Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, and Payroll in Maryland: How to Claim Money You’re Owed

Finding out you might have unclaimed money in Maryland can feel confusing. You may have heard about unclaimed checks, unclaimed tax refunds, or old payroll checks and wondered if any of it belongs to you—or how to actually claim it.

This guide walks through how unclaimed property typically works in Maryland, how to search for money in your name, and what steps to take through official state channels to claim it. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only, not a government office, but this overview can help you understand what to expect.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Maryland?

In Maryland, many types of forgotten or unpaid money are handled as unclaimed property. This usually means money that belongs to you, but the business, employer, or agency could not find you or you did not cash a check in time.

Common examples include:

• Unclaimed payroll checks (wages, bonuses, commissions)
• Refund checks from utilities, insurance, or other companies
• Uncashed government refund checks (for example, certain state tax refunds returned as undeliverable)
• Security deposits (rental or utility)
• Bank accounts or credit union accounts that became inactive
• Money orders or cashier’s checks that were never cashed
• Dividends and stock proceeds
• Life insurance benefits not claimed by beneficiaries

In Maryland, businesses and other holders are generally required to turn over these funds to the Maryland unclaimed property office (often part of the State Comptroller’s office) after a certain period of inactivity. From there, the state keeps the funds until the rightful owner (or heir) files a claim.

Unclaimed Checks vs. Refunds vs. Payroll: What’s the Difference?

These categories often overlap, but understanding the differences can help you look in the right place.

Unclaimed payroll checks

These are typically:

• Paychecks, overtime, or commission checks you never received or never cashed
• Final paychecks after leaving a job
• Bonuses or incentive payments

Employers in Maryland must follow state laws about paying final wages and handling checks that go uncashed. After a period of time, those unpaid wages are often turned over to the state unclaimed property program.

Unclaimed refunds

“Refunds” can mean different things:

• Utility refunds (electric, gas, water, cable, internet)
• Insurance premium refunds
• Overpayments on a loan or service
• Vendor refunds (for canceled orders or credit balances)
• Certain state tax refunds that could not be delivered

Some refunds stay with the company; others are eventually turned over to the state as unclaimed property if the company can’t locate you.

Unclaimed state or government checks

Maryland residents may have unclaimed money from:

• State-issued refund checks
• Certain rebates or benefit overpayments returned to the state
• Other government-related payments that could not be delivered

Some of these are searchable through the state unclaimed property database, while others must be resolved directly with the specific agency that issued the payment (for example, the state tax agency or a county office).

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Money in Maryland?

You may be able to claim unclaimed checks, refunds, or payroll in Maryland if:

• You are the person listed as the owner of the property (or a variation of your legal name)
• You are a current or former Maryland resident, or you once worked or did business in Maryland
• You are the heir, beneficiary, or legal representative of someone who owned the property and has died
• You are an officer or authorized representative of a business that’s listed as the owner

Typically, you must show that you:

1. Are the right person, and
2. Have a valid connection to the address, employer, account, or business listed with the property.

How to Search for Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, and Payroll in Maryland

You cannot search or claim through HowToGetAssistance.org. To look for money in your name, you usually need to use official state tools or contact official agencies directly.

Step 1: Use Maryland’s official unclaimed property search

Most states, including Maryland, operate an online unclaimed property search tool on the state’s official website (often under the State Comptroller or Treasurer).

Typical steps:

1. Go to the official Maryland state website and locate the unclaimed property page (searching “Maryland unclaimed property” through a search engine can help, but always confirm you’re on a .gov site).
2. Enter:
   • Your last name and first name
   • Any former last names (maiden names or prior names)
   • Business name (if you are checking for a company)
3. Review the list of results:
   • Look for addresses where you lived or worked in Maryland
   • Check for employer names, utility companies, or agencies you recognize
   • Note the property type (wages, refunds, utility deposits, etc.)

If you see something that might belong to you, the site usually lets you start a claim online or download a claim form to mail.

