Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Louisiana: Why It Happens and How to Claim Your Money

Unclaimed money can feel like a mystery, but in Louisiana the process for finding and claiming unclaimed bank accounts is usually straightforward once you know where to look and what to expect.

This guide explains, in plain language, how bank accounts become “unclaimed,” how Louisiana handles them, and how you can search for and claim your money through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only and is not an official agency or claim portal, but this overview can help you get ready to use the correct state resources.

What Is an Unclaimed Bank Account in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, an unclaimed bank account usually refers to money that has been sitting in a:

• Checking account
• Savings account
• Certificate of deposit (CD)
• Money market account
• Cashier’s check, money order, or similar bank-issued item

…where there has been no contact or activity from the owner for a certain period of time.

When an account is inactive long enough and the bank cannot reach the owner, state law typically requires the bank to send the funds to the Louisiana Unclaimed Property program, often operated by the Louisiana Department of Treasury. The state then holds that money until the rightful owner or heir files a proper claim.

The key idea:
You do not lose ownership of the money. It just gets transferred from the bank to the state to safeguard it.

How Bank Accounts Become “Unclaimed” in Louisiana

Common ways a bank account turns into unclaimed property

Bank accounts in Louisiana may become unclaimed when:

• No transactions are made for several years
  (No deposits, withdrawals, or other owner-initiated activity.)
• No contact with the bank
  The bank does not receive updated contact information, responses to notices, or any sign that you are still aware of the account.
• Mail is returned as undeliverable
  Statements or notices are sent back because you moved or changed your address.
• Online-only accounts go untouched
  You may have set up an account online and forgotten about it, especially if it holds a small balance.
• Owner passes away and heirs are unaware of the account
  Without a joint owner or updated beneficiary records, the account may sit idle.
• Name changes (marriage, divorce, etc.)
  If the name on the account doesn’t match your current legal name and you don’t update the bank, you might not realize a forgotten account still exists.

Over time, after a required “dormancy” period (often a few years, depending on account type), the bank is usually required by Louisiana law to:

1. Try to contact the owner.
2. Turn the funds over to the state unclaimed property office if the owner cannot be located.

Who Typically Has Unclaimed Bank Accounts?

Unclaimed accounts can belong to almost anyone. People commonly discover unclaimed funds when they:

• Moved between cities or states and changed banks.
• Switched jobs and had old direct deposit accounts.
• Opened a “bonus” account for a promotion and forgot about it.
• Had a parent or grandparent who passed away with multiple accounts.
• Changed names and lost track of accounts under an old name.

If you or a close family member has ever:

• Lived in Louisiana
• Held a bank account at a Louisiana bank or credit union
• Received a cashier’s check or money order from a Louisiana financial institution

…it can be worth doing a search through the official Louisiana unclaimed property system.

How Louisiana Handles Unclaimed Bank Accounts

While specific details can change, the basic process usually looks like this:

1. Dormancy period passes
   After a certain number of years without activity or contact, the bank labels the account as dormant or escheatable under Louisiana law.

2. Bank attempts to contact you
   The bank normally must make a reasonable effort to reach you at your last known address or contact information.

3. Funds transferred to the state
   If there is no response, the bank sends the funds and some identifying information (like your name and last known address) to the Louisiana Unclaimed Property program.

4. State lists the property
   The state unclaimed property office adds your name and property details to its public searchable database so you or your heirs can find and claim the funds.

5. Owner or heir files a claim
   Once you submit a valid claim with the right documentation, the state reviews it and, if approved, sends you a payment.

How to Check for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Louisiana

You do not search or claim through HowToGetAssistance.org. To look for unclaimed bank accounts, you typically use the official Louisiana unclaimed property resources.

Step 1: Gather basic information

Have this ready before you search:

• Your full legal name
• Any former names (maiden name, prior married names, name spellings)
• Previous Louisiana addresses (even partial)
• Names of close relatives who lived or banked in Louisiana
• Last known employer in Louisiana (if they used direct deposit)

Step 2: Use the official Louisiana search tool

Louisiana usually offers an official online search operated by the:

• Louisiana Department of Treasury
  or
• Louisiana Unclaimed Property Division

You can look for:

• Your own name
• A spouse’s or former spouse’s name
• A deceased relative’s name (for potential heir claims)
• Business names, if you owned a business in Louisiana

If you cannot access the internet, you can:

• Call the state treasury or unclaimed property office and ask about search options.
• Visit a local government office (such as a parish government office or public library) where staff may help you reach the correct state contact.

How to Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account in Louisiana

Once you find a listing that matches your information, the next step is to file an official claim with the Louisiana unclaimed property office.

Typical steps to file a claim

1. Select the property you want to claim
   On the official search system, you usually mark the entries you believe are yours.

2. Complete a claim form
   Louisiana commonly offers:

   • An online claim form, and
   • A paper form you can print and mail if you prefer

3. Submit required documents
   You must prove:

   • Your identity, and
   • Your ownership or right to the funds

4. Send the claim to the state
   Depending on the instructions, you may:

   • Upload documents online,
   • Mail copies to the official unclaimed property address, or
   • Occasionally, bring documents in person if the agency allows walk-ins or scheduled visits.

5. Wait for review and processing
   The state will compare your information with what the bank reported and may contact you if they need more documentation.

6. Receive payment if approved
   If your claim is approved, the state usually issues payment by check or other approved method.

