Maryland’s Unclaimed Property Office: What It Does and What It Might Be Holding for You

The Maryland Unclaimed Property Office helps people find and claim money or valuables that belong to them but were lost, forgotten, or never delivered. Many residents are surprised to learn they might have unclaimed checks, utility deposits, insurance payouts, or even safe deposit box contents waiting in the state’s custody.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, what the Maryland Unclaimed Property Office is, what it holds, how to search for your property, and what to expect when you file a claim. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or application portal. Instead, this article is meant to help you understand the process so you can use the official Maryland channels confidently.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Maryland?

In Maryland, unclaimed property is generally money or property that a business, financial institution, or organization owed to someone but couldn’t deliver successfully for a long period of time.

Common reasons property becomes “unclaimed” include:

• A person moved and didn’t update their address
• A check was never cashed
• The owner passed away and heirs didn’t know about the account
• An account was inactive for several years
• A safe deposit box went unpaid and the bank couldn’t locate the owner

When this happens, the business is usually required by law to turn that property over to the state, where it is held for the rightful owner or their heirs.

In Maryland, this work is handled by the Unclaimed Property unit of the State Comptroller’s Office (sometimes referred to as the Maryland Unclaimed Property Division, Office, or Program).

What Does the Maryland Unclaimed Property Office Do?

The Maryland Unclaimed Property Office has several core responsibilities:

1. Collecting and Safeguarding Unclaimed Assets

When a business, bank, insurer, or other organization identifies property as “unclaimed,” it typically must:

1. Try to contact the owner (mail, email, phone)
2. After a certain period with no success, report and send the property to the state

The Maryland Unclaimed Property Office then:

• Receives the property from the business
• Records it under the owner’s name and last known address
• Safeguards the value until someone with a legal right makes a claim

For cash and financial assets, the office generally protects the value (money) rather than holding onto the exact original check or certificate.

For physical items from safe deposit boxes, the office may store them for a set period. Items that are not claimed after a long time may be sold at auction, but the proceeds (the money from the sale) are still held for the rightful owner.

2. Maintaining a Public Database of Unclaimed Property

Maryland typically keeps a searchable database where people can:

• Search their name, former names, or business name
• See if the state is holding property that could belong to them
• Start the process of filing a claim through the official Maryland portal or by contacting the office

The search itself is usually free.

3. Reviewing Claims and Releasing Property

When someone believes they are the rightful owner (or heir), the Maryland Unclaimed Property Office:

• Receives a claim form, with required documents
• Verifies identity and ownership
• Asks for additional documentation if something is unclear
• If everything checks out, releases the funds or value to the claimant

The office’s main legal duty is to protect the rightful owner by making sure property isn’t paid to the wrong person.

What Types of Property Does Maryland Hold?

The Maryland Unclaimed Property Office can hold a wide range of assets. These are some of the most common:

Common Types of Unclaimed Property

• Uncashed checks

  • Payroll or wage checks
  • Vendor or contractor payments
  • Refund checks from companies or schools

• Bank accounts

  • Old savings or checking accounts
  • Money market accounts
  • Cashier’s checks or money orders issued by banks

• Security deposits

  • Utility deposits (gas, electric, water)
  • Apartment or landlord security deposits
  • Phone or internet service deposits

• Insurance proceeds

  • Life insurance policy payouts
  • Annuity payments
  • Refunds of overpaid premiums

• Retirement-related assets

  • Certain pension or retirement plan proceeds that could not be delivered
  • Old 401(k) or similar plan distributions that were returned as undeliverable

• Business refunds and credits

  • Overpayments to vendors or suppliers
  • Uncashed rebate checks
  • Unpaid credit balances

• Safe deposit box contents

  • Jewelry or coins
  • Documents or certificates
  • Collectibles or small valuables

Typically, land, cars, and real estate are not handled through unclaimed property offices. Those usually go through county tax, probate, or DMV processes, not the unclaimed property program.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Property in Maryland?

Many people are surprised to learn they could be listed, even if they always pay bills on time.

