Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, and Payroll in Michigan: How To Claim What You’re Owed

Finding out you might have unclaimed money in Michigan can be surprising—and a little confusing. Many people don’t realize they could have old paychecks, refunds, utility deposits, or insurance payments waiting for them.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed property usually works in Michigan, how to check if you’re owed money, and how to start a claim through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, does not process claims, and cannot check your status. This article is here to help you understand the process so you can work directly with the proper Michigan offices.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Michigan?

In Michigan, unclaimed property generally refers to money or financial assets that have not been touched or claimed by their owner for a certain period of time. Companies and organizations are required to eventually turn that property over to the State of Michigan.

Common examples include:

• Uncashed payroll checks
• Refund checks from utilities, landlords, or companies
• Bank accounts that were forgotten or inactive
• Insurance refunds or claim payments
• Security deposits (rent, utilities)
• Dividend checks or stock-related payments
• Money orders or cashier’s checks
• Retirement account payouts that were never claimed

Physical items in safe deposit boxes can also become unclaimed property. Money from selling those items may be held by the state.

The State of Michigan Department of Treasury generally manages unclaimed property. The state holds the money until the rightful owner (or legal heir) files a claim through official channels.

Types of Unclaimed Money: Checks, Refunds, and Payroll

While there are many possible types of unclaimed property, most people are looking for three main categories:

1. Unclaimed Payroll Checks

Unclaimed payroll might include:

• Regular paychecks you never received or never cashed
• Final paychecks after you left a job
• Bonus or commission checks that went to an old address
• Direct deposits that failed due to closed bank accounts

Typically, an employer tries to contact you. If they cannot reach you and the money sits unclaimed for a certain period, state law usually requires them to turn it over to the Michigan unclaimed property office.

2. Unclaimed Refunds

Refunds can come from:

• Utility companies (electric, gas, water)
• Cable, internet, or phone providers
• Insurance companies
• Overpayments on bills or loans
• Tuition or fee refunds from schools

If a company mails you a refund check and it’s never cashed—or it’s returned as undeliverable—the funds may eventually be reported as unclaimed and transferred to the state.

3. Unclaimed Checks From Other Sources

You might also find:

• Vendor or contractor payments
• Rebate checks
• Settlement payments (for example, from legal settlements)
• Dividends from stocks or mutual funds

If you changed addresses, closed bank accounts, or simply forgot about a payment, it can easily end up in the state’s unclaimed property system.

Who Typically Qualifies to Claim Unclaimed Property?

You may be able to claim unclaimed checks, refunds, or payroll in Michigan if:

• You are the person named on the account or check.
• You are a legal heir (spouse, child, or other relative) of someone who has passed away.
• You are the executor, personal representative, or administrator of an estate.
• You are an officer or authorized representative of a business or organization that is owed money.
• You are a trustee or have legal authority over a trust or other legal entity.

In every case, you must be able to prove your identity and your connection to the unclaimed property.

Documents You May Need To Claim Unclaimed Property in Michigan

The exact documents can vary depending on your situation, but people are often asked to provide:

For individuals (claiming for yourself):

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Proof of Social Security number (card, tax form, or other official document)
• Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement)
• Proof of previous address if the unclaimed property is tied to an old address
• Any supporting documents related to the property (old bank statements, pay stubs, letters from a company, etc.)

For heirs or estates:

• All items above, plus one or more of:
  • Death certificate of the original owner
  • Will, Letters of Authority, or court appointment naming the executor or personal representative
  • Legal documents showing you are an heir or have rights to the estate

For businesses or organizations:

• Business identification (EIN, business registration)
• Proof of authority (corporate resolution, authorization letter, or other formal document)
• Photo ID for the person signing the claim
• Documents connecting the business name to the unclaimed property (old invoices, bank records, etc.)

The Michigan unclaimed property office typically provides specific instructions on what documents are required for each type of claim. It is common for them to reject or delay claims that are missing supporting paperwork, so it helps to gather as much as you can.

How To Check for Unclaimed Checks and Refunds in Michigan

You can usually check for unclaimed property online through Michigan’s official unclaimed property search tool.

