Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Louisiana: How to Find and Claim Your Money

Many people in Louisiana move, change utility companies, or pay off mortgages without realizing they may be owed money back. Utility deposits and mortgage escrow funds are two common types of refunds that can go unclaimed.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds usually work in Louisiana, how they often end up in the state’s hands, and how you can look for and claim them through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, not an official portal, and not able to process claims. Instead, this article is meant to help you understand the process so you can contact the correct official offices and websites.

Understanding Unclaimed Money in Louisiana

What counts as “unclaimed” money?

In Louisiana, money may be considered unclaimed property when:

• A business or financial institution owes you money
• They cannot reach you or you do not claim it within a certain time
• They are required by law to turn that money over to the Louisiana state unclaimed property program

This can include:

• Utility deposits (electric, gas, water, internet, etc.)
• Escrow balances from paid-off or refinanced mortgages
• Bank accounts, wages, insurance proceeds, and more

Once turned over, the money is usually held by the Louisiana Department of Treasury’s unclaimed property division, where you can search and start a claim.

Unclaimed Utility Deposits in Louisiana

What is a utility deposit?

A utility deposit is money you pay to a utility company as security when opening a new account. It is common with:

• Electric companies
• Gas companies
• Water and sewer providers
• Internet or cable providers (in some cases)

You might get your deposit back when:

• You’ve paid your bills on time for a certain number of months, or
• You close the account and have no outstanding balance

If the company cannot reach you to refund the deposit, or you move without giving a forwarding address, the money may become unclaimed property.

How utility deposits become unclaimed in Louisiana

Typical situations include:

• You moved out of Louisiana and forgot about the deposit
• A refund check was mailed but never cashed
• Your name or address changed, and mail was returned
• The utility company had old or incomplete contact information

After holding the money for a legally required period, the company may be required to turn the unclaimed deposit over to the state.

Unclaimed Escrow Funds in Louisiana

What is an escrow account?

If you have (or had) a mortgage, your lender may have set up an escrow account to collect money each month for:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Sometimes mortgage insurance (PMI)

Your monthly mortgage payment often includes an escrow portion. The lender or loan servicer uses those funds to pay bills on your behalf.

How escrow balances become unclaimed

You may be owed escrow refund money when:

• You pay off your mortgage
• You refinance with a new lender
• Your tax or insurance costs go down, leaving a surplus in escrow
• The mortgage is transferred to a different servicer and the old account is closed

Typically, the lender or servicer must:

1. Calculate your escrow balance
2. Issue a refund if there is a surplus above a certain amount
3. Send the refund to your last known address

If the refund check is not cashed, or they cannot find you, it may eventually be turned over to the state’s unclaimed property program.

Where to Start: Direct Contact vs. State Unclaimed Property

A practical way to search is to start with the source, then check the state if needed.

1. Contact the original utility or mortgage company

If you remember the company name:

• Call the customer service number listed on any old bill, statement, or email you still have
• Ask if there is any closed account with a credit balance or deposit in your name
• Provide:
  • Your full legal name (include any previous names)
  • The service address
  • Approximate dates of service
  • Any account numbers you can find

If they tell you the money was already turned over to the state, you will likely need to file a claim through Louisiana’s unclaimed property program.

2. Search the Louisiana unclaimed property program

Louisiana maintains a statewide list of unclaimed property, including:

• Unclaimed utility deposits
• Unclaimed mortgage escrow refunds
• Other funds owed to individuals and businesses

You can usually:

• Search your name and previous names
• Search your business name, if applicable
• Identify any listings that match your information

The state’s unclaimed property office typically offers:

• An online searchable database,
• A mail-in claim option, and
• A phone line for questions.

You can find the correct official site by searching for:
“Louisiana unclaimed property treasury” using a trusted search engine, or by calling the Louisiana Department of Treasury’s main office and asking to be directed to the unclaimed property division.

