Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Michigan: Why They Happen and How to Claim What You’re Owed

Finding out you might have unclaimed money in a Michigan bank account can be surprising—and a bit confusing. Many people are not aware that old accounts, forgotten deposits, or dormant funds can end up with the State of Michigan as “unclaimed property.”

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed bank accounts in Michigan typically work, how they get turned over to the state, and how you can search for and claim the money through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information resource, not a government office, not a bank, and not an application portal. You cannot claim money through this site, but you can use this guide to better understand the process and then contact the official Michigan unclaimed property office or other proper agencies.

What Is “Unclaimed” Bank Money in Michigan?

In Michigan, unclaimed property generally includes money or assets that have had no activity or contact with the owner for a certain period of time (a “dormancy period”). For bank accounts, this usually means:

• No deposits or withdrawals
• No communication with the bank
• Mail from the bank is returned undeliverable
• The owner cannot be reached using the contact information on file

When that happens, Michigan law typically requires banks and certain other businesses to turn the funds over to the State of Michigan after a set time. The state then holds the money until the rightful owner, or their heir, files a valid claim.

Common types of unclaimed bank-related property include:

• Checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs) after they mature
• Money orders or cashier’s checks that were never cashed
• Safe deposit box contents (the contents may be sold, but proceeds are held)

How Bank Accounts in Michigan Become “Unclaimed”

Typical Ways Bank Accounts Go Dormant

People lose track of bank accounts in Michigan for many reasons, such as:

• Moving and forgetting to update your address with the bank
• Opening a small account and never using it
• Having multiple accounts for budgeting and losing track of one
• A joint account after a divorce or separation
• Accounts of a deceased relative that family members never knew about
• Old employer reimbursement or refund accounts that you never cashed out

If the bank sees no activity and cannot reach you, the account becomes inactive. After the legally required dormancy period has passed, the bank must treat that account as unclaimed.

How Long Before an Account Is Treated as Unclaimed?

The exact dormancy period can vary by:

• Type of account (checking, savings, CD, etc.)
• Michigan’s current unclaimed property laws and updates over time

In many states, the dormancy period for standard bank accounts is often around 3 to 5 years of no owner contact, but you should verify current Michigan rules directly with:

• Your bank’s customer service
• The Michigan unclaimed property office (often part of the state treasury)

After that period, the bank:

1. Attempts to contact you (using your last known address, email, or phone).
2. If they still cannot reach you, they report and transfer (escheat) the funds to the State of Michigan as unclaimed property.
3. The state records the account under your name (and possibly your last known address and other identifiers).

The money is then held by the state until someone proves they are entitled to it.

Who Can Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account in Michigan?

You may be able to claim Michigan unclaimed bank funds if you are:

• The original account holder
• A joint account holder listed on the account
• A legal heir (such as a spouse, child, or other relative) of a deceased owner
• A court-appointed representative (executor, personal representative, or trustee)
• A business owner or authorized officer for a business account

Michigan’s unclaimed property office typically lists the owner’s name and last known address, but not full account details, for privacy reasons. To actually claim the money, you must prove your identity and your connection to the account.

How to Search for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Michigan

You do not have to guess or call every bank you’ve ever used. Michigan, like most states, provides a centralized unclaimed property search tool through the state treasury or similar office.

While websites and phone numbers may change over time, the basic process usually looks like this:

1. Go to Michigan’s official unclaimed property website

   • Look for a website run by the Michigan Department of Treasury or similar official agency.
   • Make sure it clearly reflects a .gov address or other clearly official state branding.

2. Use the name search feature

   • Enter your first and last name
   • Try previous last names (e.g., maiden name)
   • Try old addresses or cities where you lived or worked in Michigan

3. Review the results carefully

   • Check for your full name
   • Confirm if the listed city or address matches somewhere you have lived or had mail sent
   • Note any entries that could be linked to you (even if the address is slightly outdated or misspelled)

4. Select potential matches to start a claim

   • On the official portal, you can usually click each item you want to pursue and follow prompts to begin the claim process.

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

• Call the Michigan unclaimed property office (found through the main state government information line or by asking your local library or county office for the official number).
• Request information or ask how to conduct a search by mail or phone.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account in Michigan

The exact steps can change over time, but most Michigan claims follow a similar pattern.

1. Verify You Have the Right Record

Before you claim, make sure:

• The name matches yours or your relative’s.
• The address or city looks familiar.
• The type of property (bank account, checking, savings, CD, etc.) makes sense for your situation.

If you’re an heir, confirm that the owner’s name and city match your deceased relative.

2. Start a Claim Through Official Channels

On the official Michigan unclaimed property portal or by contacting the state office:

• Mark or select each property that might belong to you.
• Start the claim process, which may generate a claim form and claim number.

Depending on the record, you might be allowed to submit electronically, by mail, or both. Follow the instructions exactly as provided by the state office.

3. Gather Required Documents

Michigan typically requires documents to:

• Prove your identity
• Prove your address or connection to the last known address on file
• Prove your right to claim (for heirs or representatives)

Below is a general comparison of common document needs. Requirements may vary by claim type and size, and the state can request additional proof.

*The Michigan unclaimed property office may request more or fewer documents depending on the situation and may have specific rules for large-dollar claims.

