Step‑by‑Step Guide to Finding Unclaimed Assets in Maryland

If you have ever moved, changed jobs, or opened and closed accounts, there is a chance you might have unclaimed money or property waiting for you in Maryland. This could be something small like a refund check you never cashed, or something more significant like a forgotten savings account.

This guide explains, in plain English, how to search for and claim unclaimed assets in Maryland, what to expect from the process, and how to avoid scams. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office or claims portal, but this information can help you navigate the official Maryland unclaimed property system with more confidence.

What “Unclaimed Assets” in Maryland Usually Means

In Maryland, unclaimed assets (often called unclaimed property) usually refers to money or property held by a business or institution that has lost contact with the owner for a certain period of time. After that period, the property is turned over to the State of Maryland, which safekeeps it until the rightful owner claims it.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs) that were abandoned
• Uncashed checks, such as:
  • Payroll checks
  • Refund checks
  • Insurance claim checks
• Utility deposits (electric, gas, water, phone) you never got back
• Insurance policy proceeds (life insurance, annuities)
• Retirement accounts or stock dividends transferred to the state
• Safe deposit box contents that weren’t claimed
• Money owed to you from businesses that could not reach you

The Maryland Office of the Comptroller typically manages the state’s unclaimed property program. The state does not take ownership of your assets; it holds them until you submit a proper claim.

Who Can Search for Unclaimed Assets in Maryland?

Most people connected to Maryland in some way can search for unclaimed property. This usually includes:

• Current or former Maryland residents
• People who worked in Maryland, even if they lived in another state
• Heirs, beneficiaries, or executors handling an estate
• Business owners whose business operated or had customers in Maryland

You might want to search if:

• You have lived at multiple addresses.
• You changed your name (marriage, divorce, legal name change).
• You worked for several employers.
• You closed accounts or moved and didn’t update your address.
• You’re handling the affairs of a deceased relative who had Maryland ties.

There is no special eligibility requirement to search. You do not need to be low income or in a specific program. The main requirement comes later, when you prove that you are the rightful owner (or legal heir).

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can usually start a Maryland unclaimed property search with just your name, but having a bit more information ready can help:

For individuals:

• Full legal name (plus any former names)
• Middle initial or full middle name (if used on past accounts)
• Previous names, such as:
  • Maiden name
  • Hyphenated name
  • Nicknames used on accounts (e.g., “Bob” vs. “Robert”)
• Past Maryland addresses, approximate years you lived there
• Past employers in Maryland
• Social Security Number (SSN) (you may not need it to search, but it is often requested on claim forms)

For businesses:

• Business legal name
• Any “doing business as” (DBA) names
• Former business names after mergers or changes
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)

You don’t have to collect every detail to begin, but this information will help if multiple records appear that might belong to you.

Step 2: Use Maryland’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

Maryland typically offers a free, searchable database through the Office of the Comptroller. This is the main starting point.

Since website addresses can change, it is usually best to:

1. Go to your preferred search engine.
2. Type: “Maryland unclaimed property Comptroller”.
3. Look for the result that clearly indicates it is part of the State of Maryland or the Comptroller of Maryland.

Once on the official site, you will usually find:

• A search field where you can enter:
  • Last name (and first name)
  • Business name
• Possibly advanced search options for:
  • City
  • Zip code
  • Partial name matches

⚠️ Important: The official Maryland search is free. You should not have to pay to see whether the state is holding property in your name.

Step 3: Search Your Name in Different Ways

When you reach the official Maryland unclaimed property search tool:

1. Search by full last name and first name.
2. If you see many results, use city or zip code filters if available.
3. Try searching by:
   • Former last names (e.g., maiden name)
   • Middle initial vs. no middle initial
   • Nicknames vs. full names

If you moved frequently, check all cities and towns where you lived or worked in Maryland.

For businesses:
Search using the business name, and then try any DBA or previous names the business might have used.