What You’ll Usually Need to Claim Unclaimed Funds

The exact requirements can vary by claim type and by who is listed as the owner, but Louisiana typically asks for documents that:

• Prove your identity
• Prove your current address
• Connect you to the property being claimed

Common documents include:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Louisiana driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security number
  • Social Security card
  • W-2 or 1099
• Proof of current address
  • Current utility bill
  • Lease or mortgage statement
• Proof of former address (if different from your current address)
  • Old utility bill
  • Tax record
  • Lease agreement
• Documents linking you to the account, such as:
  • Old utility bill or account number
  • Mortgage statement or loan number
  • Closing documents from a home sale or refinance

For escrow funds, you may also be asked for:

• Mortgage closing paperwork
• Letters from your loan servicer or payoff statement
• Proof you were the borrower/homeowner at the time

If the property is listed under a business name, deceased relative, or trust, extra documents may be required (see below).

Quick Comparison: Utility Deposits vs. Escrow Refunds

Step-by-Step: How to Claim Unclaimed Utility Deposits in Louisiana

Step 1: Gather basic information

Try to collect:

• Names of utility companies you used (electric, gas, water, etc.)
• Service addresses where you lived in Louisiana
• Approximate dates of service
• Any account numbers from old bills or emails
• Copies of old photo ID if your name has changed

Step 2: Check with the utility company (optional but helpful)

Contact the utility company directly and ask if they show any:

• Closed account credits
• Unreturned deposits
• Refund checks that were never cashed

If they say your deposit was sent to the state, note:

• The approximate date they report sending it
• The name and address they used

This can help match your claim in the state’s system.

Step 3: Search Louisiana’s unclaimed property records

Using the official state unclaimed property portal:

• Search under your full legal name
• Try maiden names, prior married names, or alternate spellings
• Look also under business names if you had service in a company name

When you see a record that looks like yours:

• Confirm details like address, city, and reported business (e.g., a specific utility company)
• Follow the portal instructions to start a claim

Step 4: Submit your claim with required documentation

Typically you will:

1. Complete an online form or a printed claim form
2. Attach copies (not originals) of required documents
3. Sign any necessary certifications (some may need to be notarized, depending on the amount)

If you cannot upload documents, Louisiana usually allows you to mail them to the unclaimed property office. Follow the instructions shown on the official portal or listed on the claim form.

Step 5: Track your claim and respond to requests

After submission:

• Your claim will usually be reviewed to confirm identity and ownership
• The office may contact you for more documents if something is missing
• Once approved, payment is typically made by check mailed to your current address

If you are unsure of the claim status, you can call the unclaimed property division and ask for an update, using your claim number if one was provided.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim Unclaimed Escrow Funds in Louisiana

Step 1: Identify your mortgage lender/servicer

Look for:

• Old mortgage statements
• Emails from your loan servicer
• Closing documents from your home purchase, refinance, or payoff
• Records from your title company or closing attorney

You want to confirm:

• The lender or servicer name
• Your property address
• Approximate dates of the loan

Step 2: Ask the lender or servicer about escrow refunds

Call the customer service number from your past statements (or search the company name plus “mortgage customer service” to find the official line) and ask:

• Whether your loan had an escrow account
• Whether any escrow surplus or refund was ever issued
• If they show a refund check that was never cashed
• Whether any funds were turned over to Louisiana’s unclaimed property program

Keep a note of:

• Dates you called
• Names of representatives
• Any balance amounts or check numbers they mention

Step 3: Search Louisiana unclaimed property under your name

If the lender says money was turned over to the state, or you suspect an old escrow refund might exist:

• Search the Louisiana unclaimed property database using your:
  • Full name and prior names
  • Property address city
• Look for entries showing:
  • The lender/servicer name as the holder
  • A previous address that matches your old home

Step 4: File your claim and provide supporting documents

For escrow refunds, you may need to provide:

• Photo ID and proof of Social Security number
• Proof of current address
• Documents tying you to the mortgage and property, such as:
  • Mortgage statements
  • Deed or settlement statement
  • Letters from the lender
  • Property tax records in your name

If the loan was held jointly (for example, spouses), both names may appear. The state will usually explain what is needed if:

• One co-owner is deceased
• You are divorced
• The property was owned by a business or trust

Step 5: Wait for review and follow up if needed

The unclaimed property division will:

• Review your claim and documents
• Possibly request more proof if something does not match
• Issue a refund check if your claim is approved

If processing takes longer than you expected, you can call the office and provide your claim number to check the status.