4. Complete and Sign the Claim Form

Common steps include:

• Filling in contact information and claim number
• Attaching or uploading copies of supporting documents
• Signing the form (sometimes signatures must be notarized, especially for larger claims or estate-related claims)

Pay close attention to:

• Whether original documents are required or copies are acceptable
• Whether notarization is required
• Any deadlines listed on the form

5. Submit the Claim

You usually can submit your claim:

• Online (uploading documents through the official portal), or
• By mail to the address listed on the claim form or official website

Always use the exact mailing address or upload portal provided by the Michigan unclaimed property office. If mailing, consider using a service with tracking so you have proof of delivery.

6. Wait for Review and Possible Follow-Up

After you submit:

• The state office reviews your documents to confirm identity and ownership.
• They may contact you for additional documentation or clarification.
• Processing time often depends on volume of claims and complexity (heir and estate claims usually take longer).

If your claim is approved, the Michigan unclaimed property office will typically issue a check or other payment method to you as the verified owner or heir.

How Long Does It Take to Get Money from an Unclaimed Bank Account?

Time frames can vary, but common factors include:

• How complete and clear your documents are
• Type of claim (simple “my own account” vs. multi-heir estate claim)
• Current backlog at the Michigan unclaimed property office

In many cases, simple claims can be processed within a few weeks to a couple of months. More complex claims may take longer. If you are concerned about timing:

• Use your claim number to check status through the official portal (if available).
• Contact the Michigan unclaimed property office using the official phone number for updates.

Common Reasons Michigan Unclaimed Property Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid them.

Frequent causes of delay or denial include:

• Incomplete forms (missing signatures, missing pages, or missing claim numbers)
• Insufficient identification (no photo ID, expired ID, or unclear copies)
• Address mismatch with no proof linking you to the old address
• Name differences without documentation (e.g., missing marriage certificate)
• Unclear or missing estate documents when claiming for someone who has died
• Submitting claims through unofficial or third-party websites instead of the Michigan state portal

If your claim is rejected, the state usually sends a notice explaining why. You may:

• Correct the problem and resubmit
• Call the unclaimed property office for clarification on what is needed
• Provide additional or more detailed documentation if requested

What If You Disagree with a Decision on Your Claim?

Michigan, like many states, has a process for reviewing or challenging a decision:

1. Read the denial or decision letter carefully.

2. Look for:

   • The reason your claim was denied or only partially approved.
   • Any instructions for appeal, reconsideration, or review.

3. You may be able to:

   • Submit additional documents to resolve the issue.
   • Request a re-review or follow any official dispute process described in the notice.

If you are dealing with a complex estate, you may want to speak with a probate or estate attorney who is familiar with Michigan law. HowToGetAssistance.org does not provide legal advice or legal representation.

How Long Does Michigan Hold Unclaimed Bank Accounts?

In general, many states, including Michigan, hold unclaimed property indefinitely for the rightful owner. That means your right to claim typically does not expire, even if many years have passed.

However:

• Certain types of property (like safe deposit box contents) may be sold after a holding period, with the sale proceeds held for you instead of the physical items.
• Rules can change, so it is wise to verify current practices through the Michigan Department of Treasury or unclaimed property office.

If you suspect you might have old Michigan accounts, checking now can help you avoid further delays or complications.

Tips to Avoid Unclaimed Bank Accounts in the Future

Once you locate and claim your unclaimed funds, it helps to prevent new accounts from becoming unclaimed:

• Keep your address updated with every bank and credit union where you have accounts.
• Consider using online banking and checking in periodically.
• Maintain a simple list of all financial accounts (banks, credit unions, online banks, CDs, etc.).
• Inform a trusted family member or the executor named in your will about your accounts.
• When closing an account, confirm that all funds have been withdrawn and the account is closed in writing.

These steps reduce the chance that money meant for you ends up in unclaimed property again.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Michigan Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed property can involve money, scams are possible. To protect yourself:

• Look for .gov: Michigan’s official unclaimed property site will be associated with the state government (often with “michigan.gov” or similar).
• Verify by phone: If you are unsure, call the main Michigan state government or treasury number listed in official directories and ask to be connected to the unclaimed property office.
• Do not pay large upfront fees: Michigan’s official unclaimed property office typically does not charge you a percentage of your claim just to file.
• Be cautious of:
  • Companies or individuals demanding high fees or a cut of your money to “help” you claim funds.
  • Messages or calls that pressure you to act immediately or to share sensitive information (SSN, bank login, etc.) over the phone.
• Never share banking passwords or online banking logins with anyone for unclaimed property purposes.

Some people choose to hire a fee-based locator service to help find unclaimed money, but that is optional. You can also search and claim through Michigan’s official office directly, usually at no or minimal cost.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Michigan?

If you search the Michigan unclaimed property database and find nothing under your name:

• Try variations of your name (middle initial, different spellings).
• Try previous names (before marriage, after divorce).
• Consider whether you might have unclaimed property in other states where you lived, worked, or did business. Most states have their own official unclaimed property websites.
• If you still think a specific Michigan bank account is missing:
  • Contact the bank’s customer service directly.
  • Ask if the account was ever closed, sent to unclaimed property, or otherwise transferred.

Remember that HowToGetAssistance.org cannot check your claim status or access state databases. You need to use Michigan’s official channels for that.

By understanding how unclaimed bank accounts in Michigan arise, how to search the state’s unclaimed property system, and what documents you’ll likely need, you can take practical steps toward recovering funds that may belong to you or your family through the State of Michigan’s official unclaimed property office.