How To File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Mississippi: Step-by-Step Guide

Unclaimed money and property can build up when people move, change jobs, or forget about old accounts. In Mississippi, there is a formal process to help residents (and former residents) find and claim unclaimed assets that belong to them.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed property typically works in Mississippi and how you can file a claim through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only—we are not a government agency, cannot process claims, and do not handle any money or applications.

You’ll find:

• What counts as unclaimed property in Mississippi
• Who can usually file a claim
• How to search for your name
• Step-by-step instructions to file an unclaimed assets claim
• Documents you may need
• What happens after you submit a claim
• Common issues, delays, and how to avoid scams

What Is Unclaimed Property in Mississippi?

Unclaimed property generally means money or financial assets that a business or financial institution owes you but has not been able to deliver. After a certain period of time with no contact, those funds are turned over to the state.

In Mississippi, unclaimed assets may include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs) with no activity
• Uncashed checks, including payroll checks or refunds
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Insurance proceeds and policy payouts
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual fund accounts
• Safe deposit box contents (after a period of non-payment)
• Money orders or traveler’s checks (in some cases)

💡 The money still belongs to the rightful owner or their heirs. The state simply holds it in custody until someone files an approved claim through the official unclaimed property office.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Mississippi?

You can typically file a claim if you are:

• The owner of the money or property
• A joint owner or co-owner listed on the account
• An heir or beneficiary of a deceased owner
• An authorized representative, such as:
  • Executor or administrator of an estate
  • Court-appointed guardian or conservator
  • Officer or authorized agent for a business

The exact documentation you need depends on your relationship to the original owner.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Your Name

The first step is to search for your name in the official Mississippi unclaimed property database.

You generally can:

• Use the official state unclaimed property website (run by the Mississippi State Treasurer or a similar state office), and
• Search by last name, plus first name and possibly city to narrow results

If you no longer live in Mississippi but did in the past, you can still search using:

• Your former Mississippi address
• Your maiden name or previous legal names
• Common misspellings of your name

If you find entries that look like they belong to you, the system usually allows you to begin a claim request online or tells you how to proceed if a paper form is required.

Step 2: Confirm You Are the Rightful Owner

Each property listing usually includes details such as:

• Your name (or business name)
• A last known address
• The holder’s name (for example, a bank or company)
• The type of property (e.g., wage, bank account, insurance)

Review these carefully and ask yourself:

• Did you ever live at or receive mail at that address?
• Did you do business with that company or employer?
• Does the amount or type of property make sense for your situation?

If the answer is yes, you can usually move forward by selecting “Claim,” “File Claim,” or a similar option on the official portal.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Mississippi’s unclaimed property office must verify your identity and your right to the money. The specific documents required vary based on your situation, but the table below gives a general overview.

Common Documents for Mississippi Unclaimed Property Claims

*Requirements can change. Always follow the exact instructions listed on the official Mississippi unclaimed property claim form or portal.

📝 Tip: Make clear copies of your documents. Many offices accept scanned or uploaded copies, but some may request that you mail paper copies or notarized forms.

Step 4: Complete the Official Mississippi Claim Form

After selecting a property to claim, you’ll usually be guided through a claim process. Depending on the state’s current system, this may involve:

• Online claim submission, where you:
  • Enter your personal information
  • Verify your current address
  • Upload digital copies of your documents
• Or printing a claim form, filling it out, and mailing it (and copies of documents) to the address listed on the form

Key details you may be asked to provide:

• Full legal name (including middle name or initial)
• Current mailing address and phone number
• Social Security number or taxpayer ID (for identity matching)
• Date of birth
• Information connecting you to the old address or original holder

Read the instructions carefully and answer all questions completely and honestly. Missing or inconsistent information is a common cause of delays.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim and Keep Copies

Once your form is completed:

1. If online:

   • Upload all requested documents through the official portal.
   • Confirm submission and keep any confirmation number or reference ID provided.

2. If by mail:

   • Sign and date the form where indicated (some forms may require a notary).
   • Include copies of all supporting documents.
   • Mail everything to the official address listed on the claim form (usually the Mississippi State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division or similar office).
   • Consider using a mail method that offers tracking.

Always keep:

• A copy of your completed claim form
• Copies of all documents you sent
• Any tracking number or confirmation email

What Happens After You File an Unclaimed Assets Claim?

