Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Indiana: How to Track Them Down and Claim What You’re Owed

Many Indiana residents leave money behind without realizing it—especially utility deposits and escrow funds related to housing and services. If you moved, changed service providers, refinanced, or closed on a home, there’s a chance you may have unclaimed money waiting under your name.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds typically work in Indiana, how to check if you’re owed money, and how to start a claim through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, not an unclaimed property office, and not a place where you can file claims. This guide is meant to help you understand the process so you can contact the correct official Indiana offices.

What Counts as “Unclaimed” Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Indiana?

In Indiana, unclaimed property laws cover many types of funds that belong to individuals and businesses but haven’t been claimed. Two common types are:

• Unclaimed utility deposits
• Unclaimed escrow funds

Unclaimed Utility Deposits

A utility deposit is money you pay to start service with companies such as:

• Electric companies
• Gas utilities
• Water and sewer providers
• Internet or cable companies
• Some phone providers

You might have a refundable deposit if you:

• Opened a new account with limited or no credit history
• Had past-due bills in the past
• Were a renter or short-term customer

If you close the account or move away, and the utility company:

• Cannot reach you, or
• Does not have your updated address

…your unused deposit or credit balance may eventually be turned over to the State of Indiana’s unclaimed property program after a certain period of inactivity.

Unclaimed Escrow Funds

Escrow funds are money held by a third party (an escrow company, mortgage servicer, or title company) to cover things like:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Closing costs and prorated bills during a real estate sale
• Refunds from a mortgage payoff or refinance

You might have unclaimed escrow funds if you:

• Sold a home and didn’t receive all prorated reimbursements
• Paid off or refinanced a mortgage and had an escrow balance remaining
• Switched insurance or tax payment arrangements
• Didn’t receive or cash a refund check from a title company or lender

If the company can’t reach you, those unused escrow balances may be reported and turned over to the state as unclaimed property.

How Unclaimed Property Generally Works in Indiana

Indiana, like most states, has an unclaimed property program run through a state agency (commonly the state treasurer or a similar office). Over time, businesses and organizations that hold money for people must:

1. Try to contact you (often by mail or other methods).
2. If they cannot reach you for a set number of years (a “dormancy period”), they must
   turn the funds over to the state as “unclaimed property.”
3. The state then holds the funds in trust for the rightful owner or heirs, indefinitely or for a long time, depending on state law.

You do not lose ownership just because funds are labeled “unclaimed.” It simply means the state is now the holder, and you must go through the state’s official unclaimed property process to claim them.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Utility Deposits or Escrow Funds in Indiana?

People in many situations may be owed money without realizing it. You might want to check if:

• You moved out of Indiana or to a different city and changed utilities
• You rented an apartment or house and paid a deposit for power, gas, water, or cable
• You paid a larger security deposit due to credit history
• You closed an account but are not sure you got a final bill or refund
• You sold a home or refinanced a mortgage in Indiana
• You changed mortgage servicers (your loan was sold or transferred)
• You switched or canceled insurance that was funded through escrow
• A relative passed away who owned property or utilities in Indiana

Even if you haven’t lived in Indiana for years, unclaimed money could still appear under your current or former name and last known Indiana address.

How to See if You Have Unclaimed Utility Deposits or Escrow Funds

The basic steps to check for unclaimed property in Indiana usually look like this:

1. Gather your information
2. Use the official Indiana unclaimed property search
3. Search for your name, business name, and any former names
4. Review the results carefully and start a claim, if found

Step 1: Gather Basic Information

Before you search, it helps to have:

• Current legal name
• Previous names (maiden name, former married names, name changes)
• Past Indiana addresses, including:
  • Apartments or rentals
  • Dorms or student housing
  • Prior homes you owned
• Names of utility providers you used in Indiana
• Name(s) of mortgage lenders or servicers
• Name(s) of title companies or closing companies used in prior home purchases or sales

You do not always need all of this to search, but it can help you recognize which entries in the state database belong to you.

