Michigan Unclaimed Property Office: How It Works and What It May Be Holding for You

The Michigan Unclaimed Property Office is the state agency that looks after money and certain assets that have been lost, forgotten, or left inactive. Many people are surprised to find out the state may be holding funds in their name from old bank accounts, refund checks, or other sources.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, what the Michigan Unclaimed Property Office does, what it holds, who can claim it, and how to move forward through official channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or application portal; this article is only for information and guidance.

What Is the Michigan Unclaimed Property Office?

The Michigan Unclaimed Property Office (part of the Michigan Department of Treasury) is responsible for:

• Receiving and safeguarding unclaimed financial property that businesses and organizations turn over to the state.
• Keeping records of who the property belongs to.
• Reuniting owners and heirs with their money or assets when claims are filed through official state channels.

This system exists so that your money doesn’t simply disappear if a company or institution loses contact with you. Instead, the business reports it to the state, and the state holds it until the rightful owner or heir claims it.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not handle claims. To search for and claim unclaimed property, you must go through Michigan’s official unclaimed property website or official Treasury contact points.

What Counts as “Unclaimed Property” in Michigan?

“Unclaimed property” usually means financial assets, not physical items like houses or cars. Michigan’s Unclaimed Property Office typically holds things such as:

Common Types of Unclaimed Property

1. Bank and credit union accounts

• Savings or checking accounts you forgot about
• Certificates of deposit (CDs) not cashed in
• Money orders or cashier’s checks not redeemed

2. Insurance-related funds

• Life insurance policy proceeds
• Annuity payments
• Premium refunds

3. Refunds and reimbursements

• Utility deposits (electric, gas, water, internet)
• Apartment security deposits
• Overpayments or refunds from businesses or government programs

4. Investment-related property

• Stocks and mutual funds (often sold and held as cash value)
• Dividends that were never cashed
• Bond interest payments

5. Wages and employment-related funds

• Uncashed payroll checks
• Commissions or bonuses that were never delivered

6. Other funds

• Royalty payments
• Gift certificate or gift card balances (depending on rules at the time)
• Trust and escrow account balances

What the Office Typically Does Not Hold

The Michigan Unclaimed Property Office usually does not deal with:

• Real estate (homes, land)
• Cars and boats
• Most physical personal property (furniture, clothing, etc.)

Those types of property are handled through other legal processes, not the Unclaimed Property Office.

How Property Becomes “Unclaimed” in Michigan

Property is considered “unclaimed” when a business or institution has not been able to reach the owner for a certain period of time and there’s been no activity on the account.

Typical Steps Before It Reaches the State

1. Inactivity Period (Dormancy Period)

   • For example, a bank account with no deposits, withdrawals, or contact for several years.
   • The specific number of years can vary by type of property.

2. Owner Contact Attempts

   • The business may mail letters or send emails to the last known address.
   • If there is no response and no updated contact information, the account is flagged as inactive.

3. Reporting to the State

   • After the dormancy period, the business is required by law to turn the property over to the Michigan Department of Treasury – Unclaimed Property.
   • This process is sometimes called escheatment.

4. State Safekeeping

   • The state holds the funds or proceeds under the original owner’s name (or business name) until a valid claim is filed.

Important: The money is still yours (or your heir’s) if you can prove ownership, even though the state is holding it.

Who Can Claim Property from the Michigan Unclaimed Property Office?

Generally, the people who can claim funds are:

• The original owner (person or business)
• A heir or legal representative of an owner who has died
• A guardian, conservator, or trustee with legal authority

Typical Claim Scenarios

• You moved and never updated your address with your bank or employer.
• A life insurance policy named you as a beneficiary, but the company couldn’t find you.
• A parent or grandparent passed away, and their property was turned over to the state without the family realizing it.
• A small business closed or changed addresses, and refund checks were never received.

If you think any of these might apply, it may be worth checking with the official Michigan Unclaimed Property search tool provided by the state.

What the Michigan Unclaimed Property Office Holds: At-a-Glance

How to Check If Michigan Is Holding Property in Your Name

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot search or claim property for you. To find out if you have unclaimed property:

1. Go to Michigan’s official Unclaimed Property website

   • Look for the Michigan Department of Treasury’s unclaimed property page.
   • Make sure the site clearly identifies itself as a Michigan government website.

2. Use the Name Search Tool

   • Enter your first and last name.
   • Try former names, such as a maiden name.
   • Consider common misspellings or shortened versions of your name.
   • If you owned a business, search under the business name as well.

3. Review the Results Carefully

   • Check whether the name and last known address match you.
   • If you see an entry that looks like it could be yours, note the property ID or reference number shown.

4. Decide Whether to File a Claim

   • If it appears to be your property, follow the claim instructions on the official Michigan site.

If you do not have internet access, you may contact the Michigan Department of Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Division by phone or mail using contact information listed in official state directories.

What Documents You May Need to Claim Unclaimed Property

Exact requirements depend on who you are (original owner, heir, etc.) and what type of property you are claiming. Typically, you may be asked for:

If You Are the Original Owner

• Photo ID

  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • Passport or other government-issued identification

• Proof of Social Security number (if requested)

  • Social Security card
  • Tax document that shows your SSN

• Proof of address or prior address

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Tax bill

• Documents linking you to the property

  • Old statements, policies, or account numbers (if you have them)

If You Are Claiming on Behalf of a Deceased Person (Heir or Executor)

In addition to the documents above, you may need:

• Death certificate

• Proof of relationship (for example):

  • Birth certificate (child of the deceased)
  • Marriage certificate (spouse)

• Legal authority documents, if applicable:

  • Letters of authority or appointment as personal representative
  • Court orders naming you as executor or administrator
  • Trust documents if a trust is involved

If You Are a Business or Acting for a Business

• Business identification

  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Business formation documents

• Proof you are authorized to act

  • Corporate resolution
  • A letter on company letterhead
  • Legal documents showing ownership or officer status

The official claim instructions from the Michigan Treasury will outline what is necessary in your specific situation. If any requirement is unclear, using the official phone number listed by the state can help you confirm what to submit.