Documents You May Need to Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account

The exact documentation can vary by case (for example, personal claim vs. heir claim), but many people are asked to provide:

To prove your identity

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Louisiana driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport

• Proof of Social Security number, such as:

  • Social Security card
  • Tax document or pay stub showing the full number (if allowed by state rules)

To prove your address or connection to the account

• Old or current utility bills
• Bank statements with your name and address
• Lease agreement or mortgage documents
• Pay stubs or tax forms showing your Louisiana address

For name changes

If your current name is different from the name on the unclaimed account listing:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for legal name change

For heir or estate claims

If you are claiming for a deceased relative, you may need:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Letters testamentary, letters of administration, or succession documents if you are the executor/personal representative
• Will or court order, if applicable, showing you are entitled to inherit

The state unclaimed property office usually lists specific document requirements on its claim forms or instructions. If you are unsure, contacting the office directly can help clarify what applies to your situation.

Quick Reference: Typical Documents by Claim Type

This table is just a general guide. Always follow the current instructions from the Louisiana unclaimed property office.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Money?

Processing time can vary, but many people experience:

• Faster processing when:

  • Claim is filed online.
  • Documents are complete and easy to verify.
  • The claim is straightforward (simple personal claim, small amount).

• Longer processing times when:

  • The claim involves an estate or inheritance.
  • Documents are missing or unclear.
  • The name or address on your documents does not clearly match the property listing.

If you have questions about status, you usually need to contact:

• The Louisiana unclaimed property office
• Or the Louisiana Department of Treasury phone line for unclaimed property

Be prepared to provide your claim number, if one was assigned.

Common Reasons Louisiana Unclaimed Property Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid them:

• Name mismatch
  The name on your ID doesn’t match the name in the property record, and you do not include proof of name change.

• Insufficient proof of address
  You cannot show that you lived at the address associated with the property.

• Missing estate documents
  For deceased-owner claims, the state does not receive documents showing that you are the legal heir or executor.

• Unreadable document copies
  Blurry photos, cut-off pages, or documents that are too dark or too light.

• Incorrect or incomplete claim form
  Sections left blank, signature missing, or contact information incomplete.

If your claim is denied, the notice usually explains the reason. In some cases, you may be allowed to submit additional documents or file a new claim with corrected information. Contacting the unclaimed property office directly can help you understand your options.

What If You Lived in More Than One State?

If you have moved between states, you might have unclaimed accounts in more than one place. Typical steps:

1. Search Louisiana first for any unclaimed accounts connected to:

   • Louisiana banks or credit unions
   • Louisiana addresses
   • Louisiana employers

2. Then search other states where you:

   • Previously lived or worked
   • Held bank accounts
   • Had utilities or rental agreements

Each state has its own unclaimed property system. You normally need to file separate claims in each state following that state’s process.

How to Tell You’re Using an Official Louisiana Channel (Scam-Avoidance Tips)

Because unclaimed money can attract scammers, it’s important to confirm you are working through real government channels. Some common safety tips:

• Look for a .gov address
  Official Louisiana state websites usually end in “.gov”. Be cautious of sites that look like official portals but have different domain endings.

• Be wary of fees
  Many official unclaimed property searches and claims are free through the state. Some private “finder” services may offer help for a fee. If you choose to use them, understand:

  • They are not required to recover your money.
  • You can usually file for free on your own through the state.

• Do not share full Social Security numbers by email or text
  Use the official online portal or secure mail as instructed, and avoid sending sensitive info through unverified channels.

• Verify phone numbers
  If you receive a call or message saying you have unclaimed property:

  • Look up the contact information for the Louisiana Department of Treasury or Unclaimed Property Division independently (for example, through a directory or printed government materials).
  • Call back using the verified number, not the one given in the message.

• Avoid handing over power of attorney casually
  If a third party asks for legal authority to act on your behalf, make sure you fully understand what you are signing and consider seeking independent advice if needed.

If something feels off, contact the state unclaimed property office directly using contact details you find from a trusted, official source.

If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Bank Accounts

If your first search doesn’t show any unclaimed property:

• Try alternate spellings of your name.
• Search maiden names, former married names, or common misspellings.
• Check for nicknames or initials if those were used in the past.
• Look up deceased parents or grandparents who lived in Louisiana.
• Repeat your search every so often, because:
  • New unclaimed property is reported to the state regularly.
  • It may take time for recent dormant accounts to appear in the database.

Even if you don’t find unclaimed funds today, setting up good habits—like keeping records of where you bank and updating your address—can help you avoid future unclaimed accounts.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Unclaimed bank accounts in Louisiana are usually old, inactive accounts that banks are required to turn over to the state unclaimed property program.
• Money is not lost; it is held by the state until the rightful owner or heir files a valid claim.
• You typically:
  1. Search your name using the official Louisiana unclaimed property resources.
  2. File a claim form for any property that appears to belong to you.
  3. Submit documents proving your identity and your right to the funds.
  4. Wait for the state to review and issue a payment if your claim is approved.
• Be prepared with ID, proof of address, name change documents, and estate papers if you’re an heir.
• Always make sure you are on an official Louisiana government site or talking to an official state office before sharing personal information.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file claims for you, but you can use this information to feel more confident and prepared when you contact the Louisiana Department of Treasury or the state’s unclaimed property office to search for and claim any unclaimed bank accounts that may belong to you or your family.