Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Find Unclaimed Assets in Michigan

Finding unclaimed money in Michigan is often easier than people expect. Many residents discover they have forgotten bank accounts, utility deposits, insurance payments, or other funds that were turned over to the state for safekeeping.

This guide walks you through, step by step, how people typically search for and claim unclaimed property in Michigan through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only—we do not handle searches or claims ourselves, but you can use this overview to feel prepared before you work with the official offices.

What “Unclaimed Assets” in Michigan Usually Means

In Michigan, “unclaimed property” or “unclaimed assets” usually refers to money or valuables that:

• Belong to you (or someone in your family), and
• Have been inactive or unclaimed for a certain time, so
• The business or institution turned them over to the State of Michigan to hold until the owner claims them.

Common examples include:

• Old bank or credit union accounts
• Uncashed paychecks
• Refunds or credit balances (utilities, cell phone providers, cable companies)
• Uncashed money orders or cashier’s checks
• Insurance benefits or dividends
• Stocks, mutual funds, or brokerage accounts
• Safe deposit box contents (sometimes physical items)
• Security deposits (housing, utilities)

The State of Michigan typically holds these items indefinitely so owners or heirs can claim them later.

Who Can Search for Unclaimed Property in Michigan?

Generally, anyone can search for unclaimed assets in Michigan. Typical searchers include:

• Current or former Michigan residents
• Heirs or family members of someone who has passed away
• People who used to work in Michigan
• Business owners, nonprofits, or organizations that may have refunds or old accounts

You do not need a lawyer or paid service to do a basic search. Most people use the official state unclaimed property website or contact the Michigan Department of Treasury office that handles unclaimed property.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can start a search with only a name, but it often helps to prepare a few details:

For individuals:

• Full legal name (including middle name or initial, if used)
• Previous names (maiden name, prior married names, name changes)
• Common nicknames or variations (e.g., Jon/John/Jonathan)
• Past Michigan addresses (even old ones: apartments, dorms, rentals)
• Approximate years you lived or worked in Michigan

For businesses or organizations:

• Exact legal business name
• Any “doing business as” (DBA) names
• Former business names, if the name changed
• Business address(es) in Michigan

Having these ready can help you identify which results actually belong to you, especially if your name is common.

Step 2: Use the Official Michigan Unclaimed Property Search

The most common way to look for unclaimed assets in Michigan is through the state’s official unclaimed property search tool, typically provided by the Michigan Department of Treasury.

You can usually:

1. Go to the official State of Michigan website.
2. Navigate to the section for Unclaimed Property.
3. Use the name search feature.

Typical search steps:

1. Enter your last name.
2. Add your first name or initial to narrow results.
3. Optionally enter a city to filter further.
4. Review the list that appears.

You can usually adjust or repeat your search using:

• Different spellings of your name
• Past names (such as a maiden name)
• Old addresses or cities where you used to live or work

📝 Tip: Try searching for each name variation you’ve used in Michigan. Many people find assets under an old address, job, or last name.

Step 3: Review and Identify Claims That Belong to You

The search results often show:

• Owner name
• Reported address (city, sometimes full address)
• Type of property (for example, payroll, bank account, insurance, utility refund)
• Sometimes a range or category of dollar amount (small, medium, large)

Look closely at:

• Address or city listed
• The type of account or payment
• Whether the name and spelling match you or your business

If you see something that looks like it belongs to you:

1. Select it (often a checkbox or “Claim” button).
2. Add it to your claim list.
3. Start the online claim process (or note the claim number if you need to follow up by mail).

If you are unsure whether a result is really yours, there is usually an option to initiate a claim and then provide documentation later to prove or disprove ownership.

Step 4: Understand What Documents You May Need

To prove ownership of unclaimed property, the state typically asks for documents. The exact list can depend on:

• Whether you are claiming for yourself
• For a business or organization
• As a heir, executor, or personal representative

Below is a general idea of what is often required.

Common documents for individuals

You may be asked for:

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Michigan driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport

• Proof of Social Security Number (if requested)

  • Social Security card
  • Tax form or pay stub showing last four digits

• Proof of address (especially if the unclaimed property is tied to an old address)

  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Old bank statement
  • Tax bill

• Name change documentation, if the name on the unclaimed property doesn’t match your current legal name

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

Additional documents if you’re claiming for someone else

If you are heir or representative:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Proof of relationship (for example, birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Letters of authority, court appointment, or similar papers if you are the personal representative or executor
• Sometimes a will or trust paperwork, depending on the situation

For business or organization claims

You may need:

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, etc.)
• Proof of authority to act for the business (e.g., officer or authorized signer)
• Tax ID number (EIN)
• Possibly proof of the business’s address at the time the property was created

Quick Reference: Typical Documents by Situation

*Exact requirements can vary. The official Michigan unclaimed property office or website usually lists current document requirements.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim Through Official Channels

After you pick items that appear to belong to you, you will normally be asked to submit a claim. This is usually done:

• Online through the state’s official unclaimed property portal
• By mail if paperwork or original signatures are required
• Occasionally by fax or in person, depending on state procedures

Typical claim steps:

1. Fill out the claim form.

   • Confirm your contact information.
   • Verify your relationship to the property owner (yourself, heir, business representative, etc.).

2. Upload or attach documents.

   • Online portals usually allow secure document uploads.
   • Mailed claims often need copies (not originals unless specifically requested).

3. Sign the claim.

   • Some forms require an electronic signature.
   • Mailed forms may need a handwritten signature and sometimes notarization (the form will indicate this if required).

