Nebraska’s Unclaimed Property Office: What It Does and What It Holds

The Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office is the state office that works to safeguard lost or forgotten money and assets and help return them to the rightful owners. Many people are surprised to learn they may have unclaimed funds and never knew it.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, and you cannot search for, claim, or receive unclaimed property through this site. This guide explains how Nebraska’s unclaimed property system typically works so you know what to look for, what you might be owed, and how to contact official channels.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Nebraska?

In plain English, unclaimed property is money or financial assets that a business or organization owes you but could not successfully deliver. After a certain amount of time with no contact from you, those assets must be turned over to the State of Nebraska for safekeeping.

The Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office does not keep this money as revenue. Its job is to:

• Receive and store unclaimed funds and assets
• Maintain a searchable database of owners
• Verify claims from people who come forward
• Return property to the rightful owners or heirs

There is usually no deadline for individuals to claim their property once it’s been turned over to the state. Nebraska typically holds it indefinitely until someone proves they own it.

What Types of Property Does Nebraska’s Unclaimed Property Office Hold?

Unclaimed property is usually financial, not physical. Common types include:

Common Types of Unclaimed Property

• Bank accounts

  • Savings or checking accounts that were inactive for several years
  • Certificates of deposit (CDs) that were not cashed in

• Uncashed checks

  • Payroll checks never deposited
  • Vendor or contractor payments that were never cashed
  • Refund checks from utilities, insurance companies, or retailers

• Utility and service refunds

  • Utility deposits (electric, gas, water, internet) not claimed when you moved
  • Credit balances on closed service accounts

• Insurance-related property

  • Life insurance benefits where the beneficiary could not be located
  • Refunds of insurance premiums
  • Payments from annuities or policies not delivered

• Investment and securities-related items

  • Dividends from stocks
  • Interest payments from bonds or mutual funds
  • Old stock or bond accounts where the owner stopped responding

• Safe deposit box contents

  • Items from bank safe deposit boxes where rent was not paid and the owner could not be reached
  • Contents can include documents, jewelry, coins, or other small valuables
  • If held for a long period, some items may eventually be sold, with proceeds held for the owner

• Business-related funds

  • Checks owed to closed businesses
  • Customer credit balances
  • Royalties or commission payments not distributed

• Miscellaneous

  • Money orders
  • Traveler’s checks
  • Gift certificates or gift cards (when covered by state law)

The Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office does not typically hold items like real estate, cars, or boats. Those are usually handled under different legal processes.

How Does Property Become “Unclaimed” in Nebraska?

Property usually becomes “unclaimed” after a dormancy period—a set number of years with no activity or contact from the owner.

Typical paths to unclaimed status:

1. You move and don’t update your address.

   • A bank, employer, or utility company sends mail, and it comes back undeliverable.
   • They eventually mark the account as dormant.

2. You forget about an account or refund.

   • You never cash a check.
   • You forget about a deposit at a utility company or landlord.

3. The owner passes away.

   • The family doesn’t know about certain accounts or life insurance benefits.
   • The company cannot identify or locate the heirs.

4. You stop using an account.

   • No logins, deposits, withdrawals, or communication for several years.
   • After the dormancy period, the business is required by law to turn these assets over to the state.

Once that dormancy period ends and the business can’t contact you, it must transfer the funds to the Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office, along with any information it has about you (name, last known address, account numbers, etc.).

Who Can Claim Nebraska Unclaimed Property?

You may be able to claim unclaimed property if you are:

• The original owner

  • Your name, business name, or former name/maiden name matches the listing
  • The address or other details match your past records

• A beneficiary or heir

  • A spouse, child, or other relative of someone who has passed away
  • An heir named in a will or by state inheritance laws

• An authorized representative

  • Someone with power of attorney
  • An attorney or legal guardian
  • A personal representative or executor of an estate

• A business owner or officer

  • You own or represent a corporation, LLC, nonprofit, or partnership with unclaimed property
  • You have authority to act on behalf of that business

In each case, you typically must prove your identity and your right to the property using supporting documents.

