Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Unclaimed Assets in Maine

If you’ve ever wondered whether the State of Maine might be holding money that belongs to you, you’re not alone. Many people have unclaimed assets they don’t know about—often from old bank accounts, paychecks, refunds, or insurance benefits.

This guide explains, step by step, how to search for and claim unclaimed property in Maine through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government agency, so you’ll always be directed back to official state resources to actually search and file a claim.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Maine?

In Maine, unclaimed property (sometimes called unclaimed money or unclaimed assets) typically means:

• Money or property owed to you that a business or organization could not deliver
• Property that has been inactive for a certain number of years
• Assets that have been turned over to the state for safekeeping

Common examples include:

• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor payments, refunds)
• Old bank accounts or certificates of deposit
• Utility deposits (electric, gas, phone, internet)
• Insurance proceeds or policy benefits
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stocks, mutual funds, or dividends
• Gift card or store credit balances (in some cases)
• Security deposits from rentals

The State of Maine typically holds these assets until the rightful owner (or legal heir) submits a valid claim.

Who Can Search for Unclaimed Property in Maine?

Most people with any past connection to Maine can check for unclaimed assets. You may want to search if:

• You live in Maine now or lived there in the past
• You worked for a Maine employer
• You had a Maine mailing address, P.O. box, or campus address
• You owned a business in Maine
• A deceased family member lived or worked in Maine

You can usually search for:

• Your own name (current and previous names)
• Your business name
• Family members, especially those who have passed away
• Trusts or estates you’re legally responsible for

There is typically no cost to search or to file a claim with the official state unclaimed property office.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can do a quick search with just your name, but you’ll save time later if you collect a few details up front.

Helpful information to gather:

• Full legal name (and variations)
  • Current name
  • Maiden name
  • Previous married name(s)
  • Common misspellings of your name
• Current and past Maine addresses
  • Street addresses
  • P.O. boxes
  • Apartment or unit numbers
• Employer names in Maine
• Business names you owned or managed
• Information about deceased relatives, if you plan to search for them:
  • Full legal name and nicknames
  • Last known address in Maine
  • Date of death

You do not usually need detailed account information just to search, but you may need it later when you file a claim.

Step 2: Go to the Official Maine Unclaimed Property Search

To actually look up unclaimed assets, you will need to use the State of Maine’s official unclaimed property search tool or contact the Maine unclaimed property office directly.

You can typically:

• Use the state’s online search tool on the official Maine government website, or
• Call the state’s unclaimed property office (often part of the state treasurer’s office or a similar department) and request help searching

⚠️ Important:
Use only official state websites or phone numbers. Look for:

• A “.gov” website address
• Clear identification as a State of Maine office
• A customer service or unclaimed property phone number listed as part of state government

Avoid third-party sites that ask for fees or request unnecessary personal data.

Step 3: Search for Your Name (and Every Variation)

On the official Maine unclaimed property search page, you will usually:

1. Enter your last name
2. Enter your first name
3. Optionally enter a city or ZIP code

To be thorough:

• Try all name variations (for example, “Robert,” “Bob,” and “Rob”)
• Search maiden and former names
• Search with and without middle initials
• Try entering only your last name and browse results in your city

If you have a business, also search:

• The business name, with and without “Inc.,” “LLC,” etc.

Repeat the same steps for deceased relatives if you believe you may be able to claim on their behalf.

Step 4: Review the Search Results Carefully

After running a search, the official site will typically show a list of potential matches.

You may see:

• Claimant name (who the property is listed under)
• Last known address or city
• Business name (if applicable)
• Holder name (the company or organization that reported the property)
• Property type (for example, “wages,” “dividends,” “bank account”)
• Amount (sometimes shown, sometimes hidden until later)

Look for property that matches:

• Your name or a known variation
• A past address, especially where you lived for several years
• A former employer or company you recognize
• An organization you remember doing business with (bank, insurer, utility, etc.)

If something looks close but not exact—such as a slightly misspelled name—review the details. Minor spelling errors are common in unclaimed property records.

Step 5: Decide Which Items to Claim

When you find listings that clearly seem to belong to you (or a relative you can claim for), you can typically:

• Click a “Claim” or “Select” button next to each item, then
• Add each selected item to a claim cart or list

You usually can claim:

• Any listing that belongs to you personally
• Listings for a business you legally own or manage
• Listings for a deceased family member if you are the heir, executor, or personal representative

If you are unsure whether a listing is yours, you can:

• Contact the Maine unclaimed property office directly and ask for guidance
• Review any clues in the listing (address, holder, property type)

Step 6: Start the Claim Process Through the State

Once you select all the items you want to claim, the official online system will usually guide you through a claim form.