Step 2: Check with specific agencies for refunds not in the database

Some refunds and checks may not appear in the unclaimed property database, especially if:

• The check is very recent
• The agency is still trying to contact you
• The funds have not yet been turned over to the unclaimed property office

You may want to contact:

• Maryland’s state tax agency for state income tax refunds that never arrived
• Your local county or city office for certain local tax refunds or overpayments
• Specific state agencies (for example, transportation, housing, or health agencies) if you know a refund is owed

Ask if there are any returned or uncashed checks in your name and how they handle reissuing or transferring them to unclaimed property.

Step 3: Look outside Maryland as well

If you’ve lived or worked in other states, some of your unclaimed property might be held in those states, even if you now live in Maryland. Each state runs its own unclaimed property program.

You can:

• Search each state’s official unclaimed property website, or
• Use a reputable national-level search tool that directs you to state databases (usually on .gov or well-known national association sites)

Documents You May Need to Claim Unclaimed Money in Maryland

Maryland’s unclaimed property office typically requires proof of identity and proof of ownership. The exact documents depend on the type of property and your relationship to it.

Below is a general comparison to help you gather what you might need.

*Requirements can change. The Maryland unclaimed property office or other official agency will list the exact documents they accept.

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Property in Maryland

The process can vary slightly depending on the type of property and the amount of money, but the basic steps are usually similar.

1. Start the claim on the official unclaimed property site

When you find property in your name in the Maryland database:

1. Select the property you want to claim.
2. Choose your claim type (individual, heir, business, etc.).
3. Fill out the requested online form or print a claim form.

Information you might be asked to provide:

• Your full legal name
• Current mailing address and phone number
• Previous addresses that match the property record
• Your Social Security number or Tax ID (for identity verification)
• Details about how you are connected to the employer, business, or address

2. Gather required documentation

Based on the online instructions or printed claim form, gather:

• Identification documents (ID, passport)
• Proof of address (old bills, bank statements, pay stubs)
• Supporting documents (estate papers, name change documents, business records)

Make copies instead of sending originals unless the instructions specifically require original documents.

3. Submit your claim

Depending on Maryland’s current procedures, you may:

• Upload scanned copies or clear photos of documents through the official state portal, or
• Mail your signed claim form and copies of documents to the official unclaimed property office at the address listed on the form.

Make sure you:

• Sign and date the claim form where required
• Include all pages and supplements
• Keep a copy of everything you send for your records

4. Wait for review and follow-up

After you submit your claim:

• The state unclaimed property office typically reviews your information to verify your identity and connection to the property.
• If they need more information, you may get a letter, email, or phone call from the office asking for additional documents.
• Once approved, payment may be made:
  • By check mailed to your address, or
  • In some cases, by direct deposit (if the program offers it)

Processing times can vary based on:

• Volume of claims
• Completeness of your paperwork
• Complexity of your situation (for example, estate claims generally take longer)

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied in Maryland

Understanding typical issues can help you avoid problems and speed up your claim.

Frequent issues include:

1. Missing documents

   • Not including a required ID, death certificate, or proof of address
   • Forgetting to sign and date the claim form

2. Name or address mismatches

   • Name on the claim does not match the property record
   • No clear documentation connecting your current name or address to the name/address on file

3. Incomplete estate information

   • For deceased owners: missing probate documents or proof of relationship
   • Multiple heirs with no clear legal authority outlined

4. Unclear business authority

   • For business claims: no documents showing you are allowed to act for the company

5. Outdated or incorrect contact information

   • The office cannot reach you to ask follow-up questions

If your claim is denied or returned for more information, you can usually:

• Contact the Maryland unclaimed property office directly and ask for clarification
• Provide additional documents they request
• In some cases, submit a new or corrected claim with better documentation

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Ownership?

Sometimes people find potential matches in the database but cannot provide enough proof to satisfy the state.

If you can’t claim a specific item:

1. Check all variants of your name and addresses again.
   Use different spellings, abbreviations, or old addresses.

2. Gather more documentation.
   Old tax returns, pay stubs, lease agreements, or bank statements can help connect you to an old address, employer, or account.

3. Ask the unclaimed property office what else they can accept.
   They can tell you if alternative documents are allowed.