What the Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office Actually Does

The Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office typically handles:

1. Collecting Unclaimed Funds

Businesses and organizations in Nebraska are required to:

• Review accounts for inactivity and unclaimed amounts
• Make a reasonable effort to contact the owner
• After the required period, remit those funds to the state, along with owner information

2. Maintaining a Public Search Tool

The office usually provides an online name search where you can:

• Search for your name, a maiden name, or a business name
• See if any unclaimed property is listed that appears to belong to you

You can also usually contact the office by phone or mail if you do not have internet access.

3. Verifying Ownership

When someone files a claim, the office’s staff will:

• Review identification documents
• Compare your information with the original data from the business
• Ask for more documents if needed (especially for estates, name changes, or businesses)

4. Paying Valid Claims

Once they approve your claim, the office typically:

• Issues a check for the value of the property
• Restores your ownership of the asset (for things like securities) where possible
• Sends proceeds from sold items (for example, safe deposit box auctions) if applicable

Processing times can vary, depending on how complex your claim is and how quickly you submit documents.

What Documents You May Need to Claim Nebraska Unclaimed Property

The exact documents can vary by situation and property type, but these are commonly requested:

For Individual Owners

• Valid photo ID

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Passport

• Proof of current address (may or may not be required, depending on how your claim is filed)

  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement

• Proof of prior address, if the claim is tied to an old address

  • Old utility bill or bank statement
  • Tax document
  • Official mail showing your name and that address

• Documentation tying you to the company or source, if needed

  • Old pay stub (for payroll checks)
  • Policy statement (for insurance)
  • Bank statement or deposit slip

For Name Changes (e.g., marriage, divorce, legal change)

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for legal name change

These help show that the name on the unclaimed property and your current legal name are the same person.

For Heirs and Estates

If the property belonged to someone who has passed away, you may be asked for:

• Death certificate of the owner
• Will, if one exists
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration (documents showing who is authorized to manage the estate)
• Court appointment of the personal representative or executor
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Other documents that connect you to the deceased

For Businesses

If the claim is on behalf of a business:

• Business formation documents

  • Articles of incorporation
  • Partnership agreement
  • LLC formation documents

• Proof of authority

  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on company letterhead authorizing you to claim
  • Your title, such as owner, manager, officer

• Business tax ID (EIN) and possibly proof of address

How to Search for Unclaimed Property in Nebraska

You cannot search Nebraska's unclaimed property records through HowToGetAssistance.org. To search, you must use official Nebraska channels.

Typical steps:

1. Go to the official Nebraska unclaimed property website or portal.

   • Use a search engine to look for terms like “Nebraska unclaimed property” or “State Treasurer unclaimed property Nebraska”.
   • Make sure the site clearly belongs to a state government office (look for “.gov” and official state branding).

2. Search by name.

   • Enter your first and last name.
   • Try variations: middle initial, no middle name, maiden name.
   • For businesses, search by the full legal name and any common abbreviations.

3. Review possible matches.

   • Look for your current or past addresses, employers, or companies you did business with.
   • If something looks like it might be yours, follow the official instructions to start a claim.

4. Note any claim ID or reference number.

   • You may need it when submitting documents or contacting the office.

If you have no internet access, you can usually call the Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office directly and ask about alternate ways to search.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once you submit a claim through the official Nebraska unclaimed property process:

1. Initial Review

   • The office checks your form for completeness.
   • If something is obviously missing, they may contact you or return the claim.

2. Request for Documents (if not already provided)

   • You may receive a list of required documents you need to send by mail or upload through the official portal.
   • For simple claims (like a small refund to a current address), documentation may be minimal.

3. Verification Process

   • Staff compare your documents to the information the business originally provided.
   • They confirm names, addresses, Social Security number or tax ID (if applicable), and other details.

4. Approval or Denial

   • If approved, you will typically receive:
     • A check mailed to your address, or
     • Transfer of the asset (for example, certain securities) where possible.
   • If denied, you should receive an explanation or instructions for what’s missing.

5. Time Frames

   • Simple, well-documented claims may be processed in a few weeks.
   • More complex claims (especially those involving estates, businesses, or multiple owners) may take longer.