Typical steps:

1. Confirm the list of properties you are claiming
2. Provide personal information, such as:
   • Full legal name
   • Current mailing address
   • Date of birth
   • Phone number and email
3. Answer questions about:
   • Past addresses in Maine
   • Your relationship to the original owner (if claiming for someone else)

You are typically not asked for sensitive information like full bank account numbers at this stage, but requirements may vary. Always verify you are on a legitimate Maine government site before entering personal details.

Step 7: Gather Documents to Prove Your Claim

After you submit the initial claim information, the Maine unclaimed property office will usually ask for supporting documents. The exact documents depend on:

• Whether you are claiming for yourself or someone else
• Whether the claim is for a person or a business
• The type of property

Here is a general overview of common documentation needs:

*Exact requirements are set by the State of Maine unclaimed property office and may vary. Always follow the document list provided by that office for your specific claim.

Step 8: Submit Your Supporting Documents

The Maine unclaimed property program typically allows one or more of the following submission methods:

• Upload documents online through the official claim portal
• Mail copies (never originals, unless specifically requested) to the address listed on your claim instructions
• In some cases, fax or in-person delivery may be an option, depending on state procedures

When you submit:

• Make sure all names and addresses are clearly visible
• Include any claim reference number assigned to you
• Keep copies of everything you send

If anything is missing or unclear, the office may contact you to request additional information, which can delay processing.

Step 9: Track Your Claim and Watch for Follow-Up

After you file a claim and submit documents, the typical next steps include:

• The Maine unclaimed property office reviews your documentation
• They may contact you by mail, email, or phone if they need more information
• Once approved, they usually issue a check or, in some cases, transfer assets in another form (for example, securities)

Processing times can vary depending on:

• The volume of claims
• Whether your documents were complete and readable
• Whether the claim involves complex estates or business ownership

You can often check your claim status by:

• Signing into the official online claim system, or
• Calling the unclaimed property office and providing your claim number

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

To avoid problems, it helps to know the issues that often cause slowdowns or denials:

• Incomplete documentation
  • Missing ID, missing proof of address, or missing estate paperwork
• Names that don’t match
  • Claim form shows one name; documents show a different name with no explanation
• Illegible copies
  • Blurry or cut-off scans/photos of documents
• Wrong claimant
  • Someone tries to claim property that belongs to a non-related person or a business they are not authorized to represent
• Outdated contact information
  • Office cannot reach you with questions because your address, phone, or email is incorrect

If your claim is denied, you can usually:

• Contact the Maine unclaimed property office to ask why
• Provide additional or corrected documents
• In some cases, request a review or follow any appeal or reconsideration process described in the decision letter

How to Tell If You’re Using an Official Maine Channel

Because unclaimed money can attract scammers, it’s important to verify that you’re working with real government offices.

Here are tips to protect yourself:

• Look for a “.gov” web address indicating an official government site
• Confirm the site clearly identifies a State of Maine department, such as the state treasurer or unclaimed property office
• Use phone numbers and mailing addresses listed on official state government pages, not in advertisements or unsolicited emails
• Be cautious of:
  • Websites that charge a fee just to search
  • People who contact you first and ask for Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or upfront payments
  • Messages claiming you must act immediately or lose your property forever

Many people choose to search and file claims directly with the state at no cost. In some situations, third parties may offer to help for a fee, but that is optional and not required to access your property.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Maine?

If your search in Maine shows no results, consider these additional steps:

• Search for unclaimed property in other states where you:
  • Lived or worked
  • Attended school
  • Owned property or a business
• Check under all versions of your name, including maiden and previous married names
• Search for deceased relatives in the states where they lived or worked
• Repeat your search periodically
  • New property is reported to states on a regular schedule, so something may appear later even if nothing is there now

If you still don’t find unclaimed property, there is usually nothing more to do unless you later discover a specific account or asset that might have gone unclaimed.

Alternatives and Additional Resources

If you’re searching for unclaimed assets as part of a broader effort to improve your financial situation, you may also consider:

• Contacting 211 for information about local financial assistance, housing support, or legal aid
• Reaching out to legal aid organizations if you have complex estate or inheritance questions
• Speaking with a trusted financial counselor or advisor for help organizing accounts and planning ahead

These resources cannot access unclaimed property records for you, but they may help you understand your overall financial picture.

Key Takeaways for Finding Unclaimed Assets in Maine

• The State of Maine holds unclaimed property such as old bank accounts, paychecks, deposits, and insurance benefits until the rightful owner claims it.
• You can search for unclaimed assets for free through the official Maine unclaimed property office or its online search tool.
• To claim property, you typically must:
  • Search under all name variations
  • Select matching records
  • Submit a claim form
  • Provide proof of identity, proof of address, and, when needed, proof of relationship or authority
• Watch out for scams and always confirm you’re using official Maine government channels.
• If you don’t find anything today, you can repeat the search in the future, as new unclaimed assets are turned over to the state over time.

Using the steps above, you can move confidently through the process and, when appropriate, continue through the official Maine unclaimed property office to see if any assets are waiting in your name.