Documents You Need to Claim Unclaimed Assets in Michigan

If you recently discovered you may have unclaimed money or property in Michigan, you are not alone. Many people find forgotten bank accounts, checks, insurance proceeds, or utility deposits listed under their name.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains which documents are typically needed to claim unclaimed assets in Michigan, how the process usually works, and what to expect when you move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or claim portal, but this information can help you get organized before you contact the official office.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Michigan?

In Michigan, unclaimed property (also called unclaimed assets) generally refers to money or property that a business or organization has been holding but could not return to its owner. After a certain period of time with no contact, those funds are turned over to the State of Michigan for safekeeping.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts and credit union accounts that have been inactive
• Uncashed checks, such as payroll, refunds, or dividends
• Insurance proceeds or policy benefits
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stock dividends or mutual fund proceeds
• Money orders or traveler’s checks (after certain time frames)

The state holds this property until the rightful owner or heir submits a claim with the proper documentation.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property in Michigan?

Typically, the following people may be able to file a claim:

• The property owner (the person or business listed on the record)
• An heir or beneficiary (if the owner has died)
• A legal representative, such as:
  • Court-appointed personal representative or executor of an estate
  • Trustee of a trust
  • Attorney-in-fact with a valid power of attorney
  • Business owner or officer for a company claim

The documents you’ll need depend heavily on which of these roles applies to you.

Core Documents Needed for Most Michigan Unclaimed Property Claims

While the exact list can vary by claim, most people in Michigan are asked to provide two main types of documentation:

1. Proof of identity
2. Proof of ownership or connection to the property

Below is a general overview.

1. Proof of Identity (for Individuals)

You will almost always need to prove who you are. Commonly accepted documents include:

• Government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • Michigan driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • U.S. passport
• In some cases, you may also be asked for:
  • Social Security card (or a document showing your SSN)
  • Birth certificate
  • Immigration documents (for non-citizens with valid status)

💡 Tip: If your name has changed (for example, due to marriage or divorce), you may need name change documentation like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to connect your current name to the name on the property.

2. Proof of Ownership or Connection to the Property

The state will also typically require something that links you to the property owner information on the unclaimed asset record. This may include:

• Old documents showing the address associated with the claim, such as:
  • Utility bills
  • Bank statements
  • Lease agreements
  • Tax returns or W-2s
• Old account statements from the bank, insurance company, or business
• Canceled checks or deposit slips
• Policy documents (for insurance claims)
• Correspondence or statements from the company listed as the holder

If you do not have old paperwork, the state may accept other forms of evidence, but you may need to provide extra detail or explanation through the official portal or by contacting the unclaimed property office.

Extra Documents You Might Need in Common Situations

Beyond basic ID and proof of ownership, some situations require additional documentation.

If the Property Owner Is Deceased

If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has died, you will generally need:

• Death certificate of the property owner
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased, such as:
  • Birth certificate (for child or parent claims)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse claims)
• If the estate is open in probate:
  • Letters of Authority or similar court orders naming you as the personal representative or executor
• If the estate is not in probate:
  • The state may require specific affidavits or forms for small estates or heirs
• For multiple heirs:
  • Sometimes, signed statements, waivers, or notarized consent from other heirs

The exact requirements can depend on estate size, whether probate is open, and how Michigan’s inheritance laws apply. The safest approach is to check the instructions on the official State of Michigan unclaimed property website or claim portal, or call the state’s unclaimed property office for guidance.

If You’re Claiming as a Business

Businesses, nonprofits, or other organizations typically need:

• Proof of business identity, such as:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Business registration documents
  • IRS letter assigning the EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Proof of authority of the person filing, such as:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on company letterhead naming the authorized representative
  • Business card and ID for the signer (depending on requirements)
• Proof of business’ connection to the address or account on record:
  • Old utility bills or lease at that address
  • Bank or vendor account statements
  • Tax documents listing that business location or name

If You’re Claiming on Behalf of a Trust

If the property is under a trust name, you may be asked for:

• Relevant pages of the trust document, including:
  • The name of the trust
  • The name of the trustee(s)
  • Signature pages
• ID for the trustee who is signing
• Any amendments that affect the trust name or trustees

To protect privacy, official instructions may only ask for certain pages, not the entire trust.

If Your Name or Address Has Changed

Name change or address change is very common. The state may ask you to show a paper trail that connects your current identity to the claim details.

You might need:

• Name change documentation:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order for name change
• Old and new address documentation:
  • Utility bills under your name at the old and/or new address
  • Driver’s licenses with old and new addresses
  • Lease or mortgage documents
  • Tax returns listing past addresses

At-a-Glance: Common Michigan Unclaimed Property Documents

Requirements can change, so it’s important to confirm with the official State of Michigan unclaimed property office or website before submitting your claim.

How to Start a Claim for Unclaimed Assets in Michigan

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims, but you can usually follow these steps through official channels:

1. Search for Your Name or Business Name

   • Use the official State of Michigan unclaimed property search tool on the state’s website.
   • Enter your name, any previous names, and any business or trust names you control.

2. Identify Matching Property

   • Review search results carefully.
   • Check spelling, old addresses, and any business names to confirm which entries look like they belong to you.