Step 2: Use the Official Indiana Unclaimed Property Search

Indiana typically maintains an official online database that lets you search for unclaimed property by:

• Person’s name
• Business name

To locate the official site:

• Go to your preferred search engine.
• Type something like: “Indiana unclaimed property” or “Indiana treasurer unclaimed property search.”
• Look for a result that clearly shows:
  • An Indiana government domain (for example, something ending in .gov)
  • State branding or clear notice that it is an official Indiana state website

If you are unsure, you can:

• Call the Indiana state treasurer’s office or
• Contact an official state information line, such as the main state government information number, and ask to be directed to the unclaimed property division.

Step 3: Search for Yourself and Related Names

On the official Indiana unclaimed property site, you can usually:

1. Enter your last name and first name.
2. Search by city to narrow results, if the option is available.
3. Repeat the search using:
   • Old names (including maiden or hyphenated names)
   • Names of relatives who may have passed away
   • Business names you owned or managed

Review the search results for addresses, companies, or amounts that look familiar, especially:

• Familiar utility company names (e.g., electric, gas, water, cable providers)
• Names of mortgage companies, banks, or title companies
• Cities or zip codes where you lived or owned property

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds

Once you find potential matches in the Indiana database, there is usually a claim process you must follow. This is typically done directly through the official state website or by mail, not through third-party websites like HowToGetAssistance.org.

Typical Steps to File a Claim in Indiana

1. Select the property record(s) that belong to you.
2. Start a claim using the website’s instructions or claim form.
3. Provide identifying information, such as:
   • Your name and contact information
   • The last four digits of your Social Security number (if requested)
   • The address associated with the claim (old address)
4. Submit proof of your identity and your right to the funds.

The state may allow you to upload documents online or send them by mail. Always verify you are on the official Indiana government website before uploading or mailing sensitive information.

Documents You May Need to Claim Your Funds

Indiana’s unclaimed property office may request certain supporting documents to confirm that:

• You are who you say you are, and
• You are the rightful owner (or heir) of the funds

Here are common documents requested, especially for utility deposits and escrow funds:

*Requirements can vary by claim type, dollar amount, and your relationship to the original owner. The Indiana unclaimed property office will list what they need for your specific claim.

Special Situations

Claiming Utility Deposits When You Rented

If you were a renter, you might have:

• Paid utility deposits in your own name, or
• Lived in a unit where utilities were in your landlord’s name

To claim a utility deposit in your name, you may need:

• Proof of your identity
• Evidence you lived at that address (old lease, bills, or pay stubs)

To claim anything related to a landlord’s utility account, you would normally need to be:

• The landlord or property owner, or
• An authorized representative of the business that owned the property

In most cases, tenants cannot claim funds that were legally in the landlord’s name.

Claiming Escrow Funds After Selling a Home or Refinancing

If your unclaimed property search shows:

• The name of a mortgage lender or servicer
• A title company or escrow company

…it may relate to escrow funds from a past real estate transaction. To support your claim, it can help to gather:

• Old closing documents
• Mortgage statements showing escrow accounts
• HUD-1 or closing disclosures, if available

These documents can help prove that you were part of that transaction and are entitled to the funds.

Claiming Funds for a Deceased Relative

If the original owner has died, you may still be able to claim funds as:

• A spouse
• A child or other relative
• A legal personal representative (executor, administrator)

Indiana may require:

• A death certificate
• Proof that you are the heir or executor (will, court documents, or Indiana probate paperwork)

If there was a will or estate process, the unclaimed property office may need copies of those legal documents.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Indiana’s unclaimed property laws often allow the state to hold most types of unclaimed funds indefinitely, meaning there may be no strict deadline for you to claim your money.

However:

• A delay can complicate documentation (harder to find old records, companies merge or change names).
• Heirs may need more paperwork as time passes.

In practice, it is usually best to search and file a claim as soon as you suspect unclaimed funds may exist.

How Long Does the Claim Process Take?

Processing times in Indiana can vary depending on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• How complex your claim is
• Whether your documentation is complete and clear

For straightforward claims with clear documentation, some people report processing times ranging from a few weeks to a few months. More complex heirship or estate-related claims may take longer.

