Unclaimed Insurance Money and Benefits in Massachusetts: How to Find and Claim What You’re Owed

Unclaimed insurance money and forgotten benefits are more common than many people realize. In Massachusetts, unpaid life insurance policies, health insurance refunds, auto insurance claim checks, and other funds sometimes end up in the state’s custody when they are not claimed by the rightful owner.

This guide explains how unclaimed insurance benefits typically work in Massachusetts, how to search for and claim them through official channels, and what to expect at each step.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information resource. It is not a government agency, insurance company, or claims processor, and you cannot file or track a claim through this site. Instead, this article will help you understand the process so you can work directly with the appropriate official offices and insurers.

What Is Unclaimed Insurance Money in Massachusetts?

Unclaimed insurance money usually refers to funds owed to you by an insurance company that were never received or cashed, such as:

• Life insurance benefits owed to a named beneficiary
• Annuity payments that were never delivered or were returned as undeliverable
• Refunds of insurance premiums (for example, overpayments)
• Uncashed claim checks from auto, renters, homeowners, or health insurance
• Dividends or policy proceeds from certain life insurance or mutual insurance policies

In Massachusetts, if an insurance company cannot contact you or your beneficiary after a certain period, it is usually required by law to turn those funds over to the Massachusetts state unclaimed property program, managed by the Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General.

From that point on, you (or your heirs) can file a claim with the state to try to reclaim that money.

Common Types of Unclaimed Insurance Benefits

Life Insurance and Annuities

These are some of the most frequent forms of unclaimed insurance in Massachusetts because:

• Beneficiaries may not know a policy exists.
• The insured person may have moved, changed names, or died without updating records.
• The insurer may not be able to locate the beneficiary.

You might be able to claim funds if:

• A relative or spouse passed away who had life insurance.
• You were named as a beneficiary (or may have been, even if you do not have the policy document).
• You are the executor or administrator of an estate with past insurance policies.

Auto, Home, Renters, or Business Insurance Refunds

Unclaimed funds can come from:

• Overpayments of premiums
• Uncashed claim checks after an accident, storm damage, or other event
• Policy cancellations where a partial premium refund was due

Health and Disability Insurance

Although less common, you may find:

• Premium refunds
• Benefit checks that were never cashed
• Reimbursements for overpaid medical costs

How Unclaimed Insurance Ends Up with the State

The process is broadly similar across insurers:

1. Insurer owes money
   You are due a payment—such as a claim check, refund, or life insurance benefit.

2. Mail or contact problems
   The insurer sends the payment, but it is never cashed, or mail is returned as undeliverable. Or they may be missing your Social Security number, date of birth, or updated address.

3. Dormancy period passes
   After a certain period with no contact or cashing of the check (often a few years, depending on the type of account), the funds are considered “dormant” or “abandoned” under state law.

4. Insurer turns funds over to the state
   The insurer reports the funds as unclaimed property and sends the money, along with the last known name and address, to the Massachusetts unclaimed property program.

5. You or your heirs file a claim
   To get the money back, you must file a claim with the Massachusetts Treasurer’s Office or, in some cases, directly with the insurer, depending on where the funds currently sit.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Insurance Money in Massachusetts

The first step is to search the official Massachusetts unclaimed property database.

Because websites can change, it is usually best to:

• Go to the official website of the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General.
• Look for a section labeled “Unclaimed Property” or “Find Unclaimed Money”.
• Use their search tool by entering:
  • Your first and last name
  • Any previous names (maiden names, name changes)
  • Addresses where you have lived in Massachusetts
  • The name of a deceased relative if you may be a beneficiary or heir

You can also call the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division using the phone number listed on the Treasurer’s official website if you need help searching.

Use Multiple Name Variations

To increase your chances of finding money:

• Try different spellings of your name.
• Search for:
  • Full legal name
  • Middle initial vs. full middle name
  • Former married or maiden names
• Search for parents, grandparents, or spouses if you might be entitled to their estate.

Step 2: Identify Insurance-Related Listings

If the search shows possible matches, you will usually see:

• The name of the owner of the funds
• A partial address or city
• The holder type, sometimes listed as:
  • Insurance company
  • Life insurance
  • Property and casualty insurer
  • Health insurer
• A general property type, such as:
  • Insurance proceeds
  • Insurance policy benefit
  • Refund
  • Other unclaimed funds

If you see an entry that could be related to insurance (especially life insurance), note:

• The property ID or claim number (if listed)
• The name of the insurance company (if shown)

You can then usually start a claim directly from that listing through the state’s unclaimed property claim process.