3. Start a Claim Through the Official Portal or by Mail

   • Most people can begin the claim online through the state’s official system.
   • In some cases, you may need to print forms and mail them, especially for more complex claims (estate, business, trust).

4. Gather and Upload/Mail Required Documents

   • Based on the instructions you receive, collect the specific documentation requested.
   • Make clear copies of your documents; never send original IDs unless explicitly and safely required (and confirmed with the official office).
   • If submitting online, upload clear scans or photos as the portal instructs.

5. Sign Any Required Forms

   • Some claims require a notarized signature.
   • You may need to visit a notary public, which you can often find at banks, shipping stores, or law offices.

6. Submit Your Claim and Keep Records

   • After sending everything through the official process, keep:
     • Copies of all forms
     • Copies of IDs and other documents
     • Any confirmation number or reference number

What Happens After You Submit a Claim?

Processing times can vary, but typically:

• The unclaimed property office reviews your documents to verify:
  • Your identity
  • Your authority (if you’re an heir, personal representative, or business officer)
  • The match between you and the unclaimed asset
• They may:
  • Approve the claim and issue payment (check or other method stated)
  • Request additional information or documents if something is unclear
  • Deny the claim if they cannot verify ownership or identity

If your claim is approved, the state usually sends:

• A check for cash assets
• Instructions for retrieving physical property, if applicable (for example, contents from a safe deposit box)

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials in Michigan

Many claim issues come down to documentation problems. Common challenges include:

• Incomplete forms or missing signatures
• Unclear ID (blurry copies, expired ID, or mismatched names)
• Not enough proof linking you to the old address on the record
• Missing legal documents for estates, trusts, or businesses
• Name change not documented, especially after marriage, divorce, or adoption
• Confusion when multiple people have similar names at the same address

To reduce delays:

• Read the official instructions carefully before sending anything.
• Double-check that every document requested is included.
• Make sure your copies are legible and show full pages.
• If something is missing or you’re unsure, contact the State of Michigan unclaimed property office for clarification.

Appeals and Reviews if Your Claim Is Denied

If your claim for unclaimed property in Michigan is denied:

1. Read the Denial Notice Carefully

   • The notice or message from the official office may explain:
     • Why the claim was denied
     • What evidence was considered insufficient
     • Whether you can submit additional documentation

2. Gather Stronger Evidence

   • Identify what is missing (proof of identity, proof of relationship, proof of ownership).
   • Collect more detailed or official documents if possible.

3. Contact the Unclaimed Property Office

   • Ask what types of documents might resolve the issue.
   • Confirm whether to resubmit the claim or send additional documents for review.

4. Follow Any Formal Appeal Process

   • Some states offer formal appeal or review procedures, especially for larger or complex claims.
   • Check with the Michigan Department of Treasury’s unclaimed property section (or the current responsible office) to see what options are available.

How to Tell If You’re Using an Official Michigan Channel (Scam Avoidance Tips)

Because unclaimed money sounds appealing, it can unfortunately attract scams. To protect yourself:

• Check that you’re on the official State of Michigan website

  • The address should clearly indicate it is a state government site (look for “.gov”).
  • Avoid sites that mimic the state logo but have odd web addresses.

• Be cautious about fees

  • In many cases, you can claim your property directly from the state with no fee.
  • Some “finders” or “locators” charge a commission to help; this can be legal but is not required. If you choose to work with one, review any contract very carefully.

• Never send original personal documents to unverified addresses

  • If you are mailing sensitive paperwork, make sure the address matches the official unclaimed property office address listed on the Michigan government website or forms.

• Do not share Social Security numbers or banking details

  • Only enter this information in the official state portal or on official claim forms, never in response to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

• If you are uncertain whether a contact is legitimate, you can:

  • Look up the State of Michigan unclaimed property office phone number yourself (rather than using one given in an email) and call to verify.
  • Dial 211 in Michigan to ask for help finding the correct government office if needed.

If You Don’t Qualify or Cannot Prove Your Claim

Sometimes, a person strongly believes assets belong to them but cannot provide the documentation the state requires. In that case:

• Ask the unclaimed property office if there are alternative documents that could work.
• If you are an heir but cannot find formal estate paperwork:
  • You may need to speak with the probate court in the county where the deceased lived.
  • An attorney familiar with Michigan probate law may help you understand your options.
• If you still cannot meet the requirements, the state may be unable to release the funds, because unclaimed property offices must follow strict laws to avoid paying the wrong person.

Key Takeaways: Getting Ready to Claim Unclaimed Assets in Michigan

To make your claim process smoother:

• Gather valid photo ID and any documents linking you to the address or account on the state’s record.
• If the owner is deceased, collect a death certificate, relationship proof, and any estate documents like Letters of Authority.
• For businesses and trusts, have formation documents and proof of authority for whoever is signing.
• Review the official State of Michigan unclaimed property instructions to confirm exactly which documents apply to your situation.
• Watch out for scams and use only official government websites and phone numbers to submit claims or ask questions.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file claims or check claim status for you, but by understanding the documents typically needed to claim unclaimed assets in Michigan, you can be better prepared when you contact the official state office and move forward with your claim.