Mississippi Unclaimed Property Office: What It Does and What It Holds

The Mississippi Unclaimed Property Office helps people track down money and property that belongs to them but has been lost, forgotten, or never delivered. Many residents do not realize they may have unclaimed funds waiting in their name.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and does not process unclaimed property claims. This guide simply explains how the Mississippi unclaimed property system typically works and how you can follow up through official state channels.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, unclaimed property usually means money or financial assets that have been inactive for a certain period and that a business or organization has been unable to return to its rightful owner.

Common examples include:

• Uncashed paychecks or employee reimbursements
• Old bank accounts or credit union accounts with no activity
• Utility deposits that were never refunded
• Insurance proceeds or benefits that were never claimed
• Uncashed money orders or cashier’s checks
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual fund payouts
• Safe deposit box contents from banks

The key idea: the money is still yours, but it has been turned over to the state to safeguard until you (or your heir) claim it.

What the Mississippi Unclaimed Property Office Does

The Mississippi Unclaimed Property Office is usually part of the state treasurer’s office. Its job is to act as a custodian for abandoned or unclaimed funds.

Core responsibilities

The office typically:

• Receives unclaimed funds from banks, employers, utilities, insurers, and other “holders”
• Keeps records of owners’ names, last known addresses, and amounts
• Maintains an online searchable database of unclaimed property listings
• Verifies claims when someone says, “That money is mine”
• Releases funds to the rightful owner or heir after proper documentation is reviewed
• Handles questions and disputes about claims or ownership

The office does not keep the money as state revenue in the usual sense; it holds the property in trust until claimed.

What Types of Property the Office Holds (and What It Doesn’t)

Mississippi’s Unclaimed Property Office mostly handles financial assets, not physical property like houses or cars.

Common property types the office holds

• Savings and checking accounts turned over after inactivity
• Certificates of deposit (CDs) that were never cashed out
• Wages and payroll checks that were never deposited
• Refunds and overpayments (for example, from utilities or service providers)
• Insurance claim payments or policy benefits
• Stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares or proceeds from their sale
• Royalties and some types of contract payments
• Contents of safe deposit boxes (these may eventually be sold, with proceeds held for the owner)

What the office usually does not hold

The unclaimed property program normally does not cover:

• Real estate (land or homes)
• Cars, boats, or other vehicles (these follow separate title and registration rules)
• Child support payments (handled through child support enforcement)
• Social Security benefits or federal benefits (managed by federal agencies)
• Pensions from certain federal or private plans (these may have separate systems)

If you’re looking for something outside these typical categories, it may involve a different agency, not the unclaimed property office.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Property in Mississippi?

Many people are surprised to find out they have unclaimed property. You might have unclaimed funds if you:

• Moved and did not update your address with a bank, employer, or utility
• Changed jobs and never picked up a final paycheck
• Closed an account but left a small balance you forgot about
• Paid a security deposit (rent, utilities) and did not receive a refund
• Were listed as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy and never claimed the benefit
• Owned stocks or investment accounts that stopped sending statements to your current address
• Had a safe deposit box you stopped paying for

Heirs can also have the right to claim funds that belonged to:

• Deceased parents, grandparents, or relatives
• A spouse or ex-spouse
• A deceased minor child or adult child

If you’ve lived, worked, or done business in Mississippi, it is often worth checking the state’s official unclaimed property search tool.

How Property Becomes “Unclaimed” in Mississippi

The process generally follows these steps:

1. Inactivity period (dormancy)
   If there is no activity on an account for a certain number of years, it may be considered “dormant.” The exact number of years can vary by property type (for example, 1–5 years in many situations).

2. Holder tries to contact you
   The business or entity (called the holder) is usually required to attempt to contact you at your last known address before turning the funds over to the state.

3. Property is turned over to the state
   If the holder cannot reach you and the dormancy period has passed, the funds are reported and transferred to the Mississippi Unclaimed Property Office.

4. Your name appears in the state database
   The state records your name, last known address, and the amount or description of the property. This is what you can search.

5. You (or your heir) file a claim
   Once you discover the listing, you must submit a claim and documents that show you are the rightful owner or legal heir.

How to Check for Unclaimed Property in Mississippi

You cannot search or claim unclaimed property through HowToGetAssistance.org. To search for unclaimed property, you must use Mississippi’s official unclaimed property tools or contact the state treasurer’s office directly.

