Heir Claims in Minnesota: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

Dealing with a loved one’s estate is hard enough. Finding out they may have unclaimed money or property in Minnesota can add confusion on top of grief. This guide explains, in plain language, how heir claims for unclaimed assets typically work in Minnesota, and what you can do to move forward through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office, legal firm, or application site. This article is meant to help you understand the usual process so you can work directly with the official Minnesota agencies and courts that handle these claims.

What Are “Unclaimed Assets” in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, unclaimed property (sometimes called “unclaimed money” or “missing money”) usually refers to financial assets that have been inactive for a certain period and turned over to the state. This often happens when a company or financial institution cannot reach the owner.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, vendor checks)
• Insurance proceeds or life insurance benefits
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Safe deposit box contents (eventually sold, with proceeds held)
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual funds
• Money orders or traveler’s checks

In Minnesota, these assets are typically held by the state’s unclaimed property program, usually managed by the Department of Commerce or a similar state office.

When the owner has died, certain heirs and estate representatives may be able to claim the property.

Who Can Claim a Deceased Relative’s Unclaimed Property in Minnesota?

The state does not release unclaimed assets to just anyone who asks. For a deceased owner, Minnesota usually requires proof that you are legally entitled to the property.

People who may qualify to claim include:

• Court-appointed personal representative / executor of the estate
• Heirs named in a will (if a will exists and has been probated)
• Heirs under Minnesota intestacy law (if there is no will) – commonly:
  • Surviving spouse
  • Children or grandchildren
  • Parents, siblings, or more distant relatives if closer ones are not living

Eligibility can depend on:

• Whether there was a probated estate
• How much the unclaimed property is worth
• Whether there are multiple heirs
• How long ago the person died

If you are not sure whether you qualify, many people find it helpful to:

• Talk with the probate court clerk in the county where the person lived
• Consult a Minnesota probate or estate attorney for personalized advice

Step 1: Confirm There Is Unclaimed Property in Minnesota

Before gathering documents, it helps to confirm whether any assets are actually being held for your deceased relative.

How to search (typical process)

Most people start by searching the state’s official unclaimed property website. This is usually:

• A free online search
• Run by a Minnesota state agency, not by a private business
• Accessible by searching for terms like “Minnesota unclaimed property” using a search engine

On the official site, you can normally:

1. Search by name – Use the deceased person’s full legal name.
2. Narrow results – Add last-known city or address if available.
3. Review matches – Look for entries that match your relative’s name and information.

If you cannot access the internet, you can:

• Call the Minnesota unclaimed property office (often within the Department of Commerce or a similar agency) and ask how to search or request assistance.
• Visit or call a local library or county office for help accessing the official state site.

☑️ Important: Searching is usually free. Be cautious if a website or person demands an upfront fee just to tell you whether property exists.

Step 2: Identify Your Role – Heir, Executor, or Both

The type of documentation you need to claim unclaimed assets in Minnesota depends a lot on your legal role.

Common roles in Minnesota heir claims

• Personal Representative / Executor

  • Appointed by a Minnesota probate court.
  • Usually has the clearest authority to collect assets on behalf of the estate.

• Heir (with no active probate)

  • You may be an heir under the will or under Minnesota intestacy laws.
  • If there is no personal representative, you may still be able to claim limited amounts directly, especially for small estates, but extra documentation may be required.

If there was a probate case, try to locate:

• The case number
• Court documents naming the personal representative
• The county probate court involved

If you are unsure whether probate is needed or already completed, you can:

• Contact the probate court in the county where the deceased lived at death.
• Ask the clerk how to check for an existing estate case.

Step 3: Gather the Documents You’ll Likely Need

Minnesota’s unclaimed property office will expect certain proofs before releasing money on a deceased person’s behalf. Requirements can vary based on the size of the claim and your relationship, but the following are commonly requested.