Step 3: Prepare the Documents You May Need

To claim unclaimed insurance money in Massachusetts, you will typically need to provide proof of identity and, if claiming on behalf of someone else, proof of your relationship or authority.

Here is a simple comparison to help you see what may be required:

The exact documents can vary depending on:

• The type of insurance (life, auto, health, etc.)
• The amount of money
• Whether you are the direct owner or claiming on behalf of an estate or business

The Massachusetts unclaimed property office usually lists required documents for each claim type on its official website or in letters they send you.

Step 4: File a Claim with the Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Program

Once you have identified a record that appears to be yours, the typical steps are:

1. Start the claim online or request a form

   • On the official unclaimed property website, you can usually click a “Claim” or “File Claim” button next to the entry.
   • If you cannot use the online system, you may be able to request a paper claim form by phone or mail from the Unclaimed Property Division.

2. Complete the claim form
   You will generally need to provide:

   • Your full legal name
   • Current address and contact information
   • Social Security number or tax ID
   • Information about the property (such as claim ID, name of insurer, etc.)
   • An explanation of your relationship to the original owner, if you are claiming as an heir or representative

3. Attach required documentation
   Carefully follow the instructions for:

   • Proof of identity
   • Proof of address
   • Proof of relationship or authority (if claiming for someone else or an estate)
   • Any specific documents requested for insurance proceeds (such as a death certificate)

4. Submit your claim to the state

   • If filing online, you may be able to upload documents electronically.
   • For paper claims, you will typically mail the completed form and copies of documents to the address listed on the form.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or submit claims. All claim forms and documents must go directly to the Massachusetts Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division or, where applicable, to the insurance company named in the record.

Step 5: Wait for Review and Respond to Any Follow-Up

After you submit a claim, the state usually:

1. Reviews your documents
   Staff check that:

   • Your identity matches the person listed on the account.
   • You have legal authority if you are claiming on behalf of someone else.
   • All required documents are present.

2. Requests additional information if needed
   It is common to receive:

   • A letter or email asking for more documentation, such as an updated ID, a clearer copy, or additional estate documents.
   • Instructions on how and where to send the additional information.

3. Approves or denies the claim

   • If approved, you typically receive a check by mail for the amount due, sometimes with interest depending on the type of property and state rules.
   • If denied, the notice should explain the reason and sometimes how to correct the issue or reapply.

Processing times can vary based on:

• The volume of claims the office is handling
• The complexity of your claim (especially for estates and life insurance)
• How quickly you respond to any requests for additional documentation

If you have questions during the process, you can contact the Unclaimed Property Division using the phone number or contact instructions on the official Treasurer’s website.

Special Considerations for Life Insurance Benefits

Life insurance and annuity claims can be more complex. Here are some specific points for Massachusetts residents:

If You Think a Loved One Had Life Insurance

You may be able to start by:

• Checking old files, safe deposit boxes, or emails for:
  • Policy statements
  • Premium payment records
  • Letters from insurance companies
• Reviewing bank statements or credit card charges for recurring payments to an insurer.
• Contacting the employer if the deceased person had job-based life insurance.
• Searching the Massachusetts unclaimed property database under:
  • The deceased person’s full name
  • Possible name variations

If the policy is still with the insurance company (and not yet turned over to the state), you may need to:

• Call the insurer’s claims department directly.
• Provide:
  • The policy number (if you have it)
  • The insured person’s full name and date of birth
  • A death certificate and proof of your identity and relationship

If No Beneficiary Was Named or All Beneficiaries Died

In some cases, if:

• There is no living named beneficiary, or
• The beneficiary was not updated,

The benefits may become part of the estate of the deceased. This often means:

• A court-appointed personal representative or executor must file the claim.
• The insurer or state unclaimed property office may require:
  • Letters testamentary or letters of administration from the Probate and Family Court in Massachusetts.
  • Additional estate documentation.

If you are handling an estate, the Probate and Family Court in the appropriate county can usually tell you what documents you need to become the official personal representative.

If Your Insurance Money Is Still with the Company (Not Yet with the State)

Not all unclaimed funds will appear in the state’s database immediately. There are times when:

• The insurance company is still holding the funds, and
• You must claim directly with the insurer, not the state.

You might suspect this if:

• You know the name of the insurance company, but nothing appears in the state database.
• The insurer recently mailed you a notice about unclaimed benefits or dormant accounts.

