Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Mississippi: How to Find and Claim Them

If you ever paid a utility deposit or had escrow funds connected to a mortgage or rental agreement in Mississippi, there’s a chance some of that money might still be unclaimed in your name. Many people move, change banks, or lose track of old accounts and never receive their refunds.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds usually work in Mississippi, how they end up with the state, and how you can search for and claim money that may belong to you.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. It is not a government office, not an official portal, and you cannot file claims or check official records through this site. This guide is here to help you understand the process so you can follow up through official Mississippi channels.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Utility deposits

A utility deposit is money you pay upfront to start service with a company such as:

• Electric
• Water
• Gas
• Sewer
• Trash collection
• Some internet or cable providers

These deposits are usually refundable when:

• You have a good payment history for a certain period, or
• You close the account and pay your final bill in full.

If the utility company can’t reach you after you move or close your account, or your forwarding address is out of date, your refund may never reach you. After a set time, companies are often required to send those unclaimed funds to the state’s unclaimed property office.

Escrow funds

Escrow funds are commonly connected to:

• Mortgage loans (for property taxes and homeowners insurance)
• Some rental agreements (where a third party holds funds for repairs, deposits, or conditions)
• Certain settlements or legal agreements

With a mortgage, your lender may collect extra money in an escrow account with each payment to cover future tax and insurance bills. If:

• Your loan is paid off or refinanced
• Your taxes or insurance decrease
• You overpaid into escrow

…you might be owed an escrow refund.

If the lender or escrow company can’t successfully deliver that refund, it may eventually be turned over to the State of Mississippi as unclaimed property.

How Unclaimed Property Works in Mississippi

In Mississippi, money such as unclaimed utility deposits, escrow balances, and other forgotten funds are often handled through the state’s unclaimed property program, typically managed by the Mississippi State Treasurer’s Office or a similar state-level agency.

Common types of unclaimed property include:

• Utility deposits and refunds
• Escrow account balances
• Old bank accounts
• Uncashed checks (including refund checks)
• Insurance policy proceeds
• Dormant investment accounts

When do funds become “unclaimed”?

While exact timeframes can vary, money is often turned over to the state when:

• The company hasn’t had contact with you for several years
• Mail is returned as undeliverable
• Checks go uncashed
• The business can’t verify your current address or identity

After that period, the business usually must report the funds to the state and transfer them to the state’s unclaimed property fund. The state holds the money until the rightful owner (or sometimes heirs) file a claim through official channels.

Step 1: Check If You Might Have Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds

Before you start searching, think through where unclaimed money might come from:

Utility-related clues

You might have unclaimed utility deposits in Mississippi if you:

• Had electric, gas, water, or other utility service and paid a deposit
• Moved suddenly or left the state without leaving a forwarding address
• Closed a utility account but never received a final bill or refund
• Know a refund check was issued, but it was lost or never arrived

Look back at:

• Old leases or rental agreements that required a utility deposit
• Old paper bills or emails with names of your Mississippi utility providers
• Any notices about deposits held when you started service

Escrow-related clues

You might have unclaimed escrow funds if you:

• Paid off or refinanced a mortgage on a Mississippi property
• Sold a home or had a mortgage servicer change companies
• Received a letter years ago about an escrow refund but never got the money
• Had a rental or legal agreement where money was held in escrow and never returned

Check any old:

• Mortgage statements that show “escrow balance” or “escrow analysis”
• Closing documents from home sale or refinance
• Letters from mortgage servicers about overage or refunds

If any of these situations sound familiar, it’s worth searching the state’s unclaimed property database through the official Mississippi portal.

Step 2: Search Mississippi’s Official Unclaimed Property Database

Mississippi typically offers an online search tool through the state’s unclaimed property office where you can look up your name and see if the state is holding money for you.