Once the Mississippi unclaimed property office receives your claim, they typically:

1. Review your documents

   • Confirm your identity
   • Verify your connection to the address and/or property
   • Check estate or legal authority if someone is deceased

2. Request additional information (if needed)

   • If something is unclear or missing, they may mail or email you a request for additional documents or clarification.

3. Approve or deny the claim

   • If approved, the state usually issues payment by check sent to your mailing address on file.
   • If denied, they often provide a reason and may indicate whether you can submit more information or appeal.

Processing times can vary based on:

• How many claims are currently being handled
• How complete and clear your documents are
• Whether any legal issues or name mismatches need extra review

If you haven’t heard back for a while, you can typically contact the unclaimed property office by phone or email using information provided on the official state website.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

People in Mississippi often experience delays or denials for reasons such as:

• Incomplete claim form

  • Missing signatures, dates, or required sections left blank.

• Insufficient proof of identity

  • Fuzzy ID copies, expired IDs, or documents that don’t match the name on the property.

• No clear link to the old address

  • The state may need a document showing you lived or received mail at the address tied to the property.

• Unclear heirship or estate issues

  • For deceased owners, the state may require specific legal documents showing who is legally entitled to the property.

• Name mismatches

  • Different spellings, nicknames, maiden names, or missing middle initials can slow things down if not properly documented.

If your claim is denied, check for:

• The stated reason on the denial letter or email
• Whether you are allowed to submit additional documents or file a review or appeal

For help understanding a denial, you can contact the Mississippi unclaimed property office directly using the contact information on their official forms or website.

How to Verify You’re Using an Official Mississippi Channel

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it’s important to confirm that you’re working with official state resources.

Here are some practical tips:

• Look for official state branding

  • The official site will clearly indicate it is a Mississippi government site, usually referencing the Mississippi State Treasurer or a similar state agency.

• Check the web address carefully

  • Official state websites often end in “.gov”. Be cautious with sites that do not.

• Watch for fees

  • Many states allow you to search and claim your unclaimed property without paying a fee. If a website demands payment before showing you information, verify carefully that it is legitimate and not an unnecessary third-party service.

• Contact the office directly

  • If you’re unsure about a website, call the Mississippi State Treasurer’s Office or the state’s unclaimed property division using a phone number found through a trusted government directory or state government website.

• Avoid sharing sensitive information on unfamiliar sites

  • Do not provide your Social Security number, banking details, or ID copies unless you are confident you are on an official government portal or talking to a verified office.

Do You Need a Lawyer or Third-Party Service?

Most people in Mississippi can file unclaimed property claims on their own through the official state process at no cost, aside from routine expenses like postage or copies.

Some third-party “finders” or “locators” may offer, for a fee or a percentage of your money, to:

• Search unclaimed property databases for you
• Prepare or submit claim forms on your behalf

Before using these services, consider:

• Whether you feel comfortable searching and filing yourself for free
• What percentage of your claim they will take as payment
• Whether you’re signing a binding contract
• If the company is licensed or recognized by the state (if applicable)

If your situation involves complex estate or legal questions, consulting a licensed attorney may be helpful. That is separate from the unclaimed property office itself.

What If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Property?

If your search does not show any property in Mississippi:

• Try variations of your name (middle initials, maiden names, past nicknames used on accounts).
• Search under former addresses or cities where you previously lived or worked.
• Check other states’ unclaimed property programs if you have lived, worked, or held accounts in other states.
• Consider that not all property types or amounts may appear immediately; some items may still be in the process of being reported by companies.

Even if you don’t find anything right now, many people choose to check again every year or two, especially after moving, changing jobs, or closing accounts.

Key Takeaways for Filing an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Mississippi

• Mississippi holds unclaimed money and property for individuals, heirs, and businesses until the rightful owner files a verified claim.
• You can search for unclaimed assets in your name using the official state unclaimed property search tool.
• Be prepared to provide proof of identity, proof of address, and legal documents if you are claiming on behalf of someone else or a business.
• Claims are filed directly with the Mississippi unclaimed property office, typically under the State Treasurer or a similar agency—not through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Keep copies of everything you submit, respond promptly to any request for more information, and verify you are always using official government channels to avoid scams.

By following the steps in this guide and using the official Mississippi unclaimed property resources, you can move forward confidently in checking for and claiming any assets that may legally belong to you.