Heir Claims in Massachusetts: How to Claim Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Relative

When a loved one passes away in Massachusetts, money or property in their name may end up as unclaimed property—things like forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, or utility deposits. Heirs and estates can often claim this money, but the process can feel confusing.

This guide explains, in plain English, how heir claims for unclaimed assets in Massachusetts usually work and what steps families typically take through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only; it is not a government office, not an official portal, and not a place to file claims.

You will find information here to help you understand the process and then contact the correct official Massachusetts office or website to move forward.

Understanding Unclaimed Property in Massachusetts

What counts as unclaimed property?

In Massachusetts, unclaimed property usually refers to money or financial assets that a business, bank, or organization has been holding for someone but lost contact with the owner. After a set period with no activity, that property is turned over to the state.

Common examples include:

• Checking or savings accounts
• Uncashed paychecks or vendor checks
• Unredeemed money orders
• Life insurance benefits and annuities
• Security deposits (utilities, landlords)
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual funds

Real estate and certain other assets usually do not fall under state unclaimed property laws. Those are typically handled through probate courts and estate law.

Who holds unclaimed property in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, unclaimed property is generally handled by the state treasurer’s unclaimed property division (often called the unclaimed property or abandoned property program). This is the official state agency that:

• Receives unclaimed funds from banks, insurers, and other holders
• Maintains a searchable database of unclaimed property
• Reviews and approves claims from owners and heirs
• Issues payments to verified claimants

To file any real claim, you must go through the official Massachusetts state unclaimed property website or office—not through HowToGetAssistance.org or any private website.

Can You Claim Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Relative?

Yes, in many cases. Heirs, beneficiaries, or estate representatives can often claim unclaimed assets that belonged to someone who has died.

Who typically can claim?

Eligibility depends on:

• Whether there was a will
• Whether probate was opened
• Your legal relationship to the deceased
• The size and type of the unclaimed property

People who commonly file heir claims include:

• Executor or personal representative named in a will or appointed by probate court
• Surviving spouse
• Children or stepchildren
• Parents or siblings (if there is no spouse or child)
• Other relatives, depending on Massachusetts intestacy laws

The state will not just accept “I’m family” as proof. You must provide documents that show:

1. The deceased owned the property, and
2. You are legally entitled to claim it.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Massachusetts

Before you gather documents, you’ll want to confirm whether your deceased relative actually has unclaimed property listed with the state.

How to look up unclaimed property

In Massachusetts, the typical process is:

1. Go to the official Massachusetts unclaimed property website (run by the state treasurer’s office).
2. Use the online search tool to enter:
   • The deceased person’s first and last name
   • Any previous names (maiden names, name changes)
   • Possible addresses in Massachusetts
3. Review results for:
   • Matching names
   • Known addresses
   • Known employers, banks, or companies

If you do not have internet access, you can usually:

• Call the state treasurer’s unclaimed property division for help, or
• Visit or write to their office to ask how to conduct a search by mail.

💡 Tip: Try searching various versions of the person’s name (with middle initials, former last names, or common misspellings) and old addresses.

Step 2: Identify What Type of Heir Claim You Need

Once you find a property that might belong to your deceased relative, the next step is to determine what kind of claim you’ll be filing.

Massachusetts typically separates claims into categories like:

Exact categories and rules can change, so always verify with the official Massachusetts unclaimed property office or website.

Step 3: Gather the Right Documents

The documents you need will depend on your relationship to the deceased and how the estate was handled. Having the right paperwork upfront can prevent delays.

Common documents for all heir claims

Most heir claims for a deceased owner in Massachusetts will require:

• Certified death certificate of the deceased
• Your government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Proof of your current address (if required, such as a utility bill or bank statement)
• Claim form from the official Massachusetts unclaimed property program, correctly completed and signed

Additional documents based on your role

If you are the executor or personal representative (probate opened):

You may need:

• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Authority from the probate court
• A copy of the will, if there is one
• Possibly a Tax ID or EIN for the estate
• Proof of the deceased’s last known address (sometimes helpful)

If you are an heir and there is no probate (or probate is closed):

You may be asked for:

• Proof of relationship (for example):
  • Birth certificates (yours and possibly the deceased’s)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
  • Adoption records (if applicable)
• An affidavit of heirship or small estate form (often notarized)
• Documentation showing there is no current estate administration (if requested)

If you are a named beneficiary (life insurance, retirement accounts, etc.):

You may need:

• Documents showing you are the named beneficiary
• Any related policy or account numbers (if available)
• Proof the insured person is deceased (death certificate)

If you are a surviving joint owner:

You may be asked to provide:

• Evidence of joint ownership (old account statements, policy documents)
• Death certificate of the co-owner

Because requirements can change, always check the instructions listed with the official Massachusetts claim form or ask staff at the state unclaimed property office for details.

Step 4: Completing the Official Massachusetts Claim Form

Once you know what you are claiming and have your documents ready, you’ll usually need to submit a claim form to the Massachusetts unclaimed property division.

How to access and submit the claim form

In Massachusetts, the common options are:

1. Online claim system

   • Start a claim using the official state unclaimed property site.
   • Select “deceased owner” or similar when asked about ownership.
   • Upload scans or clear photos of your documents (if the system allows).
   • Submit electronically, then watch for email notices.

2. Paper claim form

   • Print the form from the official state website, or
   • Request a form by mail or pick one up (if the office allows in-person visits).
   • Complete all sections, sign where indicated, and have notarized if required.
   • Mail the form with copies of your supporting documents to the address specified.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or forward your forms; you must submit them directly to the official Massachusetts office.

