Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Unclaimed Assets in New Hampshire

Many people are surprised to learn they might have unclaimed money or property waiting for them and not even know it. In New Hampshire, this can include things like forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and more.

This guide explains, in plain English, how to look for unclaimed assets in New Hampshire step-by-step, what information you’ll usually need, and how to claim money using official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, not an official portal, and cannot look up or claim property for you. However, this guide can help you understand what to expect before you contact the official New Hampshire unclaimed property office.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, unclaimed property (sometimes called “unclaimed assets”) usually means money or property that has been abandoned by its owner for a certain period of time. Businesses and financial institutions are required to turn this property over to the State of New Hampshire when they cannot reach the owner.

Typical examples include:

• Inactive bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed paychecks
• Unclaimed tax refunds (state or local)
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Unredeemed money orders or cashier’s checks
• Insurance policy benefits or refunds
• Safe deposit box contents from banks
• Dividends and stocks that were never claimed
• Vendor or customer refunds from companies

New Hampshire’s unclaimed property program generally holds this property for the rightful owner or their heirs. There is no penalty for claiming your own unclaimed property later, and typically no fee when you claim directly through the official state office.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Property in New Hampshire?

Almost anyone can have unclaimed assets without realizing it. People commonly find unclaimed property if they:

• Moved frequently, especially between states
• Changed jobs and never received a final paycheck or retirement distribution
• Switched banks or closed accounts
• Changed their name (for example, after marriage or divorce)
• Lost track of old life insurance policies
• Had a security deposit with a landlord or utility company
• Passed away, leaving heirs who never received all benefits

You may want to search if:

• You currently live in New Hampshire
• You used to live, work, or do business in New Hampshire
• A relative who lived in New Hampshire has died, and you might be an heir

New Hampshire’s official unclaimed property search tools allow you to search by individual name or business name.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can usually start a search with just a name, but you’ll often save time if you gather a few details first.

Useful information to have:

• Full legal name
  • Include current name and any previous names, such as:
    • Maiden name
    • Name before marriage or divorce
    • Legal name changes
• Aliases or variations
  • For example: William, Bill, Billy; Katherine, Kate, Kathy
• Current and past New Hampshire addresses, if you know them
• Approximate time frames when you lived, worked, or did business in New Hampshire
• Business names you owned or were associated with in New Hampshire

For searching as an heir (for a deceased relative), you may eventually need:

• The deceased person’s full name and last known address in New Hampshire
• Date of birth and date of death, if available
• Documents that show you are a legal heir or executor (these are usually needed later in the claim process, not just to search)

You do not normally need sensitive information like Social Security numbers just to run a basic online search, though the official office may ask for limited identifying information when you submit an actual claim.

Step 2: Use New Hampshire’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

New Hampshire typically maintains an official unclaimed property website run by the State Treasurer’s Office or a similar state agency. That site allows the public to:

• Search for unclaimed property by name
• See whether the state is holding money or property in your name
• Start an official claim

Because site addresses can change, a practical way to find the official portal is to:

1. Visit the official State of New Hampshire government website (often a “.gov” address).
2. Look for links labeled “Treasury,” “Unclaimed Property,” or “Abandoned Property.”
3. Use the state’s own search bar to type “unclaimed property New Hampshire.”
4. Confirm that you’re still on an official “.gov” website when entering any personal information.

You can also call the New Hampshire State Treasury or Unclaimed Property Division via the official phone number listed on the state government site to verify you have the right portal before proceeding.

Once you’re on the official search page, you’ll generally:

1. Enter your last name and first name (and possibly a city).
2. Optionally search with and without a middle initial or with name variations.
3. Review a list of any matching unclaimed property records.

Step 3: Review the Search Results Carefully

If the search finds matches, the results normally list:

• Owner name (individual or business)
• Last known address (city, maybe street)
• Holder type (for example, bank, insurance company, employer)
• Property type (like wages, bank account, utility refund)
• Sometimes the approximate amount category (small, medium, or “over” a certain amount)

When reviewing:

• Check spelling variations of your name.
• Confirm previous addresses you recognize.
• If your name is common, compare address cities, middle initials, and holder types to see if the listing is likely yours.

You can usually click or select each result to see more details and start a claim for that specific property.

If there are no results, consider:

• Trying different spellings of your name
• Searching using a former name
• Looking up relatives, particularly deceased parents, spouse, or grandparents who lived in New Hampshire
• Searching any business names you owned

Step 4: Decide Whether You Are the Rightful Owner (or Heir)

Before you start a claim, ask:

• Does the name match me or my business?
• Does the address match a place I lived or where my business operated?
• Does the holder make sense (for example, a past employer or bank)?

If the property belongs to you personally, you can usually proceed with an individual claim.