If you have questions about timing or status, you can contact the Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office directly using the phone number or contact form listed on their official site.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Delays and denials typically come down to missing or incomplete information. Some frequent issues include:

• Insufficient proof of identity

  • Expired ID
  • Name on ID does not match claim record and no documentation of name change

• No proof of address

  • Especially when the unclaimed property is tied to an address you used years ago

• Incomplete estate documents

  • Heir or executor does not provide court appointment paperwork
  • Missing death certificate of the original owner

• Wrong person claiming

  • Someone with a similar name but no connection to the listed address or business
  • A relative who is not legally recognized as an heir under Nebraska law

• Unclear business authority

  • Person claiming for a business cannot show they are an owner or officer

To avoid delays, it usually helps to:

• Read the official instructions carefully
• Submit all requested documents together
• Double-check names, addresses, and dates on your forms

Can You Appeal or Ask for a Review?

If your claim is denied or you believe a decision is incorrect:

• You can usually contact the Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office directly and:
  • Ask for clarification about why it was denied
  • Ask what additional documents or information are needed
  • Request that they reconsider your claim after you provide more proof

In more complex or disputed cases, some people choose to:

• Consult an attorney experienced in probate, estates, or administrative law
• Get help understanding Nebraska’s laws on unclaimed property and inheritance

Any formal appeal process will be outlined by the Nebraska office or in state law, and you would need to follow those official directions.

Simple Comparison: Who Can Claim What?

Here is a quick reference overview:

The exact requirements can vary by claim, so always rely on the official Nebraska instructions for your situation.

How to Tell If You’re on an Official Nebraska Channel (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed property can involve money, scammers sometimes try to take advantage of people who are searching for it. You do not need to pay a fee to search for your own unclaimed property through the state.

Tips to Stay Safe

• Look for .gov websites

  • Nebraska’s official agencies use “.gov” domains.
  • Be cautious of look-alike sites that ask for upfront fees.

• Be wary of unexpected calls or emails

  • If someone contacts you saying you have unclaimed money, do not share personal info right away.
  • Instead, independently look up the Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office through a trusted source and contact them yourself.

• Avoid paying large “finder” fees

  • Some companies legally offer to help search and file claims, often for a percentage.
  • You can usually search and file a claim on your own at no cost through official state channels.

• Protect sensitive information

  • Only enter your Social Security number or bank information on verified official forms or portals.
  • If a site looks unprofessional, has many errors, or pressures you to act quickly, be cautious.

If you are unsure, you can:

• Call the Nebraska State Treasurer’s office or the number listed for the unclaimed property division on the state’s official site
• Ask a trusted local resource (such as a library or legal aid office) to help you confirm the correct website

Alternatives If You Don’t Find Anything in Nebraska

If your Nebraska search turns up nothing, consider:

• Other states where you have lived or worked

  • Search the unclaimed property systems for each state where you:
    • Lived
    • Held jobs
    • Went to school
    • Paid utilities

• Former employer or benefit plans

  • For retirement accounts or pensions, contact the company or plan administrator directly.
  • Some retirement assets follow different rules than standard unclaimed property.

• Federal programs

  • Certain unclaimed funds, like federal tax refunds or savings bonds, are handled at the federal level, not by the state.
  • You would need to go through the appropriate federal agency.

Key Takeaways: Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office

• The Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office safely holds lost or forgotten money and financial assets until the rightful owners claim them.
• It typically holds things like bank accounts, uncashed checks, utility deposits, insurance payouts, and safe deposit box contents, not real estate or vehicles.
• You may claim as an individual, heir, or business representative, but you must prove your identity and your right to the property.
• To search or file a claim, you must use Nebraska’s official government website, phone line, or mailing address—not third-party sites like HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Claims are often delayed when documents are missing or do not clearly match the original records, so carefully follow the official instructions.
• You can usually search for free, and you should always verify that you are dealing with an official state office before sharing personal information.

By understanding what the Nebraska Unclaimed Property Office does and what it holds, you can take the next step through the state’s official channels to see whether any of those funds might belong to you or your family.