Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Office: What It Does and What It Holds

The Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Office is a state-run program that works to protect and return money and property that people have forgotten about, lost track of, or never knew they had. It is sometimes referred to as the Unclaimed Property Division within the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Office.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, does not run the unclaimed property program, and you cannot file a claim or check your status through this site. This guide is here to help you understand how the process usually works so you can take your next steps through the official Massachusetts channels.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, unclaimed property usually means money or assets that belong to you but have been inactive for a certain period of time, and the company holding them has lost contact with you.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts you stopped using
• Uncashed checks (for payroll, refunds, or dividends)
• Security deposits for utilities or rentals
• Forgotten insurance benefits
• Safe deposit box contents

These items are not taken by the state permanently. Instead, the business or financial institution is required to turn them over to the Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Office, which then holds them in trust for the rightful owner or heirs.

There is typically no deadline to claim your property from the state, but certain types of property (like physical items in safe deposit boxes) may eventually be sold, with the proceeds held for you.

What the Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Office Does

The main role of the Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Office is to reconnect people with their lost money and assets. In plain terms, it:

• Receives unclaimed funds and property from banks, employers, insurers, and other businesses
• Maintains a database of names and property information
• Verifies claims from people who believe they are the owners
• Issues payments or releases property once ownership is confirmed
• Provides public outreach (like mailings or outreach events) to encourage people to search for their unclaimed property

The office does not charge a fee to search for unclaimed property or to file a claim through the official portal or official forms.

What Types of Property the Office Typically Holds

The Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Office usually holds financial assets and certain physical items, not real estate or cars. Here are the most common categories:

Financial Assets

• Dormant bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor payments, refunds, rebates)
• Insurance proceeds and benefits
• Retirement accounts that have been abandoned or inactive (in specific situations)
• Dividends and stocks (or the cash value if stocks were sold)
• Trust distributions and estate-related funds
• Money orders or travelers checks (after a period of time)

Safe Deposit Box Contents

If a safe deposit box has been abandoned and the bank cannot reach the owner, the contents may be sent to the state. These might include:

• Jewelry
• Coins or collectibles
• Important documents (such as old deeds, certificates, or family papers)

Massachusetts may eventually auction off physical items, but the money from those sales is still held for the rightful owner.

What It Usually Does Not Hold

The unclaimed property office does not typically handle:

• Real estate (houses, land)
• Vehicles
• Child support payments
• Social Security benefits
• Regular wage or benefit payments that are still current

Those types of issues are usually handled by other state or federal agencies, such as your state’s motor vehicle department, child support enforcement office, or the Social Security Administration.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Property in Massachusetts?

You might have unclaimed property with the Massachusetts office if:

• You once lived, worked, or studied in Massachusetts
• You had a bank account, job, rental, or utility account in the state
• You moved and didn’t update your address with your bank, employer, or insurance company
• A relative who lived in Massachusetts died, and their estate was never fully settled or distributed
• You once owned a business in Massachusetts

Property is often reported under your:

• Full legal name (and sometimes old names, such as a maiden name)
• Last known address or P.O. box
• Business name if you were a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation

If you lived in multiple states, you may need to search each state’s unclaimed property office separately.

How to Search for Your Massachusetts Unclaimed Property

You cannot search, apply, or check status through HowToGetAssistance.org. To search, you need to use the official Massachusetts unclaimed property website or contact the official state office.

Typical steps:

1. Go to the official Massachusetts unclaimed property search tool

   • Look for the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division through a search engine.
   • Verify that the website is clearly identified as a state government site (for example, many state sites end in “.gov”).

2. Search by your name

   • Try different versions: full name, middle initial, former names.
   • If you are searching for a business, use the registered business name.

3. Review search results carefully

   • Compare your name and last known address to the listings.
   • If it looks like it might be yours, note the property ID number or claim number (if listed).

4. Start a claim on the official portal

   • Follow the instructions on the official site to begin a claim for each property that appears to belong to you.
   • You will likely be asked for contact information and may need to upload or mail documents.

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

• Call the Massachusetts unclaimed property office using the phone number listed on the official state Treasurer’s website, or
• Request a printed claim form by mail.

Documents You May Need to Claim Massachusetts Unclaimed Property

The exact documents can vary depending on the type of property and your situation. In general, be ready to prove:

• Your identity
• Your connection to the address or account listed
• Your right to claim on behalf of someone else, if applicable

Commonly requested documents include:

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Passport

• Proof of Social Security number (sometimes required)

  • Social Security card
  • Tax document that clearly shows your full SSN

• Proof of current or past address that matches the unclaimed property listing

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Old W-2 or pay stub

• Documentation of name changes, if applicable

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order

• Business documentation (for business claims)

  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Business license
  • Tax identification documents
  • Proof you are an authorized officer or owner

• Estate-related documents (for heirs or executors)

  • Death certificate
  • Will, letters testamentary, or court appointment of executor/administrator
  • Affidavit of heirship, if requested by the state

The Massachusetts unclaimed property office will typically list required documents for each claim when you start or submit the claim on the official site.

Quick Reference: Common Claim Situations and Documents

*Exact requirements can change. Always follow current instructions on the official Massachusetts unclaimed property portal or from the official office.

How to Submit a Claim Through Official Channels

You must claim through Massachusetts state offices, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.

Typical claim process:

1. Start the claim online or request a form

   • From the official Massachusetts unclaimed property website, select your property and start a claim, or
   • Call the official office to request paper claim forms if you cannot use the online portal.

2. Complete the claim form carefully

   • Provide accurate personal information (name, address, SSN if required).
   • Double-check spelling and numbers.

3. Attach or upload required documents

   • Follow the list of documents shown for your specific claim.
   • Make clear copies if sending by mail.
   • Never send your only original document unless the state office specifically requires it and you understand the risk.