Typical documents for a deceased owner’s claim

1. Proof the owner has died

• Death certificate (certified copy is often required)

2. Proof of your identity

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Sometimes Social Security number or last four digits

3. Proof of your legal authority or relationship

Depending on your situation, this might include:

• If you are the personal representative / executor:

  • Letters Testamentary or Letters of General Administration from a Minnesota probate court
  • Any court order appointing you to act for the estate

• If you are an heir named in a will:

  • A copy of the will (often showing it was accepted by a court)
  • Documentation from probate showing distribution of assets

• If there is no will (intestate):

  • A Minnesota small estate affidavit (if allowed by law and the estate is small enough)
  • Possibly a family tree or list of heirs, with supporting records
  • Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other documents proving relationships

4. Proof the unclaimed property belongs to the deceased

This may include:

• Old bank statements or account records
• Insurance policy documents
• Stock certificates
• Correspondence showing the deceased’s name and same address as on the unclaimed property listing

The exact list of documents can vary. The Minnesota unclaimed property office often provides claim forms or instructions that spell out what they need for each type of claim (individual, estate, heir, business, etc.).

Quick Reference: Common Claim Types and Documents

*Actual requirements are set by the Minnesota state unclaimed property office and may change. Always review the latest directions from the official agency.

Step 4: Complete the Minnesota Heir Claim Form

Once you have confirmed there is property, the next step is usually to submit a claim through the official Minnesota unclaimed property system.

How to get the correct form

You can usually obtain the appropriate form by:

• Visiting the official Minnesota unclaimed property website and downloading the form for “owner,” “heir,” or “estate” claims.
• Calling the Minnesota Department of Commerce (or the relevant agency named on the state site) and asking them to mail or email you the correct form.

Forms are typically organized by:

• Individual vs. business claims
• Owner vs. heir vs. personal representative
• Claims for living vs. deceased owners

What the form usually asks for

Most Minnesota heir claim forms ask for:

• Deceased owner’s information

  • Full name, previous names or aliases
  • Last known address
  • Date of birth and date of death

• Claimant’s information

  • Your name, address, phone, and email
  • Your relationship to the deceased (e.g., child, spouse, executor)

• Property details

  • The property ID number from your search results
  • Name of the company or holder (for example, a bank or insurer)
  • Amount (if listed) or type of property

• Certification section

  • You sign under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate and that you are entitled to claim.

Some claims may require your signature to be notarized. If so, you can often use:

• A notary at your bank
• A shipping store or local business that provides notary services
• A county office that offers notary services

Step 5: Submit Your Claim and Track the Process

How to submit

Minnesota typically allows claim submission in one or more of these ways:

• Online upload through the official unclaimed property site (for certain types of claims)
• Mailing the completed form and documents to the address provided on the form
• Occasionally, email or fax, depending on the instructions

Always:

• Use the official address or upload portal listed on the claim form or the state website.
• Keep copies of everything you send.
• If mailing, consider certified mail or another trackable method for important documents.

What happens after you submit

Typical steps include:

1. Acknowledgment

   • You may receive a confirmation number or letter that your claim was received.

2. Review by the unclaimed property office

   • Staff verify your identity, your legal authority, and that the property matches the deceased.
   • If something is missing or unclear, they may contact you to request additional documentation.

3. Decision

   • If approved, the state usually issues a check to the estate or to you, depending on your role and the documentation.
   • If denied, they typically send a written explanation.

How long it may take

Processing times can vary:

• Small, straightforward claims may be resolved in a few weeks.
• Complex estate or multi-heir claims can take several months, especially if extra documents are needed.

If you have not heard back within the timeframe listed on the official materials, you can:

• Call the Minnesota unclaimed property office using the phone number on the claim form or state website and ask for a status update.
• Have your claim ID or reference number ready when you call.

Common Reasons Minnesota Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid them.

Frequent problems

• Missing proof of death

  • Forgetting to include a certified death certificate or sending an unreadable copy.

• Insufficient proof of relationship

  • Not providing documents that clearly show you are the spouse, child, or other heir (for example, missing marriage or birth certificates).