You can typically:

• Check the status of your claim through the same official Indiana unclaimed property portal, or
• Contact the unclaimed property division by phone or email using contact information on the official state site.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Indiana’s unclaimed property office may delay or deny a claim if:

• Required documents are missing
• Names do not match (for example, the name on your ID differs from how it appears in the claim record, and no proof of name change is provided)
• Address can’t be connected to you (no evidence you lived or did business at that address)
• Relationship to the original owner isn’t proven (for heir or estate claims)
• The claim was filed through a non-official channel that does not submit the paperwork correctly

To avoid issues:

• Follow the document checklist provided on the official Indiana site.
• Double-check that names, addresses, and dates are consistent across your documents.
• If your name changed (marriage, divorce, legal change), include proof of name change.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Funds?

If you search Indiana’s official unclaimed property database and don’t see any matches, you still have a few options:

1. Search other states

   • If you lived, worked, or held accounts in other states, use similar steps to find each state’s official unclaimed property site and search there.

2. Contact former utility providers or lenders directly

   • If the unclaimed deposit or escrow refund is very recent, it might not have been turned over to the state yet.
   • Call the customer service or billing department of:
     • Your previous utility companies
     • Your mortgage lender or servicer
     • Your title company from a recent closing
   • Ask if there is any credit balance or refund in your name.

3. Check with local clerks or county offices

   • In rare cases, certain funds related to property, court cases, or local fees might be held by a county clerk, sheriff’s office, or county treasurer.
   • Contact the county government office where the property or utility service was located and ask if they hold any unclaimed funds.

Even if you do not currently find money, you can re-check periodically, especially if you:

• Recently closed accounts
• Moved
• Finalized a real estate transaction

Companies sometimes turn over unclaimed funds months or even years after they first lose contact with you.

How to Avoid Scams and Make Sure You’re Using Official Indiana Channels

Anytime money is involved, scams can appear. Here are practical tips to stay safe when searching for unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Indiana:

Verify You’re on an Official Government Site

Look for:

• A .gov web address
• Clear references to Indiana state government (such as “Office of the Indiana Treasurer of State” or similar)
• Contact information that matches what you can find through the main Indiana government website or official state phone directory

If you have doubts:

• Call the Indiana state treasurer’s office (using a number you look up independently) and ask them to confirm the correct unclaimed property website.

Be Cautious with Fees

Many people are able to search for and claim unclaimed property for free through official state websites.

Be wary if:

• Someone contacts you claiming you have unclaimed money and asks for upfront fees or sensitive personal data.
• A website charges you in order to submit a claim or access information that the state normally provides at no cost.

Some professional “locators” or “finders” do legally offer to help track down and file claims for a fee or a percentage of the recovery. If you choose to use such services, you may want to:

• Make sure you understand the contract, including fees.
• Confirm whether you can do the same process yourself directly through the official state portal for free.

Protect Your Personal Information

You may need to provide some personal data (like the last four digits of your Social Security number) for identity verification. To protect yourself:

• Only enter this information on the official Indiana government site or on state-provided forms.
• Avoid sending full Social Security numbers or identity documents by unsecured email unless the official agency directs you to a secure upload system.
• If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the agency back using a phone number you find independently on an official government website or document.

Where to Get Help If You’re Stuck

If you have trouble understanding the process or gathering documents, you have a few options for help:

• Indiana unclaimed property office

  • Contact information (phone, email, mailing address) is usually listed on the official Indiana unclaimed property website. They can explain documentation requirements and how to submit your claim.

• Local legal aid or housing counseling organizations

  • If your claim involves escrow funds related to a mortgage, foreclosure, or complex estate issues, local legal aid organizations in Indiana may offer free or low-cost guidance.

• 211 information line

  • In many parts of Indiana, dialing 211 connects you with a community helpline that can refer you to local resources, legal clinics, or consumer assistance programs.
  • You can ask for help finding the correct state unclaimed property office or other relevant agencies.

Remember, HowToGetAssistance.org provides information only. To actually search for and claim unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Indiana, you will need to:

1. Use the official Indiana unclaimed property search tool, and
2. Submit any required forms and documents directly to the official state agency that manages unclaimed property.