How To File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Massachusetts: Step-by-Step Guide

Finding out you might have unclaimed money in Massachusetts can be exciting—but also a bit confusing. This guide walks you through how unclaimed property works, who can file a claim, and how to submit your claim through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government office, not an official portal, and not a place to file claims. This article is meant to help you understand the usual process so you can follow up directly with the official Massachusetts agency that handles unclaimed property.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, unclaimed property (also called unclaimed assets) generally means money or property that belongs to you but has been inactive or unclaimed for a certain period of time.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts or CDs that were abandoned
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, insurance payments)
• Utility deposits (electric, gas, phone)
• Insurance proceeds or claim payments
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual funds
• Contents from safe deposit boxes
• Vendor or customer credits from businesses
• Security deposits from landlords

In Massachusetts, these assets are typically turned over to the state’s unclaimed property program, which is usually managed by the state treasurer’s office. The state then holds the property on your behalf until you (or your heirs) file a claim.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Massachusetts?

You might be able to file a claim if you are:

• The owner listed on the unclaimed property record
• A previous resident or business owner who once had an address in Massachusetts
• An heir or beneficiary of someone who has died
• A legal representative (such as a court-appointed executor, guardian, or attorney-in-fact)
• A business owner or officer claiming on behalf of a company

Typical Eligibility Signs

You may have a valid claim if:

• Your name or your previous name appears in the state’s unclaimed property search
• The address listed is one you used in the past (home, work, PO Box)
• A former employer, insurance company, or bank in Massachusetts once owed you money
• You are handling the affairs of someone who has passed away and find their name in the database

You don’t have to currently live in Massachusetts to claim property that was reported there.

How to Search for Unclaimed Money in Massachusetts

You usually need to search the official Massachusetts unclaimed property database before you can file a claim.

Typical steps:

1. Go to the official Massachusetts unclaimed property website

   • This is usually part of the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Office website.
   • You can find it by searching online for “Massachusetts unclaimed property official site” and checking that the site clearly identifies itself as a state government site.

2. Search by name

   • Enter your first and last name.
   • Try past names (maiden name, prior married name, hyphenated names).
   • Try business name, if you own or represent a company.

3. Review the results carefully

   • Check spelling variations of your name.
   • Confirm last known address, city, or employer.
   • Make sure the record actually looks like it belongs to you or your business.

4. Select property to claim

   • Most official sites let you check a box or click a button to start a claim for specific items.

If you have difficulty using the website, you can usually call the state treasurer’s unclaimed property division directly and ask about phone or mail-based search options.

Documents You May Need to File a Claim

The exact documentation depends on who you are and what type of claim you’re filing. The official Massachusetts office will give you specific instructions, but people are often asked for versions of the following:

For Individuals Claiming Their Own Property

Commonly requested:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Massachusetts driver’s license, state ID, or passport
• Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
  • SSN card, tax form, or other official document showing your SSN
• Proof of current address
  • Recent utility bill, bank statement, lease, or official letter
• Proof of past address (if the record is tied to an old address)
  • Old bills, mortgage statement, pay stub, W-2, or tax return

For Name Changes (Marriage, Divorce, Legal Change)

You may need:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for legal name change

These documents help show that your previous name and current name belong to the same person.

For Heirs or Estates

If the listed owner is deceased, the Massachusetts office may request:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Estate or probate documents, such as:
  • Letters of authority / letters testamentary
  • Will and court appointment
  • Small estate affidavit (if applicable)

For Business Claims

For companies, documents often include:

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, partnership agreement)
• Proof of authority to act for the company
  • Corporate resolution, letter on company letterhead, or officer identification
• Tax ID number (EIN) and related documents
• Proof of business address, past and present, if relevant

Quick Reference: Common Documents by Claim Type

The official Massachusetts unclaimed property office will explain exactly what they require for your specific claim.

How to File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Massachusetts

Once you find property that appears to be yours, you usually need to submit a claim through the state’s official process. In Massachusetts, this typically involves online forms, sometimes followed by mailing or uploading documents.

Step 1: Start Your Claim Online (If Available)

On the official Massachusetts unclaimed property site:

1. Select the property you want to claim.
2. Click the “Claim” or “File a Claim” button.
3. Indicate your relationship to the property:
   • Owner
   • Heir
   • Executor or representative
   • Business representative

You will usually be given a claim number. Keep this number for your records.

Step 2: Complete the Claim Form

You may be asked for:

• Full legal name
• Current mailing address and contact information
• Date of birth
• SSN or last four digits (for verification)
• Details about the property owner (if you’re filing as an heir or representative)
• Business information, if filing on behalf of a company

Make sure all information is accurate and consistent with your documents.

Step 3: Gather and Submit Required Documents

Depending on the system used by Massachusetts at the time you file, you may:

• Upload documents online, or
• Print the claim form, sign it, and mail it with copies of your documents to the address provided by the state.

Typical expectations:

• Sign the claim form where indicated.
• Follow state instructions about originals vs. copies. Often, photocopies are accepted, but some situations may require notarized documents.
• If notarization is required, you typically must sign in front of a notary public.