If you truly cannot show the required connection, the office may not be able to release the money to you. In that case, you might still:

• Encourage family members or former business partners to search for their own possible claims.
• Keep copies of your current documentation in case you find additional proof later and want to try again (if allowed under Maryland’s rules).

Time Limits and Deadlines for Unclaimed Property in Maryland

Many states, including Maryland, treat unclaimed property differently from ordinary deadlines.

Typical patterns:

• No strict “expiration date” once the funds are transferred to the state’s unclaimed property office: the state usually holds the property indefinitely for the rightful owner.
• Some types of property (for example, certain stocks or complex assets) may have special rules or processes.

However:

• Tax refunds and certain benefit payments may have their own statutory deadlines or time limits to request a reissue directly from the issuing agency.
• It may be easier to resolve issues as soon as you notice them, before records become older and harder to verify.

If you are worried about a specific type of refund or check, contact the agency that issued it (for example, the state tax agency or a county office) and ask about any time limits for requesting a replacement.

Verifying You’re On an Official Maryland Channel (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed money can sound appealing, scammers sometimes pretend to be from “unclaimed property” programs.

To protect yourself:

• Look for .gov in the website address.
  Maryland’s official sites use .gov. Be cautious of .com, .net, or unknown domains claiming to be the “official” Maryland unclaimed property site.

• Never pay large up-front fees.
  Maryland’s official unclaimed property office typically does not charge you a percentage of your claim. Some private “finders” may legally charge fees to help locate and claim property, but this is optional, and you can usually file directly with the state at no or minimal cost.

• Confirm contact details through the state’s main website.
  If you receive a phone call or email:

  • Verify the phone number or email address by checking the official Maryland state website.
  • Call the publicly listed number for the unclaimed property office to confirm the communication is legitimate.

• Do not share your full Social Security number or banking information until you’re sure you’re dealing with an official state office.
  Official claim forms may require personal information, but they should always be submitted through a verified state portal or mailing address.

If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, you can:

• Call Maryland’s main state government information line or the state comptroller’s office and ask to be connected to the unclaimed property division.
• Ask them to confirm whether your claim is in process and whether any additional information is truly needed.

Other Places to Look for Missing Checks or Payments

In addition to Maryland’s unclaimed property program, you may have other potential sources of missing money:

• Former employers (within the last year or two)
  If you believe a paycheck or final paycheck never arrived and it has not yet gone to unclaimed property, contact the employer’s HR or payroll department. Ask if:

  • A check was issued
  • It was returned as undeliverable
  • They can reissue it or tell you if it has been sent to the state

• Maryland state tax agency
  If a state income tax refund was issued but you never received it, you can contact the state’s taxpayer services for a status check and ask what steps to take if the refund is lost or stale-dated.

• Federal tax refunds (IRS)
  Federal tax refunds are not handled by state unclaimed property programs. To check for an unreceived IRS refund, you may need to use the IRS’s official tools or call their official phone line.

• Utilities and service providers
  If you remember a security deposit or believe you left a credit balance, contact the company’s customer service or billing department to ask about any refunds due. If the company says the funds were turned over to the state, that is a sign to search the Maryland unclaimed property database.

Key Takeaways for Claiming Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, and Payroll in Maryland

• Unclaimed checks, refunds, and payroll are usually handled through Maryland’s unclaimed property program, especially after businesses or agencies cannot reach you.
• You can search for unclaimed property in your name using the state’s official website and then submit a claim form to prove your identity and ownership.
• Be prepared to provide:
  • Photo ID
  • Proof of old addresses or employer relationships
  • Name change or estate documents if applicable
• Processing times vary, and claims can be delayed if information or documents are incomplete.
• Always verify you are on an official Maryland .gov site or speaking with a verified government office before sharing sensitive information.
• HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims or applications, but you can use this information to better understand the process and then work directly with the official Maryland unclaimed property office and other relevant agencies.

By taking a little time to search and follow the official steps, many Maryland residents are able to recover unclaimed payroll, refunds, and other funds that rightfully belong to them.