Heir Claims in Maryland: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

When a loved one passes away, they sometimes leave behind unclaimed money or property that relatives do not know about. In Maryland, these unclaimed assets might be old bank accounts, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, stock dividends, or other funds that were never delivered to the owner.

This guide explains, in plain language, how heir claims for Maryland unclaimed property typically work, what documents you usually need, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or claims office, but this overview can help you understand what to expect before you contact the proper state office.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Maryland?

In Maryland, unclaimed property usually refers to financial assets that have had no activity or contact with the owner for a certain period of time. After that time passes, the business holding the money (a bank, insurer, employer, etc.) typically turns it over to the State of Maryland for safekeeping.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, vendor checks)
• Life insurance benefits or annuities
• Utility or rental deposits
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stock dividends or investment accounts
• Store credit balances or gift certificates (in some situations)

The state holds this property until the rightful owner or a legal heir submits a valid claim through the official state process.

Who Can Claim a Deceased Person’s Unclaimed Property in Maryland?

If the original owner is deceased, the state typically requires that the person claiming the property is a legal heir or an authorized representative of the estate.

Common eligible claimants include:

• Executor or personal representative named in the will or appointed by a court
• Spouse of the deceased
• Children or other direct descendants
• Parents of the deceased
• Siblings or other next of kin, depending on Maryland’s inheritance rules
• Court-appointed guardian or conservator, in limited situations

Who is allowed to claim often depends on:

• Whether the deceased person had a will
• Whether a probate estate was or is being opened
• How closely related you are to the deceased
• The total value of the unclaimed property

If there is more than one legal heir, the state may require signatures or releases from all heirs or documents showing one person has authority to act on behalf of the others.

Step-by-Step: How Heir Claims Usually Work in Maryland

The exact steps and forms can change, so it is important to follow instructions on Maryland’s official unclaimed property website or contact the state unclaimed property office directly. However, the general process typically looks like this:

1. Search for Unclaimed Property

You usually start by searching an official Maryland unclaimed property database by:

• The deceased person’s full name (try name variations and previous names)
• The city or address where they lived, if the search offers that option

If you find property that appears to belong to your relative, the system often shows:

• The holder name (e.g., a bank or company)
• The type of property (e.g., bank deposit, insurance)
• Sometimes an approximate value range

If nothing appears, you may want to try:

• Different spellings of the name
• Searching by a previous last name
• Searching just the last name and city

2. Confirm the Property Belongs to Your Relative

Before filing a claim, you should make sure the listing likely belongs to the deceased relative. Check:

• Name match (including middle initials)
• Last known address match or approximate match
• Time period that the property went unclaimed

If it looks like the right person, you can move on to filing an heir claim.

If you are unsure, the official unclaimed property office may be able to explain what documents might help confirm ownership.

3. Choose the Correct Claim Type (Heir / Estate Claim)

Most states, including Maryland, distinguish between:

• Owner claims (the person themselves)
• Heir or estate claims (someone claiming for a deceased person)

For a deceased relative, you usually need to file an heir, estate, or representative claim, which often requires extra proof:

• Proof that the original owner is deceased
• Proof that you are legally entitled to inherit or act for the estate

On Maryland’s official unclaimed property portal or claim form, select the heir or estate category that best matches your situation (for example, “Heir – No Will,” “Executor,” or similar wording, depending on available options).

4. Gather Required Documents

For heir claims, documentation is critical. Requirements can vary by case, but the following are commonly requested in Maryland:

Basic documents:

• Government-issued ID for you (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Social Security number or taxpayer ID for you (often just on the form)
• Proof of address for you (recent utility bill or bank statement, if requested)

Documents about the deceased relative:

• Death certificate (certified copy usually required)
• Proof of last known address of the deceased (old utility bill, tax record, or similar, when available)

Documents proving your legal right to claim:

• Will and/or letters of administration or letters testamentary if an estate was opened
• Court appointment of personal representative, if applicable
• Marriage certificate if you’re the surviving spouse
• Birth certificates or other records proving relationship (for children or parents)
• Family tree / affidavit of heirship, if there is no will and no probate estate
• Signed releases from other heirs when one person is claiming on behalf of multiple heirs

The state may provide specific instructions and checklists on the official claim forms. Be sure to follow those directions closely.

Sample Document Checklist

The table below summarizes common document needs. Actual requirements may vary based on your exact situation.

When in doubt, contact the Maryland unclaimed property office and ask what documents typically apply to your situation.

5. Complete the Official Claim Form

Maryland typically allows claims to be:

• Started online using the state’s unclaimed property portal, and/or
• Submitted by mail using a printed claim form

For an heir claim, you will usually need to:

1. Fill in claimant information (your name, contact details, SSN or taxpayer ID).
2. Describe your relationship to the deceased.
3. List the unclaimed property items you are claiming (as shown in the database).
4. Sign and date the claim form. Some forms may need to be notarized.

Be sure the name, addresses, and property ID numbers match what appears in the state’s system.

Keep copies of everything you submit for your own records.

6. Submit Supporting Documents

Depending on the state’s instructions, you may:

• Upload scanned copies of documents if filing online, or
• Mail photocopies or certified copies to the address provided on the claim form

Maryland’s unclaimed property office typically tells you whether you must send originals, certified copies, or regular copies. Do not mail original documents unless the official instructions explicitly require them, because originals can be hard or impossible to replace.

7. Wait for Review and Possible Follow-Up

Once the official Maryland office receives your claim:

• Staff will usually review your documents to verify:
  • That the property belongs to the deceased person
  • That the deceased is actually deceased
  • That you are the proper heir or estate representative
• If something is missing or unclear, they may request more information by mail, email, or phone.