You might have unclaimed property in Maryland if:

• You lived, worked, or did business in Maryland at some point
• You moved without updating your address everywhere
• You changed jobs, especially if you received paper paychecks
• You closed a bank account but never got a final check
• You had utilities or cable/internet in your name and moved away
• You attended college or a training program in Maryland
• A relative passed away who lived or worked in Maryland

Businesses can also appear in the database if they:

• Had accounts or deposits in Maryland
• Overpaid vendors or were due refunds
• Had insurance or utility accounts in Maryland

How to Check for Unclaimed Property in Maryland

You do not search or claim property through HowToGetAssistance.org. To check if you have unclaimed property in Maryland, you generally need to use the official Maryland unclaimed property search portal or contact the Maryland Comptroller’s Office directly.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information

Before you search, it helps to have:

• Your full legal name
• Any former names (maiden names, nicknames used on accounts, prior legal names)
• Previous Maryland addresses (street, city, or at least the town)
• Your business name, if you own or owned a company

You usually do not need documents just to search, but they will likely be required later if you file a claim.

Step 2: Use the Official Maryland Search Tool

On the official Maryland Comptroller / Unclaimed Property website, there is usually:

• A search field for your last name or business name
• Options to narrow by first name, city, or ZIP code

You can typically search:

• Your name
• Your spouse’s name
• Your children’s names (if appropriate)
• Names of parents or deceased relatives
• Any businesses you are or were associated with

If you’re not sure you’re on an official Maryland site, look for:

• A .gov website address
• Clear mention of the Maryland Comptroller or State of Maryland
• No fees required just to search

Step 3: Review Any Matching Results

If your name appears, you typically see:

• The name on the account
• The last known address
• The holder name (for example, a bank, utility, or employer)
• An approximate type of property (wages, utility deposit, etc.)

From there, the official site will usually provide instructions or a button to start a claim for each item that you believe is yours.

What Documents Are Usually Needed to Claim Maryland Unclaimed Property?

The exact documents vary depending on your situation and the type of property, but these are some commonly requested items.

Basic Identity and Ownership Documents

Most individual claimants are typically asked for:

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport or military ID

• Proof of Social Security Number

  • Social Security card
  • Tax form showing your full SSN (such as a W-2 or 1099)

• Proof of current address

  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement

• Proof you lived at the listed address at the time

  • Old bill or bank statement
  • Mortgage or lease documents
  • Pay stub or employer document

Additional Documents for Special Situations

You may need more documentation if:

• Name changed (marriage/divorce/adoption)

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order of name change

• You are filing for a deceased relative

  • Death certificate
  • Proof of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
  • Will, letters of administration, or other probate/ estate paperwork if you are the personal representative or heir

• Business claims

  • Proof of authority to act for the business (such as corporate resolution, letter on company letterhead, or operating agreement)
  • Business formation documents
  • Tax ID number and related documents

The Maryland Unclaimed Property Office often explains required documents for each claim on their official portal or claim form. If anything is missing, they may send you a request for more information.

Quick Reference: Common Documents by Claim Type

*Exact requirements may vary; check the official Maryland unclaimed property instructions for your specific claim.

How to File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Maryland

Again, claims are made directly through Maryland’s official channels, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.

Typically, the process looks like this:

1. Start the Claim Online or Request Forms

From the official Maryland unclaimed property search results, you’ll usually see:

• An option to “file a claim” online, or
• Instructions to print, fill out, and mail a claim form

If you cannot use the online portal, you may contact the Maryland Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Office by phone or mail to request paper forms and instructions.

2. Complete the Claim Form

On the claim form, expect to provide:

• Your personal information (name, SSN, current address, contact details)
• The claim ID or property ID from the search result
• Explanation of your connection (such as former address, employment, or policyholder)
• Any required signatures (and sometimes notarization, depending on the claim type or amount)

Fill everything out clearly and completely to avoid delays.

3. Attach Supporting Documents

Attach copies (sometimes certified copies, depending on instructions) of your:

• ID
• SSN proof
• Address and ownership proof
• Any estate or legal documents, if applicable

Follow the directions on whether you should upload, mail, or fax these documents.

4. Submit and Keep Copies

• Submit through the official online portal or mail your claim to the address listed on the Maryland claim form.
• Keep copies of everything you send, including tracking information if mailed.

What Happens After You File a Maryland Unclaimed Property Claim?

Once the Maryland Unclaimed Property Office receives your claim:

1. Acknowledgment

   • If filed online, you may receive a confirmation number or email.
   • If by mail, processing may take longer before you receive any notice.

2. Review and Verification

   • Staff typically verify your identity and compare documents to the original account.
   • If something is unclear or missing, they may request additional documentation by mail, email, or phone.

3. Decision

   • If your claim is approved, the office usually issues a check made payable to you (or the estate, or the business).
   • If your claim is denied or partially approved, they may send a written explanation or a request for more information.

4. Timeline

   • Timeframes vary based on claim complexity, volume of claims, and staffing.
   • Simple, fully documented claims usually resolve more quickly than complicated estate or business claims.