Step-by-Step: Typical Claim Process in Michigan

While exact steps can change, a standard process to claim unclaimed property in Michigan often looks like this:

1. Search Your Name on the Official State Website

   • Confirm that any listings appear to match you or your family member.

2. Start a Claim Request Online

   • On the official Michigan Unclaimed Property portal, select the property you believe is yours and begin a claim.
   • You may be asked basic information such as your current address, contact information, and relationship to the owner if you are claiming on behalf of someone else.

3. Gather and Upload (or Mail) Required Documents

   • Upload scanned copies or clear photos using the official site, or follow instructions for mailing documents to the Department of Treasury.
   • Make sure names, dates, and addresses are readable.

4. Submit the Claim to the State

   • Review all entered information.
   • Submit the claim through the official portal or via mail as directed.

5. Wait for Review and Processing

   • The state typically reviews your documents to confirm you are the correct owner or heir.
   • Processing time can vary depending on the volume of claims and complexity of your case.

6. Receive the Payment or Resolution

   • If approved, the state generally issues a check or other payment method.
   • If more information is needed, you may receive a request for additional documents.

Remember: HowToGetAssistance.org is not part of this process. All claims are handled directly by the Michigan Department of Treasury – Unclaimed Property.

How Long Does It Take?

Timeframes can vary, but typical experiences include:

• Simple claims with clear documentation may be processed in a few weeks.
• More complicated claims (such as estates with multiple heirs, old business records, or missing paperwork) can take longer.

If your claim seems delayed:

• Check whether the official portal shows a status or notes.
• Look for any letters or emails from the Michigan Treasury requesting more information.
• Use the official phone number or mailing address listed by Michigan to ask for an update, if needed.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Claims can run into problems for several common reasons:

• Name mismatch

  • Spelling differences or name changes not explained with documentation.

• Insufficient proof of ownership

  • Missing documents that connect you to the address, account, or business.

• Missing legal authority

  • For estates, not providing documents showing you are the recognized personal representative or heir.

• Incomplete application

  • Leaving required sections blank or not signing where needed.

• Unreadable or unclear documents

  • Blurry photos or scans where names and dates cannot be verified.

To reduce delays:

• Double-check your claim form before submitting.
• Provide clear, legible copies of documents.
• Include supporting items (like an old paycheck stub, policy number, or notice) whenever you have them.

If your claim is denied, the notice from the Michigan Treasury should explain the reason. In some cases, you can resubmit with additional documents or seek guidance from a legal professional if the issue is complex.

Verifying You’re on an Official Michigan Channel (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed property often involves money and personal information, scammers may try to take advantage. Here are practical tips to stay safe:

Signs You’re Using an Official Michigan Resource

• The website clearly identifies the Michigan Department of Treasury or State of Michigan.
• The web address ends with a “.gov” domain.
• Contact information matches what is listed on other official state materials.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Upfront fees:

  • The state’s official claim process typically does not require you to pay a fee to the government to claim your own property.

• High-pressure phone calls or emails:

  • Someone insisting you must act “immediately” or lose your property, especially if they ask for payment or sensitive personal information.

• Requests for unusual payment methods:

  • Demands for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency as a “processing fee.”

• Non-government email addresses:

  • Contact emails that do not match a typical government format or that use free email services.

Working With “Finders” or Third Parties

Some private individuals or companies look up unclaimed property and offer to help you claim it for a fee. In Michigan, this practice may be regulated.

If you consider using such a service:

• Read the contract carefully.
• Compare what they are charging versus simply filing a claim yourself through the official state portal, which is usually free except for your time and any document costs.
• Verify whether they are operating legally under Michigan’s rules.

You are not required to use a paid service to claim your property.

If You Don’t Find Anything in Michigan’s Unclaimed Property Database

If your search shows no results in Michigan, you still have options:

• Try different spellings or old addresses.
• Search under maiden names, former business names, or nicknames.
• Consider whether you may have unclaimed property in another state where you lived, worked, or did business. Many states have their own unclaimed property websites and databases.

If you are convinced there should be property (for example, you have documentation of a check that was never cashed), you can:

• Contact the Michigan Department of Treasury – Unclaimed Property Division through an official phone number or mailing address to ask for guidance.
• Reach out directly to the original business or institution (bank, insurance company, employer) to confirm what happened.

Key Takeaways for Michigan Unclaimed Property

• The Michigan Unclaimed Property Office holds money and financial assets, not real estate or vehicles, that have been lost or forgotten.
• Common sources include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance benefits, utility and rental deposits, and investment-related funds.
• You may be able to claim property if you are the original owner, a legal heir, or an authorized representative.
• To check for unclaimed property, you need to use the official Michigan Department of Treasury unclaimed property website or contact methods.
• Have ID, proof of address, and any related account or policy information ready to support your claim.
• Watch for scam warning signs and confirm you are dealing directly with government channels before sharing personal information.

By understanding how the Michigan Unclaimed Property Office works and what it holds, you can take informed next steps through the state’s official resources to see if any funds are waiting to be claimed in your name.