Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Unclaimed Assets in Minnesota

If you’ve ever wondered whether Minnesota is holding money that belongs to you, you’re not alone. Many people move, change banks, switch jobs, or forget about old accounts—and those funds can eventually become unclaimed property held by the state.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how to find unclaimed assets in Minnesota step-by-step, what to expect, and how to work through the official channels. This site is not a government office or claim portal, but you can use this information to confidently navigate the official Minnesota unclaimed property system on your own.

What Counts as “Unclaimed Assets” in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, unclaimed assets (also called unclaimed property) typically means money or property that a business, bank, or organization could not return to its rightful owner.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs) with no activity
• Uncashed checks, such as:
  • Payroll checks
  • Refund checks
  • Insurance claim checks
• Utility deposits (electric, gas, water, internet)
• Insurance benefits (life insurance payouts, refunds)
• Safe deposit box contents (after a period of non-payment)
• Investment accounts (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) that go dormant
• Retail or gift card balances (in some cases, depending on terms)
• Pension or retirement funds that weren’t properly claimed

When these accounts are inactive for a certain number of years and the owner cannot be reached, Minnesota law often requires the business to send the funds to the state’s unclaimed property program, where they are held until someone files a claim.

The state does not take ownership of your money; it typically holds it as a custodian until the right person proves they’re entitled to it.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property in Minnesota?

You might be able to claim unclaimed property in Minnesota if you are:

• The original owner of the account or funds
• An heir or beneficiary of someone who has died
• A legal representative (such as an executor, trustee, or court-appointed guardian)
• A business owner or officer of a company that has unclaimed funds

Typical situations where people find unclaimed property:

• You once lived, worked, or did business in Minnesota.
• You changed addresses and forgot to update a bank, employer, or insurer.
• A relative passed away, and you’re handling their estate.
• You had an old job with a company that went out of business or merged.
• You closed an account but never received the final check.

If you have ever used a different name (maiden name, nickname, or legal name change), it can be worth searching that name too.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can search for unclaimed property without documents, but having some details ready will make things smoother, especially when it’s time to claim.

Helpful information to gather:

• Full legal name (and any former names)
• Current address and previous Minnesota addresses
• Approximate dates you lived or worked in Minnesota
• Date of birth
• Last four digits of your Social Security Number (may be useful for verifying identity during the claim process)
• For businesses: legal business name, any DBAs (doing business as), and old addresses

For deceased relatives:

• Their full legal name (and any former names)
• Last known address in Minnesota
• Date of birth and date of death
• Your relationship to them

You do not need everything to start the search, but it will help once you move to the claim step.

Step 2: Use the Official Minnesota Unclaimed Property Search

Minnesota’s unclaimed property program is managed by a state agency (often the Department of Commerce or a similar office). That agency usually offers a free online search tool where you can look up potential matches.

Because website addresses can change, a safe way to find the official portal is to:

1. Go to a search engine.
2. Type: “Minnesota unclaimed property” or “Minnesota Department of Commerce unclaimed property”.
3. Look for:
   • A “.gov” website, or
   • An official Minnesota state agency site (often clearly identified as a state government page).

⚠️ Important: The search is free. If a site asks you to pay just to search for Minnesota unclaimed property, verify carefully that you are on the official state site before continuing.

Step 3: Search for Your Name (and Variations)

Once you’re on the official Minnesota unclaimed property search page, you can typically search by:

• Last name and first name
• Possibly city or ZIP code (to narrow results)
• For businesses, business name

Tips for stronger searches:

• Try multiple versions of your name (middle initial, no middle initial, former names).
• Search for old addresses you used in Minnesota.
• If you’re married and changed your last name, search both your current last name and your maiden name.
• For deceased relatives, search their name, and then review details to see if addresses or employers match what you know.

