Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Nebraska: How to Find and Claim Your Money

If you ever paid a utility deposit or had money held in an escrow account in Nebraska, there is a chance you may be owed money you never received back. This guide explains how unclaimed funds typically work in Nebraska, how to search for them, and what to do if you think you are owed a refund.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. It is not a government agency, not an official portal, and cannot hold or release any funds. To claim money, you must go through official Nebraska offices and websites.

Understanding Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds

What are unclaimed utility deposits?

When you set up service with a utility company in Nebraska (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, or sometimes telecommunications), the company may ask for a security deposit. Common examples include:

• Electric or gas deposits when you start service
• Water or sewer deposits with a city or rural utility district
• Cable or internet deposits (in some cases)

Utility deposits are usually:

• Held as security in case of non-payment
• Applied to your final bill when you close the account
• Refunded if your account is in good standing and there is money left over

If the utility company cannot reach you after you move or close the account, the unrefunded deposit may be treated as unclaimed property and turned over to the State of Nebraska after a certain period.

What are unclaimed escrow funds?

Escrow funds are money held by a third party for a specific purpose, often related to housing or loans. In Nebraska, this most commonly involves:

• Mortgage escrow accounts for property taxes and homeowners insurance
• Land contract or rent-to-own escrow accounts
• Earnest money or closing escrows during home purchases

When a mortgage is paid off, a sale falls through, or an account is closed, you may be owed leftover escrow funds. If the bank, lender, title company, or closing agent cannot locate you, those funds may eventually be reported to the state unclaimed property program.

How Unclaimed Property Works in Nebraska

Who typically holds unclaimed funds?

In Nebraska, unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds generally move through three stages:

1. Original Holder
   • Utility company, city utility department, mortgage lender, title company, or closing agent
2. Dormancy Period
   • After a set time with no activity (often a few years), these funds are considered abandoned
3. State Custody
   • The holder is required to turn the money over to the State of Nebraska’s unclaimed property office, which holds it for the rightful owner

The Nebraska unclaimed property program does not keep your money permanently. It typically holds the funds until you or your heirs file a valid claim through official channels.

Common Situations Where People Miss Refunds

You may have unclaimed funds in Nebraska if you:

• Moved and did not leave a forwarding address
• Closed a utility account and forgot about any deposit
• Paid off a mortgage or refinanced and never received a final escrow refund
• Bought or sold a home and some closing or earnest money was never returned
• Changed your name (marriage, divorce, legal name change) and did not update accounts
• Opened accounts under different name formats (with/without middle initial, nickname, etc.)

If any of these apply, it may be worth checking for unclaimed property in Nebraska.

Where to Look: State Unclaimed Property vs. Original Company

Many people are unsure whether to contact the state or the utility/lender. This summary can help you decide where to start.

If you do not find anything through the state search, you can then contact specific companies where you previously had deposits or escrow accounts.

Step-by-Step: How to Search for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Nebraska

1. Gather basic information about yourself

Before you search, it helps to have:

• Full legal name (including former and maiden names)
• Previous addresses in Nebraska (cities and ZIP codes, if available)
• Approximate years you lived or held accounts in Nebraska

If you had accounts in a business name (for a small business, LLC, or sole proprietorship), be prepared to search under that name as well.

2. Search Nebraska’s unclaimed property database

Nebraska, like many states, provides an official online search tool for unclaimed property. To find it:

• Use a search engine and look for:
  • “Nebraska unclaimed property”
  • “Nebraska State Treasurer unclaimed property” (the State Treasurer’s office often manages these programs)
• Confirm you are on an official .gov website for Nebraska before entering personal information.

Once there, you can typically:

• Enter your last name and first name
• Optionally narrow by city or ZIP code
• Review a list of possible matches with your name

Look carefully for:

• Old addresses you recognize
• Names of utility companies, cities, banks, or mortgage servicers you had accounts with
• Businesses or employers that might have held deposits on your behalf

3. Identify claims that might be utility or escrow funds

In the results list, you might see descriptions such as:

• “Utilities deposit,” “utility credit,” or “customer deposit”
• “Mortgage escrow,” “escrow balance,” or “mortgage refund”
• “Closing funds,” “real estate,” or “title company”

Even if the description is vague, if the holder matches a prior utility or mortgage company and the address is familiar, it may be worth claiming.

Documents You May Need to Claim Unclaimed Funds in Nebraska

Nebraska’s unclaimed property office usually requires proof of your identity and connection to the listed property. Requirements can vary depending on the dollar amount and whether you are claiming for yourself, a business, or as an heir.

Common documents include:

For individuals claiming their own funds:

• Photo ID
  • Valid driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued ID
• Proof of Social Security Number, such as:
  • Social Security card
  • Tax document showing your full name and SSN (e.g., W‑2)
• Proof of address or former address connected to the claim, for example:
  • Old utility bill
  • Lease agreement or mortgage statement
  • Bank statement or pay stub with the address

For name changes (marriage, divorce, legal change):

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order showing the name change

For business-related claims:

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, LLC paperwork)
• Proof you are authorized to act for the business (officer, owner, or manager)
• Tax ID number (EIN)

For heirs or estates:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Legal documents showing your right to claim (will, letters of administration, small estate affidavit, or similar)
• Your own ID and proof of relationship (varies by situation)

Always follow the exact instructions on the claim form from the Nebraska unclaimed property office, as they may update document requirements over time.

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Nebraska

The process typically involves a few clear steps through official state channels.