Tips for filling out the form

• Match names exactly as they appear in the unclaimed property listing and on your documents.
• List all former names if there were name changes (for example, maiden names).
• Answer all questions about your relationship to the deceased and whether there was a will or probate.
• If something doesn’t apply, follow the official instructions (sometimes you write “N/A” instead of leaving it blank).
• If a notary is required, do not sign the form until you are in front of the notary.

Step 5: What Happens After You File an Heir Claim?

Once you submit your claim, the Massachusetts unclaimed property program typically:

1. Acknowledges receipt

   • You may receive a confirmation number (online) or a letter by mail.

2. Reviews your documentation

   • Staff compare your claim against their records to confirm:
     • The property truly belongs to the deceased
     • There is no other person with a stronger claim
     • Your documents are complete and valid

3. Requests additional information (if needed)

   • If something is missing or unclear, they may send a letter, email, or call asking for:
     • Clearer copies
     • Additional proof of relationship
     • Court documents (like updated letters of authority)

4. Approves or denies the claim

   • If approved, the state typically issues a check to you or the estate, depending on the situation.
   • If denied, they usually provide a reason and may explain whether you can fix the issue or appeal.

How long does it usually take?

Timelines can vary based on:

• The amount and type of the property
• Whether probate is involved
• How complete your documents are
• How busy the office is

Some straightforward claims may be processed in several weeks; more complex estate or heirship claims can take several months. If you are concerned about delays, you can contact the Massachusetts unclaimed property office with your claim number to ask for a status update.

Common Reasons Massachusetts Heir Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems.

Frequent causes of delay

• Missing death certificate or uncertified copy
• No proof of relationship (no birth or marriage certificates)
• Incomplete probate documents (for estate claims)
• Forms not signed or not notarized where required
• Name mismatches (maiden name vs married name, misspellings)
• Hard-to-read photocopies or scans

Reasons a claim may be denied

• Someone else has a stronger legal claim (for example, a court-appointed personal representative when you are just a relative)
• The state determines the property does not belong to the person you are claiming for
• The property has already been claimed and paid out
• The documents do not satisfy Massachusetts’ requirements for:
  • Proving heirship
  • Confirming there is no ongoing estate administration
  • Establishing your authority to act for the estate

If your claim is denied, review the reason carefully. In some situations, you can:

• Submit additional or corrected documents, or
• Speak with an attorney familiar with Massachusetts probate or unclaimed property law to see what options you may have.

How Probate and Estate Administration Affect Heir Claims

If there is an open estate in probate court

If the deceased’s estate is being handled in Massachusetts probate court:

• The personal representative or executor usually has primary authority to recover unclaimed property.
• The claim is typically made in the name of the estate, and any recovered money becomes part of the estate assets.
• The estate will then distribute those funds according to the will or Massachusetts intestacy laws.

If you are not the personal representative but someone else is, the state may ask that they file the claim.

If there is no probate and no formal estate

If the deceased’s estate was never opened in court (often for smaller estates), Massachusetts may allow:

• A small estate or heirship process, using affidavits and supporting documents instead of full probate.
• Direct payment to the closest eligible heir(s) based on state law.

The specific dollar amount limits and procedures can change, so check with:

• The Massachusetts probate and family court (for small estate information), and
• The Massachusetts unclaimed property division (for their rules on small or non-probate claims).

Verifying You’re Using Official Massachusetts Channels

Because unclaimed property often involves money, scammers may try to charge fees or collect your personal information.

How to tell you’re on an official channel

Look for:

• A website that clearly identifies itself as the Massachusetts state treasurer’s unclaimed property division or similar official agency
• A “.gov” domain for state government pages
• Contact information that matches other known official Massachusetts agency listings
• Clear, non-pushy instructions that do not require payment to search for unclaimed property

Red flags to watch for

Be cautious if you see:

• Anyone asking you to pay a fee just to search for your relative’s unclaimed property
• High-pressure sales tactics (“act now or lose your claim”)
• Requests for sensitive information (like full Social Security number) before confirming you are on a verified state website or state office line
• Emails or calls that seem to come out of nowhere, claiming there is “money waiting” but sending you to a private site or asking you to sign contracts

Some legitimate “finders” or “heir locators” do exist and charge fees to help people with complex claims. However, you are not required to use them. You can always contact the Massachusetts unclaimed property office directly and ask about your options.

When to Consider Legal Help

Massachusetts heir claims for unclaimed property can often be handled without a lawyer, especially if:

• The amount is small,
• The documents are straightforward, and
• There is no family dispute.

It may be helpful to consult an attorney experienced in Massachusetts probate or estate law if:

• The estate is large or complex
• There is conflict among heirs or beneficiaries
• You are unsure how to open or close a probate case
• Your claim has been denied and you believe you have a strong legal right to the property

Legal aid organizations or local bar association referral services in Massachusetts may be able to help you find low-cost or pro bono assistance if you qualify.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Unclaimed property in Massachusetts is handled by the state treasurer’s unclaimed property division, not by HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Heirs, beneficiaries, and estate representatives can often claim unclaimed assets belonging to a deceased person.
• You’ll usually need:
  • A death certificate
  • Proof of your identity
  • Proof of your relationship or court appointment
  • The official Massachusetts claim form, completed and (if required) notarized
• The claim is processed and paid only through the official Massachusetts state office or website.
• If your situation involves probate, disputes, or a denial, consider speaking with a Massachusetts probate/estate attorney.

To move forward, your next practical step is to:

1. Search for your deceased relative’s name through the official Massachusetts unclaimed property portal or office, and
2. Follow the specific instructions there for deceased owner / heir claims, using the guidance in this article to prepare your documents and avoid common problems.