Special Situations: Name Changes, Deceased Relatives, and Businesses

Name changes (marriage, divorce, etc.)

If the unclaimed property is listed under a previous name, you may need:

• Marriage certificate (to connect maiden and married names)
• Divorce decree or court order (for legal name changes)
• Any ID or records showing both names as belonging to you

Deceased owners

If the person listed as the owner has died, Louisiana will usually require documents showing:

• Proof of death (death certificate)
• Your relationship to the deceased (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Any probate documents, wills, or letters of administration, depending on the estate

Since estate rules can be complex, it is often helpful to:

• Speak with the unclaimed property division about what documents they accept
• Check whether you need guidance from a probate attorney or legal aid

Business or trust accounts

If the unclaimed property belongs to a business or trust, the state may ask for:

• Proof that you are an authorized representative
  • Corporate documents
  • Partnership agreement
  • Trust agreement
  • Authorization letter
• Tax ID number (EIN)
• Business registration documents from Louisiana’s Secretary of State (if applicable)

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Claims for unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds may be delayed or denied when:

• Identity documents are missing or unclear
  • Blurry, cropped, or expired IDs
  • No proof of Social Security number
• There is no clear link between you and the reported address/business
  • No old bill, lease, deed, or statement
• Names do not match
  • Spelling errors, missing middle names, or name changes not documented
• Required forms are incomplete or unsigned
• Estate or business documentation is not provided when needed

To reduce delays:

• Double-check the name, address, and Social Security number you submit
• Include all supporting documents that connect you to the property
• Follow any instructions about notarization when required

If your claim is denied, you can usually:

• Request an explanation from the unclaimed property office
• Ask what additional documents might fix the issue
• In some cases, pursue further review or appeal according to the office’s procedures

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Louisiana Channels

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it is important to verify you are dealing with official offices.

Tips to stay safe:

• Do not pay large “upfront fees” to anyone who offers to get your money for you. The state’s official unclaimed property service typically allows you to file directly at no cost.
• Check that any website you use clearly identifies:
  • A Louisiana government department, such as the Louisiana Department of Treasury
  • A physical mailing address for the state office
  • An official phone number you can verify by calling the main state switchboard
• If someone contacts you claiming you have unclaimed funds:
  • Ask them for the exact state office holding the funds
  • Independently look up that office’s official number and call to confirm
• Avoid sharing full Social Security numbers or bank details over email with anyone whose identity you have not verified.

If you are unsure whether a website or letter is legitimate, you can:

• Call the Louisiana Department of Treasury directly and ask to be connected to the unclaimed property division
• Ask a trusted local resource, such as:
  • Your bank or credit union
  • A legal aid organization
  • A local government office in your parish

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

If your search turns up nothing today, you still have options:

• Search again later. Companies turn over new unclaimed property to the state regularly, so records change over time.
• Double-check:
  • Different spellings of your name
  • Prior addresses and older last names
  • Possible business names you used
• Contact specific utilities or lenders if you strongly believe you are owed a deposit or refund, and ask them to confirm their records.

You can also:

• Use national-level unclaimed property searches (through recognized organizations of state treasurers) to see if you have funds held in other states where you lived before or after Louisiana.
• Consider checking under the names of close family members (with their permission), especially if you are helping older relatives organize their finances.

Key Takeaways for Louisiana Consumers

• Utility deposits and mortgage escrow funds can become unclaimed when companies cannot find you or refund checks go uncashed.
• In Louisiana, these funds are typically sent to the state unclaimed property program, which holds them until the rightful owner files a claim.
• To search for and claim these funds, you usually need to:
  1. Gather your personal, address, and account information
  2. Check with the original utility or lender, if possible
  3. Search the Louisiana unclaimed property database under all names you’ve used
  4. Submit a claim with supporting documents to prove your identity and ownership
• Be cautious about scams and always make sure you are using an official Louisiana government channel when submitting personal information or claim forms.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims or access records for you, but by following the steps above and contacting the Louisiana unclaimed property office or your former utility or mortgage company, you can take practical steps to find and claim any unclaimed deposits or escrow funds that may belong to you.