You’ll usually see a list of potential matches that might include:

• Owner name
• Company or source (e.g., bank, employer, insurance company)
• City where the property is associated
• Type of property (e.g., wages, insurance proceeds, bank account)
• Claim amount range (sometimes the exact amount is not listed, just “less than $100” or “over $100”)

Step 4: Identify Which Results Might Be Yours

You don’t need to claim every item with your last name. Instead, look closely at:

• First and last name match (plus middle initial when shown)
• Address or city that matches a place you lived or worked
• Business or organization name that looks familiar
• Type of property that fits your situation (e.g., wages from a former employer, utility refund, insurance refund)

If you recognize multiple listings as yours, you can typically select several at once and start one combined claim for them on the official Minnesota site.

If you’re unsure whether a listing is yours, you can often still include it in the claim; the state will decide based on the documentation you later provide.

Step 5: Start a Claim Through the Official Minnesota Portal

Once you’ve chosen which items to claim, the official Minnesota unclaimed property site usually guides you through an online claim form. This is typically where you:

1. Confirm your identity details (name, address, contact info).
2. Indicate whether you are:
   • The owner,
   • An heir/beneficiary, or
   • A representative (such as an executor or business officer).
3. Provide requested property details (these may be auto-filled from the search results).
4. Submit your claim request electronically.

Some people may also have the option to print a claim form, sign it, and mail it in with supporting documents, depending on Minnesota’s current rules and the type/amount of property.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot submit claims or check status for you. All claims must go through the official Minnesota unclaimed property office or its designated portal.

Step 6: Gather the Documents You’ll Likely Need

The Minnesota unclaimed property office will usually ask for proof of identity and proof that you’re entitled to the property. Requirements can vary based on the type of claim (personal vs. business, living owner vs. deceased owner), but these are common documents:

For Individual (Living Owner) Claims

You may be asked to provide:

• Photo ID (front and back), such as:
  • State driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of current address, such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
• Proof of prior address (if the unclaimed property is tied to an old address):
  • Old utility bill
  • Old bank statement
  • Tax document showing the address
• Social Security Number (sometimes only the last four digits are needed) to match internal records

For Claims as an Heir or Beneficiary

In addition to your own ID, you may need:

• Death certificate for the deceased owner
• Obituary or other proof of relationship (if requested)
• Will or trust document showing you as an heir or beneficiary, if available
• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration if you are the court-appointed personal representative
• Affidavit of Heirship, if Minnesota allows this for smaller estates and if no formal probate took place

For Business Claims

If you’re claiming on behalf of a business, you may need:

• Your government-issued photo ID
• Proof of authority, such as:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on company letterhead naming you as an authorized signer/officer
• Business documents, such as:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Business license
  • Tax ID/EIN documentation
• Proof of business address, if requested

Sample Document Checklist (Quick View)

Document requirements can change, and Minnesota may ask for more or fewer items depending on the claim. The best source for current requirements is the official Minnesota unclaimed property office or website.

Step 7: Submit Supporting Documents (Online or by Mail)

After you file a claim online, Minnesota’s system typically gives you instructions for sending your documents. Options might include:

• Uploading scanned copies or photos through the secure online portal
• Mailing photocopies (never send original documents unless specifically instructed and you understand the risk)
• In some cases, notarized signatures or notarized forms for certain claim types or large amounts

Always:

• Follow the exact instructions in your claim confirmation.
• Clearly label your claim number on any documents you mail.
• Keep copies of everything you send.

If you have questions at this stage, you can usually call the Minnesota unclaimed property office using the phone number listed on the official site.

Step 8: Wait for Review and Track Your Claim

Once your claim and documents are submitted, the Minnesota unclaimed property office will generally:

1. Review your claim form for completeness.
2. Compare your documents to records on file to confirm your identity and right to the property.
3. Contact you if more information is needed.
4. Approve or deny the claim and then issue a payment if approved.

Processing times can vary based on:

• The volume of claims the office is handling
• The complexity of your case (for example, estate claims may take longer)
• Whether your documents were complete and clear

To check your status, you typically:

• Return to the official Minnesota unclaimed property website, and
• Use the claim ID and other identifying information provided when you submitted the claim, or
• Call the state office’s official phone line for unclaimed property.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot view or update the status of your claim. Only the official Minnesota program can provide that information.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Many delays or denials come from simple issues that can be avoided. Typical problems include:

• Missing documents
  For example, sending only a photo ID but no proof of address when both were requested.

