How To File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Maine: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever moved, changed jobs, or closed an account, you might have unclaimed money in Maine without realizing it. This can include old paychecks, bank accounts, insurance proceeds, and more.

This guide explains how unclaimed property works in Maine and how you can typically search for and file a claim through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site and is not a government agency or claim-filing portal, but this overview can help you feel prepared before you contact the official office.

What “Unclaimed Property” Means in Maine

In Maine, unclaimed property (sometimes called unclaimed assets) usually refers to money or financial assets that a business, employer, or institution has been holding for you but couldn’t reach you about for a certain period of time.

Common examples include:

• Uncashed paychecks or vendor checks
• Old bank accounts (savings or checking)
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Utility deposits (gas, electric, water)
• Insurance benefits or refunds
• Safe deposit box contents (after a process)
• Investment accounts or dividends
• Store credits or money orders, if applicable under state law

When the holder (like a bank, employer, or utility company) can’t contact you for a number of years, they are usually required to turn the funds over to the state. In Maine, these funds are generally held by the state unclaimed property program, often managed through the Office of the State Treasurer or a similar department.

You do not lose ownership just because the money has gone to the state; instead, the state holds it until you or your heirs claim it.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Maine?

You can usually file a claim if you are:

• The person named on the account or check
• A current or former Maine resident who had accounts in Maine (some out-of-state addresses may still be associated with Maine businesses)
• A business owner whose company is listed as the owner of unclaimed funds
• A heir, executor, or personal representative of someone who has died and left unclaimed property
• A legal guardian, conservator, or power of attorney for someone who cannot file on their own (with proper documentation)

Typical scenarios:

• You moved and forgot to update your address with a bank or employer.
• You closed an account and a small final balance remained.
• A relative passed away, and you suspect they left behind insurance benefits, dividends, or safe deposit box contents.
• Your small business closed or changed addresses, and a refund or credit never reached you.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Maine

The first step is to search your name in Maine’s unclaimed property database.

You would usually do this by:

1. Going to Maine’s official unclaimed property website (typically operated by the Maine State Treasurer or similar office).
2. Entering:
   • Your first and last name
   • Any former names or spellings (including maiden names)
   • Business name, if you’re checking for a company
3. Reviewing the search results carefully.

If you’re not sure you’re on the official website, look for:

• A “.gov” web address associated with the State of Maine
• Clear mention of the Maine Office of the State Treasurer or Maine Unclaimed Property program
• A disclaimer that the service is free to use

You can also call the state treasurer or unclaimed property office using the public phone number listed on the State of Maine’s main government website and ask how to do a search.

Step 2: Identify Claims That May Belong to You

Once you run a search, you may see multiple listings. For each possible match, check:

• Name (including middle initial or suffix)
• Last known address or city
• Reported owner type (individual or business)
• Holder name (the company or organization that held the funds)
• Property type (e.g., bank account, insurance, wages)

If a listing seems to match you or your business, you can usually click a button such as “Claim”, “File a Claim,” or “Start Claim.”

If you are not sure whether an item is yours, some people choose to:

• File a claim anyway and let the state decide based on documentation, or
• Call the Maine unclaimed property office and ask for guidance on that specific property ID

Step 3: Understand What Type of Claim You’re Filing

Different claim types may have different proof requirements. Typically, Maine will categorize claims broadly like this:

The official online portal or claim form will typically ask you to select one of these roles and will guide you on required documents.

Step 4: Gather Commonly Required Documents

To avoid delays, it helps to gather documentation before you submit your claim. Requirements can vary by case, but common documents for Maine unclaimed property claims include:

For individuals (claiming your own property)

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID

• Proof of Social Security Number (sometimes requested)

  • A portion of your Social Security number may be required for verification

• Proof of current address

  • Recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement

• Proof of prior address (if the unclaimed property is tied to an old address)

  • Old utility bills, tax returns, pay stubs, W-2 forms, or other official mail
  • If you have no documentation, the state may accept other verification methods, but this can slow down review.

For business claims

• Business tax ID (EIN) documentation
• Articles of incorporation, business registration, or partnership documents
• Proof you are authorized to represent the business
  • Corporate resolution, proof of ownership, or officer/manager listing
• Your personal ID as the claimant

For heirs and estates

If you’re claiming on behalf of someone who has died:

• Death certificate (certified copy is typically requested)
• Proof of relationship
  • Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other legal documents
• Estate documents
  • Letters testamentary, letters of administration, or other court appointment that shows you as executor/personal representative
• Your photo ID and, in some cases, your current address documentation

For guardians, conservators, or POA

• Court order naming you as guardian or conservator, or
• Power of Attorney (POA) documents, if applicable
• Proof of the property owner’s identity and address
• Your photo ID

The Maine unclaimed property office may list detailed documentation checklists on their official website. It’s usually helpful to review those before submitting.

Step 5: File Your Claim (Online or by Mail)

Maine typically allows people to file unclaimed property claims for free. You do not have to pay a third-party company to claim your own money, although some people choose to use “finders” or “locators” if they want help. Any use of such services is optional and should be evaluated carefully.