• No proof of legal authority

  • If an estate was probated but the personal representative does not provide court-issued Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.

• Name mismatches

  • The name on the property listing does not match the name on the death certificate or other records, and no explanation or proof of name change is included.

• Incomplete form

  • Leaving required sections blank or not signing in front of a notary when required.

• Outdated address

  • Not updating your contact information, causing mail from the state to be returned or lost.

If your claim is denied, review the letter carefully. It usually explains:

• What requirement was not met
• Whether you can resubmit with more documentation

If the situation is complicated, some people choose to consult with a Minnesota attorney experienced in probate or estate matters.

How Appeals or Reviews Typically Work

Minnesota’s unclaimed property program usually has procedures for:

• Reconsideration of a denied claim, especially if you can provide new or corrected documents.

If you disagree with a decision:

1. Carefully read the denial notice or explanation.
2. Gather any additional evidence requested.
3. Contact the unclaimed property office and ask if there is a specific process or form for reconsideration or appeal.

Complex disputes involving:

• Multiple heirs
• Conflicting wills
• Disagreements about who should receive the funds

may need to be resolved through the Minnesota probate court system, not just the unclaimed property office. This is where legal advice can be especially important.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Your Claim?

Sometimes, even close relatives cannot successfully claim unclaimed assets if:

• They cannot produce required documents
• Another heir or personal representative has stronger legal claim
• The estate must be handled through probate court first

In those situations, options might include:

• Opening or reopening probate in the appropriate Minnesota county, particularly if there are significant assets.
• Working with other heirs to appoint a single personal representative to claim on behalf of the estate.
• Seeking guidance from a legal aid office or private attorney familiar with Minnesota estate law.

If professional legal help is too expensive, you might:

• Call 211 to ask about free or low-cost legal services in Minnesota.
• Ask the county court self-help center (if available) for information on forms and basic probate procedures.

How to Verify You’re Using Official Minnesota Channels

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it is important to make sure you are dealing with real state agencies.

Tips to stay safe

• Searching should be free.

  • Be cautious of websites that charge a fee just to see if property exists. Minnesota’s official search is typically free.

• Check the web address.

  • The official Minnesota government websites usually end in “.gov”. Be wary of look-alike addresses or unusual domain names.

• Verify phone numbers.

  • If you are given a phone number, you can cross-check it by searching for the Minnesota Department of Commerce or “Minnesota unclaimed property” and confirming the number on the official state site.

• Do not share full Social Security numbers or bank information with unofficial sites.

  • The state may need the last four digits of a Social Security number for verification, but be careful about giving this to private companies.

• Be skeptical of unsolicited calls or emails saying you have “guaranteed” money.

  • When in doubt, hang up or ignore the email and independently contact the Minnesota unclaimed property office using contact information you look up yourself.

Some private “finders” or “locators” offer to help claim unclaimed property for a fee. Minnesota may regulate these services, including caps on what they can charge and requirements that they use written contracts. Before signing anything:

• Verify you can also work directly with the state for free.
• Compare any proposed fee with the size of the claim.

Other Resources That May Help

While HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims or give you legal advice, you may find these types of resources useful:

• Minnesota unclaimed property office
  • Use a search engine to find the official state unclaimed property site and contact details.
• County probate court in the county where your relative last lived
  • Can confirm whether a probate case exists and how to obtain copies of court orders.
• Legal aid organizations in Minnesota
  • May provide advice or limited help if you meet income guidelines.
• Private probate or estate attorneys
  • Can handle more complex heirship, multi-heir, or contested situations.
• 211 helpline
  • Can connect you to local legal, housing, financial counseling, and other support resources.

By understanding how heir claims in Minnesota usually work, organizing the right documents, and working directly with the official state offices, many families are able to recover unclaimed funds that rightfully belong to a deceased loved one’s estate. The key is to follow the steps carefully, respond to any requests from the state agency, and seek legal guidance when the estate situation is complex.