To check status, you may:

• Use the official Maryland claim status feature (if available), or
• Contact the Maryland Unclaimed Property Office directly using the phone number or email listed on the official site or your confirmation.

Common Reasons Maryland Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding typical problem areas can help you avoid them.

Some frequent issues include:

• Missing or incomplete documents

  • No proof of Social Security number
  • No documentation showing connection to the old address

• Name mismatch

  • Claim filed under a married name, but old account was under maiden name
  • No marriage certificate or legal name change documentation provided

• Insufficient proof for heirs or estates

  • Heir filing but not providing a death certificate
  • No estate documents showing authority to claim funds on behalf of the deceased

• Unclear business authority

  • Person filing cannot show they are an officer, owner, or authorized representative

• Illegible or incomplete forms

  • Hard-to-read copies
  • Missing signatures or pages

If your claim is delayed, the Maryland office typically contacts you for more information. If it is denied and you believe this is in error, you can usually ask for clarification or submit additional documentation through the official contact channels.

Can You Appeal a Decision?

Maryland’s exact appeal or review process can vary depending on:

• The type of property
• The reason for the denial
• The authority under which the decision was made

In many situations, the first step is to:

• Contact the Maryland Unclaimed Property Office
• Ask for a clear explanation of the decision
• Determine whether submitting additional documents could resolve the issue

If you still disagree after that, you may wish to:

• Ask the office if there is a formal review or appeal procedure
• Consider speaking with a consumer law or probate attorney if the claim is large or complex

The official Maryland agencies can explain what process exists for reconsideration and how to use it.

How Long Does Maryland Hold Unclaimed Property?

Maryland law generally requires that once property is turned over to the state:

• The state holds the value of the property for the rightful owner or their heirs, often without a time limit.
• For physical items (like jewelry or collectibles), the state may store them only for a certain number of years before auctioning them, but the money from the sale remains claimable.

This means even very old property may still be available to claim. If you or a relative lived or worked in Maryland decades ago, it can still be worth checking.

How to Avoid Unclaimed Property in the Future

While it can feel like “found money,” most people prefer not to lose track of their accounts in the first place. To reduce the risk of future unclaimed property:

• Keep contact info updated

  • Notify banks, employers, insurers, and utilities when you move.

• Open and read mail and email from financial institutions

  • Don’t ignore “account inactive” or “unable to deliver” notices.

• Cash checks promptly

  • Deposit or cash paychecks, refunds, and dividends as soon as practical.

• Track safe deposit boxes

  • Keep records of box numbers, bank branches, and renewal dates.

• Inform trusted family members

  • Let someone know where your important financial records are, especially as you age or if you have significant assets.

Scam-Prevention Tips: Make Sure You’re Using Official Maryland Channels

Because unclaimed property involves money, it can attract scammers. Some tips to stay safe:

• Searching is usually free

  • Be cautious of services that charge a fee just to tell you if you have property.
  • Some legitimate “finder” services exist, but you do not have to use them to claim your money.

• Verify you’re on an official Maryland site

  • Look for a .gov address.
  • Confirm the presence of the Maryland Comptroller or State of Maryland branding.

• Be careful with unsolicited contacts

  • If someone calls or emails claiming you have unclaimed property and asks for upfront payment or sensitive information, verify carefully.
  • You can independently contact the Maryland Unclaimed Property Office using the phone number from the official Maryland Comptroller site, not from the caller.

• Protect your Social Security number and ID

  • Only provide full SSN or ID copies when you are sure you are dealing with the official state office or a trusted, verified entity.

If you’re ever unsure whether a letter, call, or website is legitimate, you can:

• Look up the phone number for the Maryland Comptroller’s Office on your own
• Call them directly and ask if the communication you received is genuine

If You Do Not Find Property in Maryland

If you search Maryland’s official unclaimed property database and find nothing:

• Consider searching other states where you have lived, worked, or studied.
• Check for former names, nicknames, and small variations in spelling.
• For deceased relatives, search under their names and known addresses.

If you still do not see any unclaimed property, that simply means the Maryland Unclaimed Property Office is not currently holding anything under the information you searched. It does not affect your eligibility for any other financial assistance or benefits.

You can also contact:

• 211 Maryland to ask about other types of assistance programs (like rent help, food assistance, or utility aid), which are separate from unclaimed property.

By understanding what the Maryland Unclaimed Property Office does, what it holds, and how the claim process typically works, you can take your next steps directly through the official Maryland state channels with more confidence.