If the property belongs to a deceased relative, or to a trust, estate, or business, the process can be more detailed. The official New Hampshire unclaimed property office may require:

• Estate or probate documents
• Proof that you are the executor, administrator, or legal heir
• Possibly a death certificate

In many cases, the unclaimed property office provides step-by-step instructions and specific forms for:

• Claims by heirs
• Claims by estates
• Claims by companies
• Claims by trusts

Step 5: Gather the Documents You’ll Typically Need

New Hampshire’s unclaimed property office usually requires proof of identity and proof of ownership before releasing money. The exact documents can vary depending on the situation, but common examples include:

For personal claims (you are the owner)

You may be asked for:

• Photo identification
  • For example:
    • State driver’s license
    • State ID card
    • U.S. passport
• Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN)
  • For example:
    • Social Security card
    • Tax document showing your SSN (like a W‑2)
• Proof of address or prior address
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Tax bill
• Any document showing a connection to the holder
  • Old bank statement
  • Pay stub from the employer listed
  • Insurance policy document

For claims as an heir or executor

You may be asked for:

• Everything listed above for personal identification, plus:
• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will, letters testamentary, or letters of administration, if the estate is in probate
• Proof of relationship (for example, birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Court documents naming you as executor, administrator, or personal representative, if applicable

For business or organization claims

You may be asked for:

• Official business identification (EIN, business license)
• Articles of incorporation, partnership documents, or similar formation documents
• Evidence you are an authorized officer or representative
• Documents showing the business’s connection to the address or holder

It is usually a good idea to keep copies of anything you send and to avoid mailing original documents unless the state office specifically instructs you to and you understand the risks.

Step 6: Submit a Claim Through Official New Hampshire Channels

Once you select a property to claim on the official New Hampshire unclaimed property portal, the system will usually:

1. Ask you to confirm you are the rightful owner or authorized claimant.
2. Walk you through filling out an online claim form or downloading a paper claim form.
3. Instruct you on which documents to upload, mail, or fax.

Common submission routes include:

• Online submission through the official state unclaimed property portal
• Mailing printed claim forms and copies of documents to the address listed by the New Hampshire unclaimed property office
• In some cases, in-person submission at a state office (call ahead to confirm)

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or process applications, so you will need to submit everything directly to the official New Hampshire agency.

Step 7: Track Your Claim and Respond to Any Requests

After you’ve submitted your claim:

• The New Hampshire unclaimed property office will typically review your claim.
• They may contact you if they need additional documentation or clarification.
• Some state portals allow you to check claim status online using a claim number.
• You can also call the official unclaimed property phone line listed on the state’s website to ask about the status.

Processing times vary, but it is common for claims to take several weeks or more, depending on:

• How complex the claim is (individual vs. estate or business)
• Whether documentation is complete
• The current workload of the state office

If the claim is approved, payments are often issued by check mailed to the address you provided, or another method described by the state.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid delays.

Frequent causes of delays

• Missing or incomplete documents (for example, no proof of address for the year in question)
• Mismatched names (for example, married vs. maiden name without supporting documentation)
• Unreadable copies (faded ID images, unclear scans)
• Not signing the claim form where required
• Submitting documents to the wrong address or office

Possible reasons a claim might be denied

• The state determines you are not the legal owner or an authorized representative
• Another party successfully proves stronger legal claim to the same property
• The claim appears to be fraudulent or lacks credible documentation
• The owner’s estate requires probate steps that haven’t been completed yet

If your claim is rejected, the official New Hampshire unclaimed property office may send a notice explaining:

• The reason for denial
• Whether you can submit additional documents
• Whether you can appeal or re-file the claim

To better understand your options, you can call the phone number listed on the official notice or on the New Hampshire unclaimed property website.

Simple Summary: Where to Start and What You’ll Need

Below is a simplified overview of typical steps and documents when searching for unclaimed assets in New Hampshire:

What If You Lived in More Than One State?

If you have moved around, you may have unclaimed property in multiple states, not just New Hampshire. You can:

• Start with New Hampshire if you lived or worked there.
• Then search other states where you:
  • Previously lived
  • Worked for several years
  • Attended school
  • Opened bank accounts or insurance policies

Each state generally has its own separate unclaimed property program and website. You’ll usually need to submit separate claims with each state.

How to Avoid Scams When Searching for Unclaimed Assets

Unclaimed property is a target for scams. Being careful can help protect you:

• Check for a “.gov” address when entering personal data online.
• Be cautious of emails, texts, or calls claiming you have a large unclaimed amount but demanding upfront fees or very sensitive information.
• Some legitimate “finder” services or companies do exist, but they may charge a percentage of what you recover. In many cases, you can claim property directly through the state at no cost.
• If you’re unsure whether a contact is genuine, hang up or ignore the message and call the New Hampshire State Treasury or unclaimed property office using the official phone number listed on the state government website.
• Never send your full Social Security number, bank account, or credit card information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly about unclaimed property.

If You Don’t Find Unclaimed Property in New Hampshire

If your search in New Hampshire shows no results:

• Try name variations and former names.
• Search for relatives, particularly those who passed away and lived in New Hampshire.
• Consider looking in other states where you or your family lived, worked, or owned property.
• Check again in the future. New unclaimed property is reported to the state on a regular basis, so records can change over time.

If you still have questions, you can contact:

• The New Hampshire unclaimed property office (through the number or address on the state’s official website)
• A trusted financial advisor or legal professional if your situation involves complex estates or large amounts

By using the official New Hampshire unclaimed property search tools, gathering the right documents, and submitting your claim through state channels, you can typically check whether any unclaimed assets belong to you or your family and, if so, take the next steps to request them.