Typical steps to search

1. Go to the official state unclaimed property website
   Look for the site managed by the Mississippi State Treasurer or a clearly labeled “Unclaimed Property” portal. Be cautious of lookalike sites that charge fees.

2. Use the online name search
   You can usually search by:

   • First and last name (and sometimes middle initial)
   • Possible prior names (maiden name, previous married name, or alias)
   • Business name, if you owned a company

3. Check multiple spellings and addresses
   Try:

   • Nicknames and formal names (for example, “Bob” and “Robert”)
   • Old addresses or cities where you lived, worked, or owned property

4. Review the search results
   You may see:

   • Your name and last known address
   • The holder’s name (bank, employer, insurance company)
   • An approximate or general description of the property

5. Select property to claim
   If something looks like it belongs to you, you can typically start a claim request from that listing.

If you cannot access the internet, you may be able to call the Mississippi unclaimed property office and ask about alternate search or claim options, such as mailing a form. The official state treasurer’s number is usually published on Mississippi’s main government site.

What Documents You May Need to Claim Property

The exact documents vary by situation, but they generally fall into a few categories: identity, address, and ownership/relationship.

Basic documents for most claims

For individual claims, be prepared to show:

• Photo ID

  • State driver’s license or state ID
  • Passport, or other government-issued ID

• Proof of Social Security number

  • Social Security card, W-2, or tax document

• Proof of current or former address, such as:

  • Utility bill
  • Lease or mortgage document
  • Bank statement
  • Official mail showing your name and the address linked to the claim

Additional documents for special situations

Depending on the claim, you may also need:

• For name changes (such as marriage or divorce):

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order or legal name change documents

• For deceased owner / heir claims:

  • Death certificate of the original owner
  • Will, probate documents, or letters of administration
  • Documents showing your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)

• For business claims:

  • Business formation documents (articles of incorporation or organization)
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN) documentation
  • Proof of your authority to act on behalf of the business (such as corporate resolution, title, or letter of authorization)

• For safe deposit box contents:

  • Additional forms the office requires, especially if items were sold and only proceeds remain

📝 Tip: The Mississippi Unclaimed Property Office often lists “required documents” for each type of claim on its official portal or on downloadable claim forms. Reviewing those instructions before you submit paperwork can reduce delays.

Typical Claim Process: Step by Step

Here is how the claim process commonly works in Mississippi. Details can change, so always follow the instructions on the official state website or forms.

1. Search and identify your property
   Use the state’s online database to find property that appears to belong to you.

2. Start an online claim (or request a mail form)

   • Many people begin the process online by clicking a “Claim” button next to the listing.
   • If online filing is not available for your situation, you may be given a PDF form to print and mail.

3. Enter your basic information
   You will typically be asked for:

   • Full legal name
   • Current mailing address
   • Phone number and/or email
   • Social Security number (for identity and tax reporting purposes, if required)

4. Print and sign claim forms (if required)
   Some claims require a wet ink signature and may need to be notarized, especially if the amount is large or the claim is complex (for example, an estate claim).

5. Gather and attach documents
   Attach copies of your:

   • ID and Social Security verification
   • Proof of address and relationship to the property
   • Any additional documents listed in the claim instructions

6. Submit your claim

   • Online submissions usually require document uploads.
   • Mail-in claims go to the official mailing address provided by the Mississippi Unclaimed Property Office.

7. Wait for review
   The state will:

   • Verify your identity
   • Confirm the property details
   • Ensure no conflicting claims or legal barriers exist

8. Receive payment or response
   If approved, you may receive:

   • A check from the state
   • Instructions for retrieving certain types of assets (for example, stock transfer)

   If more information is needed, you will usually receive a letter, email, or phone call asking for specific documents.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

Typical timelines

Processing time can vary depending on:

• Volume of claims at the office
• How complete and clear your documentation is
• Whether the claim is straightforward (for example, one owner, current address matches records) or complex (multiple heirs, old records, or businesses involved)

Many simple claims are processed in a matter of weeks, but some can take longer, especially if extra verification is required.

How you may be contacted

The Mississippi Unclaimed Property Office may:

• Send you a letter to your mailing address
• Email or call you using the contact information you provided
• Request additional documentation or signatures if something is missing or unclear

Make sure contact information on your claim is accurate and up-to-date so you do not miss any requests.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding typical problem areas can help you avoid them.