Common ways to file a claim in Maine

1. Online (most common and fastest)

   • Through the official Maine unclaimed property portal.
   • You fill in your information, upload or mail your documents, and submit the claim electronically.

2. By mail

   • Download or request a claim form from the state’s official website or unclaimed property office.
   • Complete the form, attach copies of required documents, and mail it to the address listed on the official form.

3. In person (less common, but sometimes available)

   • Some state treasurer or unclaimed property offices may accept walk-in questions or document drop-offs.
   • Always check office hours and whether appointments are required.

📝 Important: HowToGetAssistance.org does not accept or process claims. To submit a claim, use Maine’s official government website, phone line, or mailing address as listed by the state.

Step 6: What Happens After You File a Claim?

After you submit your claim to the official Maine office, typical steps include:

1. Acknowledgment

   • The online system may give you a confirmation number.
   • By mail, you may receive a letter or email confirming the claim was received.

2. Review and verification

   • Staff at the Maine unclaimed property program compare your documents with:
     • The original holder’s records
     • Address history
     • Ownership details
   • If something is missing or unclear, they may request additional information.

3. Decision

   • If the claim is approved, you usually receive:
     • A check mailed to your address, or
     • Other payment arrangements, depending on the property type
   • If the claim is denied or partially approved, they typically send an explanation in writing.

4. Processing time

   • Timeframes can vary widely depending on claim complexity and workload.
   • Many straightforward claims may be resolved in a few weeks to a few months, but some estate or complex claims can take longer.

To check your status, most states—including Maine—offer:

• An online status-check tool on the official unclaimed property site, or
• A phone number or email for the unclaimed property office

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

Understanding common problems can help you avoid issues.

Typical reasons claims are delayed or denied in Maine include:

• Missing documents
  • No proof of former address linked to the property
  • No proof of relationship in an heir claim
• Name mismatches
  • Misspelled names, name changes after marriage/divorce, or using nicknames instead of legal names
• Insufficient proof of authority
  • For business claims or estate claims, not providing documents showing you are legally authorized to claim
• Illegible copies
  • Blurry or dark photocopies or scans that staff cannot read
• Outdated forms
  • Using an old version of a claim form instead of the current one from the state website

If your claim is denied, Maine’s unclaimed property office will usually explain why and may give you options to submit additional documentation or refile.

Can You Appeal a Denied Unclaimed Property Claim?

Maine’s specific appeal procedures can vary, but people who disagree with a decision often have options such as:

• Submitting additional documentation and asking the office to reconsider
• Requesting a review or speaking with a supervisor at the unclaimed property office
• In some rare or complex cases, seeking legal advice about pursuing the matter further

To understand your options, you can:

• Review the denial letter carefully for instructions
• Call the Maine unclaimed property office and ask what steps are available if you believe an error was made

Do Unclaimed Assets in Maine Ever Expire?

In many states, including Maine, unclaimed property does not expire. Once the funds are transferred to the state, the state often holds them indefinitely for the rightful owner or heirs.

However:

• Some types of property (such as safe deposit box contents) may eventually be sold or auctioned, with the proceeds kept for the owner.
• Rules can change over time, so it’s smart to:
  • Check the official Maine unclaimed property website for current policy, and
  • Search periodically, even if you searched in the past.

Tips to Make Your Maine Unclaimed Property Claim Smoother

A few practical suggestions can reduce frustration:

• Search multiple variations of your name
  • Include middle initial, previous last names, and common misspellings.
• Check for relatives’ names, especially those who have passed away.
  • Heirs or estate representatives may be able to claim on their behalf.
• Gather documents before filing
  • Especially proof of old addresses and identity, which are common sticking points.
• Use the official site and phone numbers only
  • The legitimate state program will not charge a claim-filing fee.
• Keep copies of everything you submit
  • Forms, IDs, and correspondence in case you need to follow up.

How To Verify You’re Using Maine’s Official Unclaimed Property Channels

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it’s wise to confirm that you’re working with real government offices:

• Look for a “.gov” address and clear labeling as a State of Maine website.
• Confirm contact information by:
  • Visiting Maine’s main state government website and looking for the Treasurer’s Office or Unclaimed Property section, or
  • Calling a publicly listed number for the Maine State Treasurer and asking to be connected to unclaimed property.
• Be cautious if:
  • Someone contacts you first claiming you have money and asks for upfront fees.
  • You are asked to pay a fee simply to find or file a claim on your own behalf.

Maine may allow private “finders” or “locators” to assist people for a fee, but using them is optional. It is usually possible to:

• Search for unclaimed assets for free, and
• File your own claim for free directly through the state.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Find Anything?

Sometimes a person searches and finds no listings in their name. If that happens:

• Consider searching:
  • Old addresses
  • Former names
  • Business names
  • Relatives’ names (particularly deceased relatives)
• Check other states where you have lived or done business.
  • Unclaimed property is usually held by the state where the holder (bank, employer, insurer) reported it, which may not always be where you live now.

If you still find nothing, it just means there is no unclaimed property currently held in your name. You can always search again in the future, especially if you close accounts, move, or change jobs.

By understanding how Maine’s unclaimed property process typically works—what to search for, what documents to gather, and how to file a claim through official state channels—you can take the next steps confidently and increase your chances of a smooth, successful claim.