Step-by-Step: Searching for Unclaimed Property

1. Go to the official Michigan unclaimed property website.
   Look for the Michigan Department of Treasury’s unclaimed property page. You can find it by searching online for phrases like “Michigan unclaimed property search” and choosing a site that clearly belongs to the State of Michigan (government sites often use “.gov”).

2. Use the name search tool.

   • Enter your last name and first name.
   • Try maiden names, previous married names, or other name variations.
   • Search for old addresses if the tool allows location filters.
   • If you own a business, search under the business name as well.

3. Review the search results.
   You will typically see:

   • Name of the owner
   • Last known address
   • Type of property (for example: “wages”, “refund”, “dividends”)
   • The holder (the company or institution that reported it)

4. Identify property that appears to belong to you.
   Look for:

   • Spelling of your name or a close match
   • Addresses where you used to live
   • Employers or companies you recognize

5. Select each item you want to claim.
   The website usually allows you to start a claim for multiple properties at once.

If you cannot access the internet, you can usually call the Michigan unclaimed property office or the general Michigan Department of Treasury line to ask for help checking by phone or mail. Call center staff may be able to tell you whether there appears to be property in your name and how to request forms.

How To File a Claim for Unclaimed Property in Michigan

Once you identify unclaimed checks, payroll, or refunds that appear to be yours, you will typically need to submit a claim to the state.

The process often looks like this:

1. Start the Claim Online or Request Forms

• On the official Michigan unclaimed property website, select the items you want to claim and follow the prompts to start a claim.
• The system may:
  • Ask you to create an online account or log in.
  • Ask for details like your current address, phone number, and Social Security number (for verification).
• If you prefer paper, you may be able to print a claim form or request that one be mailed to you.

2. Complete the Claim Form

The claim form typically asks for:

• Your full legal name
• Any previous names used
• Current mailing address
• Contact information (phone, email)
• Social Security number or tax ID (for matching to state records)
• Confirmation that you are the rightful owner or have legal authority to claim on behalf of someone else or a business

It is important to complete the form accurately and honestly. Incorrect or incomplete information is a common reason for delays.

3. Gather and Attach Required Documents

You will usually need to:

• Copy your ID (front and back if applicable).
• Add proof of address (recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease).
• Provide supporting documents that link you to the name and address on the property (such as pay stubs for payroll, letters from former employers, or old account statements).
• For estate or business claims, add any court documents or corporate papers required by the state.

Some documents may be submitted online (scanned uploads) if you are using the state’s online portal. For mail-in claims, you may need to include photocopies (never send original IDs unless explicitly required and only after confirming with the official office).

4. Submit the Claim

Depending on the process outlined by the Michigan unclaimed property office, you may:

• Submit everything online through the official portal, or
• Mail the completed form and documents to the address provided by the Michigan Department of Treasury, or
• In some cases, fax documents to a listed number (if allowed).

Pay attention to any instructions about signatures, notarization, or certified copies. Some claim types, especially larger dollar amounts or estate claims, may require a notarized signature.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

After you submit your claim, the Michigan unclaimed property office typically:

1. Reviews your claim for completeness.
   They check that:

   • Forms are fully completed
   • Required documents are attached
   • Names and addresses match the property records

2. Verifies your identity and ownership.
   They compare your information to the details reported by the company that turned over the property.

3. Requests more information if needed.
   If something is unclear or missing, they may send you a letter, email, or online portal message asking for:

   • Additional documents
   • Clarifications
   • Corrections or signatures

4. Approves or denies the claim.

   • If approved, the state typically issues a check or sometimes a direct deposit (if offered).
   • If denied, they usually send a written explanation, and you may have options to submit more documentation or appeal, depending on the reason.

Typical Timelines

Processing times can vary. Many straightforward claims may be resolved within a few weeks to a few months, but:

• Complex estate claims, business claims, or large-dollar claims may take longer.
• Processing may slow down during times of high volume.

To get a current estimate, you can check information posted on the official unclaimed property website or call the Michigan unclaimed property office directly.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

People often experience delays or denials for reasons such as:

• Missing documents
  For example, no copy of ID, no proof of address, or no estate paperwork for a deceased owner.

• Name mismatches
  The name on your ID does not match the name on the property (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or spelling errors), and no supporting documentation is provided.

• Insufficient proof of relationship
  When claiming for someone who has passed away, you usually must show that you are a legal heir or have been appointed by a court.