1. Select your claim on the official search site

Once you find property that appears to belong to you:

• Click the option to “claim” or “file a claim” next to that entry
• Confirm that the name, address, and holder match your history as closely as possible

2. Complete the claim form

Most claim forms will ask for:

• Your full legal name
• Current mailing address and contact details
• last four digits of your Social Security Number or full SSN (depending on the amount)
• Your relationship to the original owner (self, heir, business owner)

You may be able to:

• Submit the claim online, or
• Print a form, sign it, and mail it to the Nebraska unclaimed property office

Follow the instructions on the official site carefully.

3. Attach required documents

Attach or upload all required documents, which may include:

• Copy of your photo ID
• Proof of SSN / Tax ID
• Proof of address from the time of the utility or escrow account, when requested
• Legal documents if you are claiming for an estate, trust, or business

📌 Tip: Make copies of everything you send. Do not mail original documents unless the state office specifically requires originals.

4. Submit and track your claim

Depending on the Nebraska system:

• You may receive a claim number or reference number
• You might be able to check status online or by contacting the Nebraska unclaimed property office directly

Processing time can vary based on:

• Volume of claims
• Complexity (heirs and estates often take longer)
• Whether additional documents are needed

If the state needs more information, it may send you a letter or email to the contact address you provided.

What Happens After Your Claim is Approved

If your claim is approved by the Nebraska unclaimed property office:

• You will typically receive a check by mail for the amount of the unclaimed utility deposit or escrow funds.
• In some cases, there may be interest or additional amounts, but often unclaimed property is paid at the face value held by the state.

If your claim is denied or partially approved, you should receive a written explanation stating:

• Why the claim could not be fully honored, and
• Whether you can submit additional documentation or appeal the decision

If anything is unclear, you can usually call or write to the Nebraska unclaimed property office using the contact information on the official state website or your denial letter.

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

People often run into problems when:

• The name on the ID does not match the name on the property record (e.g., missing middle initial, married vs. maiden name)
• There is no proof of address connecting them to the listed address
• Documents are incomplete, expired, or unreadable (blurry scans, dark copies)
• They try to claim funds that belong to a different person with the same name
• Heirs or executors do not include sufficient estate or probate documentation

To avoid problems:

• Use consistent spelling and full legal names
• Provide strong, clear copies of all documents
• Carefully follow the claim instructions given by the Nebraska unclaimed property office

What If Your Money Has Not Yet Been Turned Over to the State?

Not all unclaimed deposits or escrow funds are immediately sent to the state. If you recently closed an account or paid off a loan, it may make sense to contact:

1. Your former utility provider

Reach out to:

• Electric or gas utility company
• City water/sewer department
• Telephone, cable, or internet company, if they required a deposit

Ask to speak with billing or customer service and inquire whether:

• You had a deposit on file
• A final bill was issued
• A refund check was sent or credited to your account

Be prepared to verify:

• Your old account number (if available)
• Service address
• Approximate dates of service

2. Your mortgage servicer or lender

If you believe you are owed escrow funds:

• Call the mortgage servicer that handled your monthly payments, or
• Contact the lender listed on your closing documents

Ask about:

• Any remaining escrow balance after payoff or refinance
• Whether a refund check was issued
• The address where it was mailed and when

If they confirm a refund was issued, but you never received it, they may be able to reissue the check or explain if the funds were later turned over to Nebraska’s unclaimed property program.

If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Funds

Sometimes people do not find anything even though they are sure they paid deposits. A few possibilities:

• The deposit was fully applied to unpaid bills or fees, leaving no refund due
• The utility company may still be holding the funds (not yet transferred to the state)
• The unclaimed property record may be under a slightly different name or address spelling

If you still suspect money is missing:

1. Search again using:

   • Nicknames
   • Maiden names
   • Middle initials or alternate spellings

2. Contact specific companies (utilities, lenders, title companies) to ask about old accounts.

3. Consider checking unclaimed property programs in other states where you lived, since some deposits or escrow refunds may have been reported to the state where the company is located or where you last resided.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Nebraska Channels

Because unclaimed property involves money, scammers sometimes try to take advantage of people. To protect yourself:

• Look for “.gov” in the website address when using Nebraska’s official unclaimed property tools.
• Be cautious of third-party services that offer to search or claim money for you for a fee. Many people prefer to deal directly with the state because the official Nebraska program normally does not charge you to claim your own property.
• Do not share your full Social Security Number, bank information, or ID online unless you are confident you are on the official state website or in direct contact with the official state office.
• If you receive an unexpected letter, email, or phone call about unclaimed funds:
  • Contact the Nebraska unclaimed property office using a number or address you look up yourself on the state’s official website.
  • Ask them to confirm whether the contact is legitimate.

If you are uncertain, you can also dial 211 to ask for help finding the correct state office to verify unclaimed property information.

Other Options If You Do Not Qualify or Cannot Prove Ownership

Sometimes, even when you believe you are owed money, you may not be able to provide enough documentation to satisfy official requirements. In those cases, you may wish to:

• Ask the Nebraska unclaimed property office whether there are alternative documents they will accept.
• Check whether you can obtain replacement documents, such as:
  • Old tax records or W‑2s
  • Copies of leases or closing documents from landlords, lenders, or title companies
• If the property relates to a deceased relative, speak with an attorney or local legal aid office about estate or probate options, especially if the amount is significant.

If it turns out you are not entitled to the funds or you cannot prove a connection, there is usually no further appeal beyond what the Nebraska program allows.

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are handled in Nebraska and by using the official state unclaimed property program, you can check whether any forgotten money belongs to you and follow the proper steps to claim it through the correct government channels.