4. Submit the claim according to the instructions.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not collect or process any of this information. You must work directly with the State of Michigan’s official unclaimed property office or portal.

Step 6: What Happens After You File a Claim

Once you submit your claim, the state typically:

1. Logs your claim and issues a confirmation or claim number.
2. Reviews your documents to verify identity and ownership.
3. May contact you if anything is missing or unclear.
4. Approves or denies the claim, or asks for additional documentation.

How long it might take

Processing times can vary depending on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• How complete your documentation is
• Whether you are making a straightforward individual claim or a more complex estate or business claim

The state’s unclaimed property office or website often lists estimated processing times. Many people receive a decision or payment within a few weeks to a few months, but timelines can change.

Step 7: How You Might Receive Your Money or Property

If your claim is approved, the State of Michigan usually returns funds by:

• Check mailed to your current address, or
• In some cases, direct deposit (if that option is available and you provide banking details securely through the official channel)

For physical property (such as safe deposit box contents), the state may:

• Mail certain items, or
• Arrange a way for you to pick them up or have them shipped, depending on policies and the type of property

The specific method should be explained in the approval notice or by the unclaimed property office.

Common Issues That Delay or Deny Claims

People sometimes experience delays or denials for reasons like:

• Incomplete forms

  • Missing signature, missing sections, or not checking required boxes

• Insufficient identity documents

  • Expired ID, blurry copies, or missing proof of address

• Name mismatch

  • Claim filed under current name when records show a different or prior name, without providing name change documentation

• Unclear relationship for heir claims

  • Not enough paperwork to show you are the legal heir or representative

• Business documentation problems

  • No evidence you are authorized to act for the company, or business no longer exists and there is no continuity documentation

If your claim is denied, the state generally sends an explanation. In many cases, you can submit additional documents and try again, or follow the appeal process if one is available.

How to Check Claim Status

To check status, people typically:

• Use the “Check Claim Status” option on the official Michigan unclaimed property site (if available), and/or
• Call the Michigan Department of Treasury unclaimed property phone line listed on the state’s website, providing your claim number and basic information

Processing time and status tools can change, so it is best to follow instructions from the most current official materials.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Michigan?

If the Michigan search shows no results for you, consider:

1. Searching again using:

   • Previous names (including maiden names)
   • Different spellings or initials
   • Old cities or addresses

2. Checking other states.
   If you have ever lived, worked, owned property, or held accounts in another state, you may have unclaimed assets there as well. Each state typically has its own official unclaimed property program and website.

3. Looking for federal or national sources.
   Some types of money, such as federal tax refunds, U.S. savings bonds, or federal benefits, are handled through federal agencies rather than the state. These are separate from Michigan’s unclaimed property system.

Even if you don’t find anything right away, many people choose to recheck every year or two, especially after moves, job changes, or the death of a family member.

Special Situations: Heirs, Estates, and Shared Property

Claiming for a deceased person

If a parent, spouse, or other relative has passed away and you believe they have unclaimed assets:

1. Search using their full name and the city where they lived in Michigan.
2. If there are results, start the claim and select that you are claiming as an heir, beneficiary, or personal representative.
3. Be prepared to provide:
   • Death certificate
   • Proof of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
   • Estate or probate documents, if there was a formal estate process

If the estate has not gone through probate, the state may have specific rules for smaller estates or for distributing property among multiple heirs. The unclaimed property office usually explains these requirements on its forms or website.

Multiple heirs or co-owners

If several people are entitled to the same property:

• The state may require all heirs to sign documents, or
• One appointed personal representative or executor may act on behalf of everyone, depending on the situation and local law.

The unclaimed property office can usually explain which type of documentation they need based on your situation.

Verifying You’re on an Official Michigan Channel (Scam Avoidance Tips)

Because unclaimed money can attract scammers, it is important to be careful:

• Look for clear state identification.
  Official Michigan government websites typically end in “.gov” and clearly mention the State of Michigan and Michigan Department of Treasury.

• Be cautious with unsolicited offers.
  Some companies or individuals may contact you offering to recover your unclaimed property for a fee. In many cases, you can find and claim your property yourself at no cost through the official state office.

• Never send sensitive information by email to unknown senders.
  Avoid sharing your full Social Security number, bank account details, or ID copies with anyone who contacted you unexpectedly.

• Confirm phone numbers and addresses using the State of Michigan’s official website or trusted government directories, rather than phone numbers given in unexpected emails or letters.

If you’re unsure whether a site or letter is legitimate, you can:

• Call the Michigan Department of Treasury using contact information from the official state website, and
• Ask directly whether the communication is genuine and how to proceed safely.

If You Need Help Navigating the Process

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file claims or provide legal advice, but if you need more personalized support, you might consider:

• Calling the Michigan unclaimed property office listed on the official state website for step-by-step help with their forms.
• Contacting local legal aid organizations if you are dealing with complicated estate or business issues.
• Dialing 211 in many areas to be connected to community resources that may include legal clinics or consumer assistance programs.

Key Takeaways

• Unclaimed assets in Michigan usually include dormant bank accounts, refunds, insurance payouts, paychecks, and similar property turned over to the state.
• You can typically search for free through the official Michigan unclaimed property website by name and city.
• To claim property, you usually must prove your identity and, if applicable, your relationship to the original owner or your authority for a business.
• Keep copies of ID, proof of address, name change documents, and estate papers handy before you start a claim.
• Always make sure you are dealing with the official State of Michigan and not a private service pretending to be an official agency.

Using these steps, you can move confidently from a simple name search to a complete claim through Michigan’s official unclaimed property channels.