Step 4: Review the Search Results Carefully

If the search finds potential matches, you’ll often see:

• Name of owner (individual or business)
• Last known address
• Type of property (e.g., bank account, wages, insurance)
• Sometimes an approximate amount category (small, medium, large)

Look for records that:

• Match your full name or a known previous name
• Match an address where you lived or worked
• Match an employer or company you recognize

You can typically select the records that appear to be yours to begin a claim. It’s common to have more than one item listed.

If you see something that looks like it belongs to a relative who has passed away, you may still be able to claim it as an heir, but you will usually need additional documents (explained later in this guide).

Step 5: Start a Claim Through the Official Maryland System

Once you’ve identified property that seems to belong to you, the Maryland system usually lets you:

• Click a “Claim” or “Select” button next to each item
• Add the items to a claim list
• Begin a claim form, either:
  • Online, or
  • By generating a PDF or printable form

You may be asked to:

• Confirm your current contact information (mailing address, phone, email)
• Provide details that help show a connection to the last known address listed
• Indicate whether you are the original owner or represent an estate/heir

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot collect or submit claims for you. To actually file a claim, you must use the official Maryland unclaimed property website or directions provided there, or you may contact the Maryland Office of the Comptroller directly.

Step 6: Know What Documents You Might Need

Maryland usually requires proof of identity and proof of ownership/connection. The exact documents can vary based on the type of claim.

Common documents for individual claims

Most people are asked to provide:

• Government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security Number, such as:
  • Social Security card
  • Tax form (W-2, 1099)
• Proof of address (especially if the unclaimed property is tied to an old address), such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement
  • Tax bill

Sometimes a single document can cover more than one need (for example, a driver’s license may show both identity and address).

Additional documents for estate or heir claims

If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased person, Maryland may request:

• Death certificate for the original owner
• Will or letters of administration/letters testamentary showing you are the executor or personal representative
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificate (child of the deceased)
  • Marriage certificate (spouse of the deceased)
• Court documents if the property is part of a probate or estate case

Additional documents for business claims

If you’re claiming unclaimed assets for a business, the Maryland program may ask for:

• Proof of authority to act for the business, such as:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Partnership agreement
  • Letter on company letterhead naming you as authorized
• Proof of EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Proof of the business’s connection to the address on record

Quick reference: typical documents

Maryland’s official instructions will spell out exactly what is required for your specific claim.

Step 7: Submit Your Claim and Documents

Depending on how Maryland structures its system at the time you apply, you may be able to:

• Upload documents online through a secure portal
• Mail copies of your documents along with a printed claim form
• In some limited cases, submit by fax or in person (if the office allows it)

General tips:

• Follow the document guidelines exactly (for example, whether they want copies or originals).
• Make legible copies of any ID or supporting documents.
• Include all pages requested (front and back of ID cards if needed).
• Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

If mailing, consider using a method that offers tracking, so you know when your documents are delivered.

Step 8: What Happens After You File a Claim

After Maryland’s unclaimed property office receives your claim, staff generally:

1. Check that your claim form is complete.
2. Review your identity documents to confirm you are who you say you are.
3. Match your information (name, SSN, address history) to the property record.
4. Decide whether:
   • To approve your claim,
   • To request more information, or
   • To deny the claim if it cannot be verified.

You may receive:

• A confirmation number or reference number
• A letter or email indicating your claim is under review
• A request for additional documents, if something is missing or unclear

If the claim is approved, Maryland usually:

• Issues a check for the value of the unclaimed property, or
• Arranges for the return of physical items (such as safe deposit box contents), following their procedures

The timeline can vary depending on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• Whether your documentation was complete
• Whether the claim is simple (single owner) or complex (multiple heirs, estates)

If you are unsure about the status of your claim, you can typically contact the Maryland Office of the Comptroller’s unclaimed property division using the phone number or contact information listed on the official state website.