Frequent causes of delay

• Missing documents

  • Not including a copy of your ID
  • Forgetting to include proof of a former address that matches the property listing

• Incorrect or incomplete forms

  • Leaving required sections blank
  • Not signing the form
  • Failing to have a document notarized when required

• Name mismatch

  • Claim filed under a new married name with no documentation linking to the maiden name shown on the property record

• Heir or estate complications

  • No clear documentation of your right to inherit
  • Ongoing probate or disputes among heirs

Reasons a claim may be denied

• Insufficient proof you are the owner or heir
• Conflicting claim from another person who appears to have stronger documentation
• Incorrect state (for example, the property may actually belong under another state’s unclaimed property program because that is where the business was located or where you lived at the time)

If your claim is denied, the office typically explains why and may indicate whether you can submit additional information or take another step.

Can You Appeal or Ask for a Review?

Mississippi, like most states, has a process to challenge a decision if you believe your claim was wrongly denied or if you disagree with the amount.

Typical options may include:

• Submitting additional documents

  • The simplest form of “appeal” is responding to the office’s letter with stronger or more complete evidence.

• Requesting a review

  • You may be able to write to the unclaimed property office or state treasurer’s office explaining why you believe you are the rightful owner, plus any new documentation.

• Legal advice

  • For complex or disputed cases (large estates, multiple heirs, or business ownership conflicts), some people consult with an attorney familiar with probate or property law.

The exact procedures and deadlines for review or appeal are normally described in the state’s unclaimed property laws and on official claim forms. Always follow the instructions provided on your denial notice.

Special Situations: Heirs, Estates, and Businesses

Heirs and estates

If the original owner has died, the process can be more involved, but many heirs do successfully claim unclaimed property.

You may need to show:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Evidence of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legal documents)
• Probate records:
  • Will
  • Letters testamentary or letters of administration
  • Court orders naming the executor or personal representative

The state must be sure it is paying the right person, especially when there may be multiple potential heirs.

Business claims

If you are claiming property listed under a business name:

• Be prepared to show you have legal authority to act for the business.
• Keep handy:
  • Business registration documents
  • Proof of your role (officer, owner, or authorized representative)
  • Any merger or name change documents if the business changed names

How Long Does Mississippi Hold Unclaimed Property?

In many states, unclaimed property is held indefinitely until the rightful owner or heir makes a claim. Mississippi’s rules are often similar, but specific policies and any exceptions are described by the state treasurer’s office.

If you think you (or a relative) might be entitled to property from many years ago, it is still worth checking the official database, especially if:

• A family member died without a clear estate settlement
• A previous employer or bank closed or merged
• You remember a past safe deposit box, old insurance policy, or investment account

How to Tell You’re Using an Official Mississippi Channel (and Avoid Scams)

Unclaimed property is a common target for scams. Some companies and individuals offer to “help” you claim your property for a fee, and some fraudulent operations try to collect personal information.

Ways to verify you’re on an official channel

• The site or form clearly identifies the State of Mississippi and the state treasurer’s office or the equivalent official department.
• The web address uses a .gov domain for Mississippi’s state government.
• Phone numbers and mailing addresses match what appears on other official state government materials.
• The office does not require any upfront fee just to process a standard claim.

Red flags to watch for

• Someone contacts you out of the blue demanding payment or banking information to release your funds.
• A website charges a percentage of your claim just to submit forms you can usually file yourself for free.
• The communication uses a personal email address (like free email services) and does not clearly tie back to state government.

You are not required to use a third-party service to claim your property. Many people successfully use the official Mississippi unclaimed property website or office on their own at no cost.

If You Don’t Find Anything in Mississippi

If your search in Mississippi shows no results, you still may have unclaimed property in another state or through a federal program.

You may want to:

• Search in states where you previously:

  • Lived
  • Went to school
  • Worked
  • Owned rental property or a business

• Check with:

  • Old employers about retirement plans or pensions
  • Federal agencies for certain benefits (Social Security, VA benefits, or federal tax refunds are separate from state unclaimed property programs)

If you are unsure where to start, you can contact Mississippi’s unclaimed property office and ask general questions about how multi-state claims typically work. They cannot file claims in other states for you, but they may explain what to expect.

Quick Reference: Mississippi Unclaimed Property Basics

Mississippi’s Unclaimed Property Office exists to reconnect people with money and assets that already belong to them. To move forward, your next step is to visit the official Mississippi unclaimed property website or contact the state treasurer’s unclaimed property division directly, follow their current instructions, and provide the documents they require.