Step 4: Submit Your Claim to the Official Agency

You cannot file through HowToGetAssistance.org. To submit your claim:

• Use the official Massachusetts online portal, or
• Mail your documents to the address provided on the state’s official claim form, or
• In some situations, you may be able to visit the state treasurer’s office or special outreach events to get help.

Always confirm you are using an official state address or website before sending personal information.

What Happens After You File?

After the Massachusetts unclaimed property office receives your claim, they typically:

1. Acknowledge receipt

   • Through email, letter, or online status updates (depending on how you applied).

2. Review your documentation

   • They compare your documents with the information reported by the business or organization that turned over the property.
   • They may contact you if clarification or additional documents are needed.

3. Approve or deny the claim

   • If approved, the state usually issues a check or other payment to the verified owner or legal claimant.
   • If denied, they typically send a reason for the denial.

Typical Timelines

Processing time can vary based on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• Whether your documentation is complete and clear
• Whether the claim involves a simple cash item or more complex assets (like securities or estate claims)

Some claims may be processed in a few weeks, while more complex cases can take several months.

You can typically:

• Check claim status through the official Massachusetts unclaimed property website, or
• Call the state treasurer’s unclaimed property division and provide your claim number.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems.

Frequent Delays

Claims may take longer if:

• Documents are missing or incomplete
• The uploaded or mailed copies are unclear or illegible
• Your name or address on the documents doesn’t match the property record
• Additional proof of relationship, authority, or ownership is required

Frequent Denials

A claim might be denied if:

• The state cannot confirm that you’re the rightful owner
• You cannot provide sufficient proof of identity or relationship
• The claim should have been filed by a different heir or representative
• You are trying to claim property that actually belongs to someone with a similar name

If your claim is denied and you believe it is an error, the Massachusetts office may offer:

• Instructions on how to submit additional information, or
• Directions on how to request a review or reconsideration

Always refer to the specific instructions in your denial letter for next steps.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

Massachusetts may allow you to:

1. Respond in writing with more documents or clarifications.
2. Resubmit a claim if new information becomes available (for example, after you obtain probate documents).
3. In certain situations, you may be able to request a formal review within the state’s administrative process.

The exact options and timelines are set by the state’s policies and laws, so it’s important to read all correspondence from the unclaimed property office carefully and follow the instructions provided there.

Tips to Make Your Massachusetts Claim Smoother

A few practical strategies can help:

• Search using multiple versions of your name

  • Include middle initials, hyphenated names, and past names.

• Gather documents before you start the claim

  • This can make it easier to complete the form accurately and quickly.

• Keep copies of everything

  • Claim form, supporting documents, emails, letters, and your claim number.

• Respond promptly to any requests from the state

  • Delays often occur when additional information is requested and not provided.

• Use clear, legible copies

  • Blurry or cut-off documents can slow verification.

How to Confirm You’re Using an Official Massachusetts Channel

Because unclaimed money sounds appealing, it can attract scams. It’s important to verify you’re dealing with a legitimate Massachusetts government office, not a private company pretending to be the state.

Signs You Are on an Official Channel

• The website clearly identifies a Massachusetts government agency, such as the Office of the State Treasurer.
• Contact information includes official mailing addresses and government phone numbers.
• The site allows you to search your name for free; you do not pay just to see if property exists.
• Staff who answer the phone identify themselves as working for a Massachusetts state office, not a private business.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Someone contacts you unexpectedly and demands a fee upfront to “unlock” unclaimed money.
• You are asked to send sensitive details (like full SSN or bank info) to a personal email address.
• A website does not clearly identify which government agency is responsible.
• You feel pressured to act quickly or risk “losing” your claim right away.

Massachusetts may allow legitimate “finders” or “locators” to offer services for a fee, but you do not need to pay anyone to search or file a claim directly through the state’s official unclaimed property office.

If you’re unsure:

• Call the Massachusetts state treasurer’s office using a number you look up independently on a trusted directory.
• You can also dial 211 in many areas to ask for help finding the correct official agency.

What If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Property?

Even if your search comes up empty right now, you still have options:

• Try again periodically
  • Companies may report unclaimed property to the state on an annual cycle.
• Search in other states
  • If you have lived, worked, or done business in other states, check each state’s official unclaimed property program.
• Check federal sources separately
  • Certain types of federal money (like tax refunds or some federal benefits) are handled outside of state unclaimed property systems. You’d need to contact the appropriate federal agency directly.

Remember that HowToGetAssistance.org does not store or manage unclaimed property and cannot check or process claims. All official searches and filings must go through the appropriate state or federal office.

Key Takeaways for Filing an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Massachusetts

• Start with the official Massachusetts unclaimed property search.
• Confirm eligibility by reviewing name, address, and other details on the record.
• Gather typical documents: photo ID, proof of SSN, address history, and any special documents for heirs or businesses.
• File your claim through the state’s official portal or mailing address, not through third-party sites.
• Keep your claim number and copies of all documents.
• Watch for requests for more information and respond promptly to avoid delays.
• Be cautious of scams and verify you’re working with a real Massachusetts government office.

With the right information and documents, many people are able to successfully file an unclaimed assets claim in Massachusetts by following the official steps laid out by the state’s unclaimed property program.