Common Reasons Maryland Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Claims sometimes take longer than expected or are rejected. Some common issues include:

• Incomplete forms

  • Missing signatures
  • Unanswered questions

• Missing or unclear documentation

  • No proof of address for the time period in question
  • Photo ID unclear or expired (if not accepted under current rules)

• Name mismatch

  • Claimant’s current name is different from the name on the property
  • No documentation of name change (like a marriage certificate or court order)

• Insufficient proof for heir/estate claims

  • No death certificate
  • No court document naming an executor or personal representative
  • Claimant does not clearly show legal right to the property

• Outdated contact information

  • Office cannot reach the claimant with questions or document requests

To reduce the chances of delay or denial:

• Answer all questions on the claim form carefully.
• Provide clear copies of requested documents.
• Include name change documents when names differ.
• Respond promptly to any follow-up letters or calls from the state office.

How to Appeal or Fix a Problem with Your Claim

If Maryland denies your claim or closes it because of missing information, you may have options. Processes can change, so check the instructions on the official letter you receive. Common steps might include:

1. Review the denial explanation.

   • Find out exactly what was missing or why the claim could not be verified.

2. Gather additional documentation.

   • For example, if the issue was a name difference, find:
     • Marriage certificate
     • Court order
     • Divorce decree

3. Contact the unclaimed property office.

   • Use the phone number or mailing address given on your claim letter.
   • Ask what you can submit to correct the issue.

4. Submit a new claim or additional documents, as directed.

Some states offer a more formal appeal or review process if you disagree with a decision. If Maryland offers this, it should be explained in the official correspondence from the unclaimed property division.

Other Places to Check for Unclaimed Assets

Maryland’s unclaimed property database only covers property that has been reported to the State of Maryland. You may still have unclaimed property elsewhere.

Consider checking:

• Other states where you have lived or worked.

  • Many states have their own unclaimed property offices and search tools.

• Federal agencies, such as:

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for certain benefits
  • U.S. Treasury for uncashed savings bonds or federal payments (search via their official sites)

• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)

  • For certain unclaimed pension benefits

• Former employers or retirement plan administrators

  • For old 401(k) accounts or company stock

When searching outside Maryland, always confirm that you are using an official government site or well-established federal agency portal, not a third-party fee-based site unless you consciously choose to use one.

How to Tell You’re on an Official Maryland Site (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed money sounds appealing, it unfortunately attracts scams and misleading services. Use these tips to protect yourself:

• Official Maryland unclaimed property searches are free.

  • If a site demands payment just to search your name, be cautious.

• Check for official state branding.

  • Look for clear references to the State of Maryland and the Office of the Comptroller.
  • Official state sites usually have government-related domains and clear contact information.

• Do not pay upfront “finder’s fees” unless you fully understand what you’re signing.

  • Some private “finders” or “locators” offer to help you file claims in exchange for a percentage of your money.
  • Maryland typically allows owners to file directly at no cost.

• Protect your personal information.

  • Be cautious about giving your SSN or full ID details to any site that does not clearly represent a government agency.
  • If in doubt, call the Maryland Comptroller’s office using a number you independently verify (for example, from a state government directory).

• Beware of unsolicited calls or emails.

  • If someone contacts you claiming you have unclaimed money and demands a fee, verify by doing your own search through the official Maryland site or calling the state office.

If You Don’t Find Anything in Maryland

It’s common to search for unclaimed assets and not find anything. That doesn’t always mean there is nothing owed to you; it might simply mean:

• A business has not yet turned the property over to the state.
• The property is held in another state where you previously lived or worked.
• Your name or address is spelled differently in the records.

You can:

• Try variations of your name (including former names and nicknames).
• Check again periodically, since new property is turned over to the state over time.
• Search other states’ unclaimed property databases where you have a connection.

Even if nothing appears now, it can still be helpful to keep your current addresses and contact information updated with financial institutions, employers, and insurance companies to reduce the chances of future unclaimed property.

By using Maryland’s official unclaimed property search and following the steps above, many people are able to reconnect with forgotten accounts, refunds, or other assets. HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims or check your status, but you can use this guide as a roadmap while you navigate the Maryland Office of the Comptroller’s unclaimed property process through their official channels.