4. Submit the claim

   • Online: upload or attach documents as directed and submit electronically.
   • By mail: send the completed claim form and copies of documents to the official mailing address listed on the state Treasurer’s or unclaimed property website.

5. Keep copies and a record

   • Save a copy of your claim form.
   • Write down or print any claim number or reference number.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once you submit your claim to the Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Office, you can usually expect:

• Acknowledgment

  • If you filed online, you may see a confirmation screen or receive an email.
  • Mailed claims may take longer before you receive confirmation.

• Review of your documents

  • Staff verify your identity and confirm that the property matches your information.
  • They may compare previous addresses, employer names, bank account numbers, or other details.

• Requests for more information (if needed)

  • If something is missing or unclear, the office may send you a letter, email, or portal message asking for additional documents.

• Decision

  • If approved, you may receive a check or, in some cases, information on how to claim physical property or proceeds.
  • If denied, the office usually provides a reason, such as insufficient documentation or conflicting ownership information.

Processing times can vary depending on:

• How many claims are being processed
• Complexity of your claim (for example, estates usually take longer than personal claims)
• Whether you respond quickly to any requests for more information

Common Reasons Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Knowing frequent problems can help you avoid them:

• Missing or incomplete documents

  • Not sending required ID, proof of address, or estate documents
  • Documents that are hard to read or expired

• Name or address doesn’t clearly match

  • No documentation to link your current and former names
  • No proof connecting you to the address where the property was held

• Incorrect or incomplete claim form

  • Leaving required fields blank
  • Incorrect Social Security number or date of birth

• Unclear authority to claim

  • For estates or businesses, not providing court appointments, letters, or corporate proof
  • Submitting a claim for someone else without legal documentation

• Duplicate claims or multiple claimants

  • More than one person claiming the same property can slow review
  • The office may need extra time to verify who is entitled to the funds

If your claim is denied and you believe the decision is wrong, you can usually contact the Massachusetts unclaimed property office to ask:

• Why it was denied
• Whether you can submit additional documents
• Whether there is a formal appeal or review process

Follow the instructions provided in the denial letter or on the official website.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

Massachusetts may allow a reconsideration or appeal process, especially if you can provide new or corrected information.

Typical steps might include:

1. Read the denial notice carefully

   • Understand the stated reason: identity mismatch, no proof of address, insufficient estate authority, etc.

2. Gather additional evidence

   • For example, older documents, court records, or more detailed business paperwork.

3. Submit a written request or appeal

   • Follow the instructions in your denial letter or on the Massachusetts unclaimed property website.
   • Include your claim number, updated documents, and a clear explanation.

4. Wait for the review

   • Response times can vary. Track any updates through the official hotline or portal if available.

Always rely on official Massachusetts instructions because specific appeal procedures can change over time.

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

If you can’t meet the documentation requirements or your claim is denied and upheld, you generally won’t receive the property. However, you may have options:

• Look for other unclaimed property in your name

  • Sometimes you may have multiple items listed in different variations of your name or address.

• Check other states’ unclaimed property offices

  • If you lived in another state, you might have property there instead of in Massachusetts.

• Contact the original holder (if identified)

  • In rare cases, if the listing shows the business or institution that reported the property, you might reach out to them for more information or old records to help support a future claim.

If you are facing general financial hardship and were hoping unclaimed property would help but do not qualify, you can explore:

• Local assistance programs (energy assistance, food assistance, rental help)
• Calling 211 in many areas to be connected with community resources
• Checking with your local social services or human services department

These options are separate from the unclaimed property program but may help with broader financial needs.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Massachusetts Channels

Because unclaimed property involves money, scammers sometimes try to take advantage. Keep these tips in mind:

• Searching and claiming through the official Massachusetts site is typically free

  • Be cautious of any service that demands large upfront fees to file a claim you can file yourself.

• Check the website address

  • Massachusetts government sites are usually clearly identified as part of the state Treasurer’s office or as official state government.
  • Look for contact details that match those listed by the Massachusetts State Treasurer.

• Be cautious with personal information

  • Only enter your Social Security number or upload ID documents on a verified official site.
  • Do not email sensitive documents to addresses that are not clearly part of the state government.

• Verify unexpected calls or messages

  • If someone calls claiming to be from the unclaimed property office and asks for personal data or payment, hang up and call the official number listed on the state Treasurer’s website to verify.
  • Be wary of messages promising huge sums if you pay a “processing fee.”

• Third-party “finders” or “locators”

  • Some people or companies search unclaimed property databases and offer to help you for a fee or percentage.
  • You are usually not required to use these services and can almost always file directly with the state for free.
  • If you choose to use one, read any agreement carefully and confirm that the property is truly in your name first.

How to Keep Your Property From Becoming “Unclaimed” in the Future

Even if you do not currently have unclaimed property, Massachusetts may receive property in your name in the future if you lose contact with a bank or company. Some ways to reduce that risk:

• Keep your contact information updated

  • Notify banks, employers, insurance companies, and utilities when you move or change your name.

• Use your accounts regularly

  • Make small deposits or withdrawals periodically to avoid “dormant” status.

• Cash or deposit checks promptly

  • Old payroll checks, refunds, or rebate checks that sit too long may ultimately be turned over to the state.

• Organize your financial records

  • Keep a simple list of accounts, policies, and safe deposit boxes and tell a trusted person how to find it.

• Review your mail and email

  • Companies may send notices before they turn property over to the state. Responding can keep your account active.

By understanding what the Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Office does, what it holds, and how to work through the official channels, you can better decide whether it makes sense to search for property in your name and how to move forward. For the most current forms, rules, and instructions, always refer directly to the official Massachusetts unclaimed property website or the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s office.