Processing times can vary based on:

• Claim volume
• Complexity of the estate
• Whether additional documents are needed

If processing seems delayed, you can usually contact the Maryland unclaimed property office and ask for a status update, providing your claim or reference number.

What Happens After an Heir Claim Is Approved?

If the state approves your heir claim, the usual outcomes are:

• For cash assets (bank accounts, checks, dividends):

  • The state issues a check in the name of the heir or estate, as appropriate.

• For safe deposit contents or non-cash items:

  • The state might arrange for return of items, or the items may have been sold and converted to cash (in which case you receive the proceeds).

In estate situations, payment may go to:

• The estate account (if probate is open), or
• The heir(s) directly, depending on the documentation you submitted and the state’s rules.

It is generally your responsibility to:

• Distribute the funds among heirs according to Maryland law or the will, and
• Handle any tax reporting or other legal obligations.

If you are unsure about your legal responsibilities, you may want to consult a Maryland probate or estate attorney or a qualified tax professional.

Common Reasons Maryland Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding typical issues can help you avoid problems. Claims may be delayed or denied if:

• Required documents are missing

  • No death certificate
  • No proof of relationship
  • No court letters when needed

• Names don’t match

  • Different spellings or name changes (for example, due to marriage or divorce) without documents to connect them

• Heir relationships are unclear

  • Multiple potential heirs and no clear legal documentation identifying who is entitled

• Forms are incomplete or unsigned

  • Missing signatures
  • Required notarization not completed

• The wrong person is claiming

  • Someone who is not a legal heir or not properly appointed as personal representative

If your claim is denied, the Maryland office may issue a written explanation. Depending on the situation, you might be able to:

• Submit additional documents to correct the issue, or
• File a new claim with the proper information.

For serious disputes (for example, between competing heirs), you may need to seek legal advice or a court decision.

How Maryland’s Process Fits With Probate and Estate Administration

Unclaimed property is often just one part of handling a deceased person’s affairs. It can be connected to:

• Probate: The court-supervised process of distributing a person’s assets after death.
• Small estate procedures: For estates under a certain value, Maryland may offer simplified steps.
• Non-probate transfers: Some assets pass directly to named beneficiaries (like certain life insurance policies or retirement accounts) and may not go through probate.

Key points to keep in mind:

• If a probate estate is already open, the claim may need to be filed on behalf of the estate, not an individual heir.
• If no estate was ever opened, the state might require affidavits or other proof that you and any other heirs are legally entitled.
• If you are not sure whether probate should be opened, you can usually call your local Maryland Orphans’ Court or Register of Wills office for general procedural information, or speak with a lawyer.

The Maryland unclaimed property office typically does not replace the courts—its role is to confirm that money it holds goes to the person or entity that Maryland law recognizes as entitled.

How to Find the Correct Official Maryland Office

Because procedures and contact details can change, it is important to verify that you are using official Maryland government resources.

You can usually:

• Look for the Maryland Comptroller’s Office or State Treasurer’s Office section that handles unclaimed property.
• Call Maryland’s main state government information line and ask to be directed to the Unclaimed Property Division.
• Check that the website you are using ends in a “.gov” domain and clearly identifies it as an official Maryland state site.

When you call or visit:

• Ask for instructions for filing an heir claim for unclaimed property.
• Request any relevant forms, checklists, or brochures.
• Confirm where to mail documents and whether online submission is available.

Tips for Avoiding Scams and Verifying Official Channels

Because unclaimed property deals with money, scammers sometimes target heirs. To protect yourself:

• Be cautious with unsolicited calls, emails, or letters

  • Some private “finders” offer, for a fee, to help you claim money you could request yourself for free. This may be legal in some cases, but you are not required to use such services.
  • Scammers may pretend to be government officials.

• Verify the source

  • Call the Maryland unclaimed property office using a phone number you locate independently (for example, through the state’s main government information line).
  • Check for “.gov” in website addresses and look for clear state branding.

• Never send payment to receive your own unclaimed property

  • The official Maryland office does not typically require a fee to file a claim for property it holds.
  • Be wary if someone demands upfront payment or asks you to provide bank account or credit card details for “processing.”

• Protect sensitive information

  • Only provide your Social Security number and other personal details on official forms and portals.
  • If you are unsure, call the official office and confirm the process before sending any sensitive data.

If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Heirship

Sometimes, a person may believe they are entitled to a deceased relative’s unclaimed property but:

• They cannot provide the documents required by the state, or
• There is a family dispute about who is entitled.

Possible next steps include:

• Consulting a Maryland probate or estate attorney for advice on:

  • How to establish heirship
  • Whether to open a probate estate
  • How to handle disputes among family members

• Asking the Maryland unclaimed property office what kinds of documents might satisfy their requirements in difficult cases.

If you ultimately cannot prove you are a legal heir under Maryland law, the state will usually not release the unclaimed property to you.

Key Takeaways for Heir Claims in Maryland

• Unclaimed property can include forgotten accounts, checks, deposits, and more belonging to a deceased relative.
• To claim as an heir or estate representative, you typically need:
  • A death certificate
  • Proof of relationship to the deceased
  • Any court documents (wills, letters of administration, etc.)
  • Your ID and contact information
• Claims are made through Maryland’s official unclaimed property office, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Processing can take time, especially for complex estates or incomplete documentation.
• You can reduce delays by following the official instructions closely, submitting all requested documents, and responding promptly to follow-up requests.
• To stay safe, always verify you are dealing with official Maryland government channels before sharing personal or financial information.

By understanding how the process generally works and preparing your documents ahead of time, you can be better equipped to pursue an heir claim for unclaimed assets that may rightfully belong to your family through the proper Maryland state offices.