To search, you will generally need:

• Your current legal name
• Past names (maiden name, previous married names, or other variations)
• Business name (if you had a business account)
• Cities or addresses where you previously lived or operated a business in Mississippi

Tips for searching effectively

Try multiple versions of your name, such as:

• First + last name
• First + middle initial + last name
• Last name only (then scroll through results)

If you get a match, the state site will usually show:

• The name of the holder (for example, a utility company, bank, or mortgage servicer)
• The type of property (such as deposit, escrow, credit balance)
• Sometimes the approximate value range (exact or ranges like “under $100”)

From there, the official portal typically lets you start a claim by clicking a button or following listed instructions. Remember: you cannot file that claim on HowToGetAssistance.org. You must use the official Mississippi unclaimed property website or mailing address.

Step 3: Know Who Can Claim and What They Need to Show

Who typically qualifies to claim?

You can usually claim unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds if you are:

• The person named on the account
• A joint account holder
• The rightful heir or legal representative of someone who has died (with proper documentation)
• An authorized representative for a business or organization that is listed as the owner

For heirs or estates, the state may require additional proof (such as probate documents).

Common documents you may need

Requirements vary, but Mississippi’s unclaimed property program typically asks for:

For individuals:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Mississippi driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security Number (for example, Social Security card, tax document, or pay stub with SSN)
• Proof of current mailing address
  • Utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address
• Proof of past address or connection to the property holder (if requested)
  • Old bill, statement, or document showing your name with the address the claim is linked to

For escrow-related claims:

• Mortgage documents showing your name and property address
• Closing statement or letter from the mortgage company or escrow holder
• Loan number or account number, if available

For heirs/estates:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Documents proving your legal authority, such as:
  • Letters testamentary or letters of administration
  • Small estate affidavit (if applicable under Mississippi law)
  • Will plus any court orders, if required
• Proof of your identity and your relationship to the deceased

For businesses:

• Official documents showing you are authorized to act for the business
  • Corporate resolution, business license, or government registration
• Tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Business address documentation

Quick Reference: Who to Contact and What You’ll Likely Need

The exact office name and contact details can be confirmed through the official State of Mississippi government website or by calling the state’s main information line and asking for the unclaimed property or state treasurer’s unclaimed property division.

Step 4: How to Submit a Claim in Mississippi

Although specific steps can change over time, claims for unclaimed property in Mississippi usually follow a similar pattern.

1. Start the claim online (or request a form)

Once you find your name in the state’s unclaimed property search tool, the system will usually:

• Let you click a “File a Claim” or similar button, or
• Provide instructions on how to request a paper claim form

You may be asked to:

• Confirm your identity and contact information
• Answer questions about your connection to the property holder (for example, “Did you have service with XYZ Utility?”)

2. Complete the claim form

Next, you typically:

• Fill out the claim form with:
  • Your name and any former names
  • Current and previous addresses
  • Contact information
  • Property ID or reference number from the search result
• Sign and date the form (some may require a notarized signature, especially for larger claims or estate claims)

3. Attach supporting documents

You will then provide:

• Copies (not originals, unless specifically required) of:
  • Photo ID
  • Social Security number proof
  • Address documentation
  • Estate or business documents, if that applies

The official instructions will explain which documents are acceptable and how to submit them (upload, mail, or both).

4. Submit by mail or electronic upload

Depending on the system Mississippi uses at the time:

• You may upload documents online, or
• You may be instructed to print, sign, and mail the claim form and copies of your documents to the state’s unclaimed property address.

Always double-check the mailing address on the official Mississippi government site or on the claim form itself.

Step 5: What Happens After You File a Claim?

After submitting a claim, the Mississippi unclaimed property office will typically:

1. Review your information

   • They compare your documents to the property record to verify you’re the rightful owner.

2. Ask for additional documentation if needed

   • If something is missing or unclear, you may receive a letter, email, or phone call requesting more information.

3. Approve or deny the claim

   • If approved, the state usually issues a check to your mailing address.
   • If denied, they may provide a reason and information about what you can do next.

Typical timelines

Processing time can vary based on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• How complex your claim is (individual vs. estate or business)
• How quickly you respond to any requests for more information

Many people find that claims can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. For the most accurate estimate, you can contact the Mississippi unclaimed property office directly via their official phone line.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Being aware of frequent problems can help your claim go more smoothly.

Typical issues include:

• Incomplete forms

  • Missing signatures or unanswered sections.

• Missing or unclear documentation

  • Blurry ID copies, documents that don’t show your name and address clearly, or missing estate paperwork.

