private companies)

Always confirm you are on an official government–related resource, especially when entering personal information.

How to Avoid Scams When Claiming Unclaimed Bank Accounts

Because unclaimed money is a tempting topic, there are scams and misleading offers. To stay safe:

1. Verify you’re on an official government site.

• Look for a .gov address in the website
• Check that the site clearly lists Indiana’s official agencies, such as the state treasurer or another recognized department

2. Be cautious about up-front fees.

• Indiana’s official unclaimed property program does not usually charge you to search or file a claim
• Some private “finders” or “locators” legally charge a fee to help you, but their services are optional
• You can often claim funds yourself at no cost through the state

3. Protect your Social Security Number and ID.

• Only share SSN details through official, secure channels
• Avoid sending sensitive documents to unknown email addresses or unofficial contacts

4. Watch for pressure tactics.

• Scammers may say you must act immediately or lose your money
• Most state unclaimed property programs hold funds for many years; high-pressure deadlines are a warning sign

If you are ever unsure, you can:

• Call the Indiana state treasurer’s office or the unclaimed property division listed on the official state website
• Ask them to confirm whether a letter, email, or website is legitimate

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Indiana’s Unclaimed Property Search?

If your search shows no unclaimed property in Indiana under your name, you might still:

• Check other states where you lived, worked, or went to school
• Check again later, because new accounts are turned over to the state every year
• Review your own records for:
  • Old bank names
  • Old employer payroll stubs
  • Old utility accounts or refunds that might not have reached you

You may also contact:

• Your current or former banks and ask if any old accounts were closed and turned over to the state
• Your former employers’ HR or payroll departments about uncashed paychecks

Key Takeaways for Indiana Unclaimed Bank Accounts

• Unclaimed bank accounts in Indiana are handled as unclaimed property, usually overseen by a state office such as the treasurer.
• Accounts become unclaimed mainly due to inactivity, lost contact information, or the owner’s death.
• You can typically search for free on the official Indiana unclaimed property website.
• Expect to provide proof of identity, address, and, when needed, proof of relationship or estate authority.
• Claims may be delayed or denied if documents are incomplete or ownership isn’t clear, but you can often correct issues by submitting more information.
• Always confirm you are using official Indiana government channels, especially before sharing personal details or documents.

By understanding how unclaimed bank accounts work in Indiana and following the steps above, you can better determine whether you or a family member might have money waiting and how to pursue it through the state’s official processes.