• Incomplete forms
  Sections left blank, missing signatures, or incorrect Social Security numbers.

• Outdated contact information
  You change addresses or phone numbers and do not update the claim, so the state cannot reach you for follow-up questions.

To avoid problems, read all instructions from the Michigan Department of Treasury carefully and provide as much clear documentation as possible.

How To Appeal or Fix a Denied Claim

If the state denies your claim or asks for more information, you can usually:

1. Read the notice closely.
   Understand exactly why the claim was denied or what is missing.

2. Gather additional documentation.
   For example:

   • Marriage certificate to connect a maiden name and married name
   • Old bills, bank statements, or pay stubs showing the address and name on the account
   • Extra court documents for estates

3. Contact the unclaimed property office.

   • Call the phone number on the denial letter or on the Michigan unclaimed property website.
   • Ask what documents would be acceptable to prove your claim.

4. Resubmit or appeal, if allowed.
   Some cases can be corrected by simply sending in more documents. In more complex disputes, you may need to follow a formal appeal process as described by the state.

If you feel stuck, some people choose to talk with an attorney familiar with probate or property law, especially for large estates or complicated ownership issues. This is optional and done outside of any state office.

How Long Do You Have To Claim Unclaimed Property in Michigan?

Many states, including Michigan, generally do not take ownership of unclaimed property permanently in a way that cuts off your right to claim it. Instead, they hold it for the rightful owner or heirs, often with no strict deadline for filing a claim.

However:

• Rules can change over time.
• Interest is not usually paid on unclaimed money.
• Some types of property (like stocks) may be sold by the state, and you may only receive the cash value from the sale.

To be safe, it is usually best to file your claim as soon as you discover the property and follow up promptly if the state requests more information.

Quick Comparison: Common Claim Situations in Michigan

How To Tell You’re Using an Official Michigan Channel

Because unclaimed money is a popular topic, there are many websites and businesses that offer to “find money” for a fee. Some are legitimate, others are not. You do not have to pay a third party to search or file a basic claim for unclaimed property.

To make sure you are dealing with an official Michigan office:

• Look for a website clearly associated with the State of Michigan (often ends in “.gov”).
• Confirm that the site mentions the Michigan Department of Treasury and explains it is the state’s official unclaimed property program.
• Use phone numbers listed directly on the Michigan Treasury or unclaimed property site if you need to call.
• Be cautious if:
  • Someone contacts you unexpectedly demanding a fee to release your funds.
  • You are pressured to give bank account numbers, full Social Security number, or copies of ID to a site or person that does not clearly identify itself as a government office.
  • You are asked to pay upfront fees to “process” or “expedite” your claim.

Some people choose to sign contracts with “finder” or “locator” services that search for unclaimed property for a percentage of the money recovered. That is a personal choice, but it is separate from the state, and you should read any contract very carefully. You can typically search and claim property directly through Michigan’s system on your own for free.

Alternatives and Related Resources

If you do not find unclaimed property in Michigan, or if you have lived or worked in other states, consider:

• Searching the unclaimed property program for each state where you:
  • Previously lived
  • Worked
  • Held bank accounts or insurance policies
• Checking with:
  • Former employers for old retirement accounts or 401(k)s
  • Federal agencies for specific refunds or benefits (for example, the Internal Revenue Service for old federal tax refunds)

For broader financial or assistance needs unrelated to unclaimed property, you can:

• Dial 211 in many parts of Michigan to reach local community resource lines that can connect you with assistance programs.
• Contact local county or city offices if you need help with housing, utilities, or other supports.

Key Takeaways

• Michigan’s unclaimed property program, usually run through the Michigan Department of Treasury, holds uncashed checks, payroll, refunds, and other funds that belong to individuals, businesses, and estates.
• You can typically search for free using your name on the official Michigan unclaimed property website or by contacting the state office.
• To claim money, be prepared to provide proof of identity, proof of address, and documents linking you (or an estate or business) to the unclaimed property.
• Claims can take weeks to months to process. Delays are common when documents are missing or names/addresses do not match.
• Be cautious about scams and fee-based services. Filing directly through the official Michigan channels is usually free.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file claims, check balances, or contact the state on your behalf. Use this guide as a roadmap, then complete your search and claim through the official Michigan unclaimed property office or website.