• Name mismatches

  • The name listed on the property record is slightly different than your current legal name (for example, maiden vs. married name) and you didn’t submit proof of name change.

• No proof of relationship for heirs

  • Claiming for a deceased parent or relative without providing documents that link you legally to the estate.

• Wrong person claiming

  • Another person with a similar name appears to be the true owner, based on addresses or account details.

How to avoid these problems

• Follow the official instructions carefully.
• Submit complete, clear copies of all required documents.
• If your name has changed, include documentation of the change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
• If claiming as an heir, make sure you understand Mississippi’s estate requirements and provide the necessary legal paperwork.

If your claim is denied, you can usually call the unclaimed property office to ask what went wrong and what, if anything, can be done.

Appeals or Reconsideration: If You Disagree with a Decision

Mississippi’s exact process can change, but if you disagree with a decision:

1. Review the denial notice carefully.

   • Look for any explanation about missing documents or eligibility issues.

2. Gather any additional evidence.

   • Extra proof of address, identity, relationship, or authorization can sometimes make a difference.

3. Contact the unclaimed property office.

   • Ask what steps are available for appeal, reconsideration, or resubmission.

In some situations, particularly involving estates or complex ownership questions, you may wish to consult an attorney familiar with Mississippi property or probate law. That decision is personal and not required, but some people find it helpful when the amount at stake is large or the documentation is complicated.

If You Don’t Qualify or Find No Unclaimed Funds

Sometimes a search shows no results under your name, or you learn that:

• The funds were already claimed by another person or estate representative, or
• You are not recognized as the lawful owner or heir.

If that happens:

• Try searching all name variations and old addresses one more time.
• Check under business names if you had a business.
• Consider whether the deposit or escrow might have been under a spouse’s or co-owner’s name.

If you still find nothing, there may simply be no unclaimed funds in your name in the Mississippi system.

Other practical options

While unclaimed property itself is not an assistance program, if you were hoping this money would help with bills, you might also:

• Call 211 to ask about utility assistance, rental help, or mortgage relief resources in your area.
• Contact your local community action agency or county human services department about energy assistance or housing support programs.
• Ask your current utility companies about payment plans or hardship programs, which some providers offer.

Those resources are separate from unclaimed property and have their own eligibility rules and application processes.

How to Avoid Problems and Scams When Claiming Funds

Because unclaimed money can attract scammers, it is important to be careful.

Verify you’re using an official channel

To make sure you’re working with the State of Mississippi and not a scam:

• Use the official Mississippi government website (look for a “.gov” web address).
• If unsure, call the Mississippi State Treasurer’s Office or the main state information line and ask to be connected to the unclaimed property division.
• Do not trust links sent by random texts, emails, or social media messages.

Watch for common scam red flags

Be cautious if:

• Someone demands upfront payment or “processing fees” to help you claim unclaimed property. The official state office usually does not require a fee to file a claim yourself.
• A caller asks for full Social Security numbers or bank information before you have verified they are from a real state office.
• You receive high-pressure messages saying you must act immediately or lose the money, especially if they come from unofficial email addresses.

Some people choose to hire professional finders or recovery services who charge a fee to locate and help claim funds. That is a personal choice, but you can often search and claim unclaimed property on your own directly with the state at no cost other than your time.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Utility deposits and escrow funds in Mississippi can become unclaimed property if companies can’t locate you for refunds.
• The State of Mississippi usually holds this money through its unclaimed property program until the rightful owner (or heirs) files a claim.
• To get started:
  1. Think through which utilities, mortgages, or escrow accounts you had in Mississippi.
  2. Use the official Mississippi unclaimed property search tool on the state’s website to look up your name.
  3. If you find a match, follow the state’s instructions to submit a claim, providing ID and any required documentation.
• Claims are handled only through official Mississippi state offices—not through HowToGetAssistance.org or any unofficial site.
• If you have questions or run into problems, contact the Mississippi unclaimed property office directly by phone or through the contact information listed on the state’s official portal.

By following these steps and working with the official Mississippi agencies, you can find out whether any unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds are waiting for you and, if so, start the process to claim them.