In that case:

1. Contact the insurance company’s customer service or claims department.
2. Ask whether they show:
   • Any unpaid claims
   • Any uncashed checks
   • Any life insurance benefits under your name or the deceased person’s name.
3. Follow their official process for submitting a claim, which often includes:
   • A claim form
   • Identification
   • Death certificate for life insurance

If you are unsure whether to contact the state or the insurer, you can:

• Search the Massachusetts unclaimed property site first.
• If nothing appears and you know the insurer, contact the company directly.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding typical issues can help you avoid delays:

1. Missing or incomplete documentation

   • Not providing a full copy of the death certificate.
   • Forgetting to include required pages of court orders or estate papers.
   • Omitting your Social Security number when requested.

2. Name or address mismatches

   • Different spellings or versions of your name.
   • Changes due to marriage, divorce, or legal name changes.
   • Old addresses that no longer appear on your identification.

   In these cases, name change documents or proof of past addresses (such as old utility bills or tax records) can help.

3. Unclear relationship to the original owner

   • Claiming on behalf of a relative but not showing how you are connected.
   • Lack of documents proving you are the executor, personal representative, or heir.

4. Conflicting claims

   • Multiple people claiming the same benefit.
   • Disputes among heirs or family members over who is entitled.

   These may require legal guidance through Massachusetts probate court or consultation with an attorney.

5. Incorrect or outdated claim forms

   • Using an old version of the form.
   • Not signing or dating where required.

If your claim is denied, look for:

• The written explanation from the state or insurer.
• Any mention of how to appeal or submit additional evidence.

Can You Appeal a Denied Claim?

If the Massachusetts unclaimed property office denies your claim, you may have options such as:

• Submitting additional documentation to correct missing or unclear information.
• Requesting a review or reconsideration by contacting the office directly.
• In more complex cases involving large sums or legal disputes, seeking advice from a Massachusetts attorney knowledgeable in probate, estates, or insurance law.

Each situation is different. The denial letter or notice is usually the best starting point, as it often lists:

• The reason for denial.
• What, if anything, you can do to fix the issue.

How to Tell You’re Using an Official Channel (and Avoid Scams)

Because unclaimed money can sound attractive, scams do exist. Here are ways to protect yourself:

• Use official government sources.
  • Go directly to the website of the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General or call the number listed on that official site.
• Be cautious with unsolicited calls or emails.
  • Be skeptical of anyone who contacts you unexpectedly and demands upfront fees to help you claim property.
• You usually do not need to pay to claim from the state.
  • The Massachusetts unclaimed property program typically does not charge a fee to file a claim.
  • Some people or businesses (often called “finders” or “locators”) may offer to help for a fee, but this is optional, and you can usually file the claim directly yourself.
• Do not share sensitive information (Social Security number, bank account numbers) unless:
  • You are sure you are communicating with the official state office or insurance company, and
  • You initiated the contact using a phone number or address you obtained from an official government or company website.

If you are unsure, you can:

• Call Massachusetts 211 and ask to be connected to the state unclaimed property office or financial consumer protection resources.
• Check with your local consumer protection office or Attorney General’s office for guidance.

Alternatives and Other Resources If You Do Not Find Unclaimed Insurance Money

If your search in Massachusetts does not reveal any unclaimed insurance funds, you may still want to:

1. Search other states
   If you or your family members have lived or worked in other states, you can:

   • Visit the official unclaimed property program for each state where you lived.
   • Search using your name, relatives’ names, and past addresses.

2. Check with current or former employers
   Especially for life insurance and disability policies offered as employee benefits, contact:

   • Human resources or benefits departments.
   • Pension or retirement plan administrators.

3. Review your own active policies
   For any current life, health, or property insurance:

   • Confirm that beneficiary information is up to date.
   • Make sure your address and contact information are current.
   • Inform a trusted family member or executor where policy documents are kept.

4. Ask local nonprofits or legal aid organizations for help
   In Massachusetts, certain legal aid groups or senior centers may:

   • Help you understand documents.
   • Guide you on how to contact the state unclaimed property office.
   • Provide general information about probate and estate questions.

These organizations do not usually file claims for you but can often help you feel more confident navigating official processes.

By understanding how unclaimed insurance money and benefits work in Massachusetts, you can:

• Search the official state unclaimed property database,
• Identify any insurance-related records,
• Gather the right documents, and
• File a claim through the appropriate state office or insurance company.

Taking these steps can help ensure that any money owed to you, or to your family, does not remain unclaimed.