• Unclear or unreadable copies
  Blurry or cut-off scans can cause the office to request new copies.

• Name mismatches
  A change of last name (such as marriage) or spelling differences can slow processing if no documentation links the names.

• Insufficient proof of relationship (for heir claims)
  If you’re claiming a relative’s property without the required estate documents, the state may not be able to release funds.

• Wrong claimant type
  Filing as the individual owner when the property legally belongs to an estate or business.

If your claim is denied, the denial notice often explains why. You can then decide whether to:

• Submit additional documents to fix the issue, or
• Contact the Minnesota unclaimed property office to ask what would be needed to reconsider your claim.

How Reviews, Corrections, or Appeals Usually Work

Minnesota’s exact appeal or reconsideration process can differ over time, but in general:

1. You receive a written notice (by mail or electronically) if your claim is denied or incomplete.
2. The notice may list:
   • The reason for denial or delay
   • Any missing or insufficient documents
   • How to respond or resubmit
3. You may have the option to:
   • Send additional documentation
   • Correct information on your claim form
   • Submit a new claim with the correct claimant type (e.g., as executor instead of individual)

If the process is unclear, you can call the Minnesota unclaimed property office and ask them to walk you through what is needed. Having your claim number ready will usually help.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Minnesota?

If the official Minnesota search shows no unclaimed property for you, you still have options:

• Search other states
  If you have lived, worked, or gone to school in other states, visit each state’s official unclaimed property site. Each state maintains its own database.

• Check for federal-related funds
  Some types of money are not part of state unclaimed property systems, such as:

  • Tax refunds (U.S. Internal Revenue Service)
  • Federal savings bonds (U.S. Treasury)
  • Certain federal benefits (Social Security Administration)

• Re-check later
  Businesses turn unclaimed property over to the state periodically. An account that isn’t listed today might show up in the future.

How to Avoid Unclaimed Property Scams

Because unclaimed money can attract scammers, it’s important to be cautious. Here are warning signs and safety tips:

Red Flags to Watch For

• Someone demands a large upfront fee just to “search” for unclaimed money that might be yours.
• You receive an email, text, or call claiming you have a huge amount waiting, but they:
  • Refuse to give details, or
  • Insist you act immediately without verifying.
• They ask you to give:
  • Full Social Security Number
  • Bank account login
  • Credit card information
    over email, text, or an unsecured form.

Safer Practices

• Use only official state websites or confirmed state phone numbers.
• Look for “.gov” in the web address or clear indications that it is a Minnesota state agency.
• Never share sensitive details (like full SSN or bank passwords) in response to unsolicited messages.
• If a third-party “finder” or “asset recovery” company contacts you:
  • Understand they may be charging a fee for something you can often do for free through the official state site.
  • Check the contract terms carefully and compare them with doing it yourself through the official Minnesota office.

You are not required to use a third-party company. You can usually work directly with the Minnesota unclaimed property program at no cost besides your time and any notary or mailing expenses.

Key Takeaways for Finding Unclaimed Assets in Minnesota

• Unclaimed assets in Minnesota can include bank accounts, wages, refunds, insurance benefits, and other funds that were never successfully returned to you.
• You can search for free using the official Minnesota unclaimed property website or state agency office.
• Be prepared with:
  • Names (current and former)
  • Addresses (current and past Minnesota addresses)
  • Basic ID documents
• If you find property that looks like it’s yours, you can submit a claim through the official Minnesota portal, then send the required documents to prove your identity and ownership.
• Delays often happen due to missing or unclear documents, name changes, or incomplete estate paperwork.
• If you don’t find anything in Minnesota, consider searching other states where you’ve lived or worked.
• Always verify that you’re on a legitimate government site or phone line before sharing personal information.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not process claims or hold any funds. Use this guide as a roadmap, then complete your search and any claims directly through the official Minnesota unclaimed property office.