New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office: What It Is, What It Holds, and How to Check for Money

The New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office helps reunite residents, former residents, and businesses with money or property that was forgotten, abandoned, or lost in the system. Many people are surprised to learn they might have money waiting for them and never know it.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language:

• What the New Hampshire unclaimed property program is
• What types of property it holds
• Who can claim it
• What documents people are commonly asked for
• How to use official state channels to search and claim
• Common delays, denials, and how to avoid scams

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, does not hold property, and does not process claims. This guide is only to help you understand how to work with the official New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, unclaimed property usually means money or financial assets that belong to a person or business but have not been touched or claimed for a certain period of time (called a dormancy period). When the holder (like a bank or company) cannot reach the owner, they eventually must turn that property over to the State of New Hampshire for safekeeping.

The New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office:

• Receives unclaimed funds and certain types of property from businesses and financial institutions
• Maintains records so owners and heirs can find what is owed to them
• Verifies claims and helps return property to the rightful owners

The office does not charge the owner to claim funds through official channels.

What Types of Property Does New Hampshire’s Unclaimed Property Office Hold?

Unclaimed property is usually intangible (money or rights to money), not physical items like houses or cars. Real estate and vehicles are typically handled through different systems.

Here are common examples of what New Hampshire’s Unclaimed Property Office may hold:

Common Types of Unclaimed Property

• Old bank accounts

  • Checking or savings accounts that have been dormant
  • Money market accounts

• Uncashed checks

  • Payroll checks from past jobs
  • Refund checks from companies, utilities, or insurance
  • Dividend checks from investments

• Insurance-related funds

  • Life insurance policy proceeds
  • Refunds of insurance premiums

• Investment-related property

  • Unredeemed stock dividends (sometimes the cash value, not always the shares)
  • Certain types of mutual fund distributions

• Utility and service credits

  • Unused security deposits (for utilities, cable, phone, etc.)
  • Credit balances when you moved or changed providers

• Gift certificates or stored-value credits

  • Some unused gift cards or gift certificates, depending on state rules and dates

• Safe deposit box contents

  • Contents may eventually be sold, with the proceeds held for the owner
  • Physical items themselves are often not held forever; the money from their sale is

What the Office Typically Does Not Hold

The New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office usually does not handle:

• Land or homes (real estate)
• Cars, boats, or trailers (vehicle titles and property)
• Child support payments
• Retirement benefits from Social Security or federal agencies
• Active bank accounts or accounts you still use

Those are typically managed through other state or federal agencies or courts.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property in New Hampshire?

You may be able to claim property if you are:

• The owner listed on the unclaimed property record
• A heir, beneficiary, or executor of a deceased person who had property
• A business owner or authorized representative of a company that is listed
• A guardian, conservator, or legal representative with the proper court paperwork

You do not have to currently live in New Hampshire to have unclaimed property there. If you:

• Once lived in New Hampshire
• Once worked for a New Hampshire employer
• Once had a New Hampshire bank account, insurance policy, or utility account

…you might appear in the state’s unclaimed property database.

How to Check for Unclaimed Property (New Hampshire)

You do not search or claim through HowToGetAssistance.org. To check for unclaimed property, you typically need to use the official New Hampshire unclaimed property website or contact the state Treasury / Unclaimed Property Office directly.

Step 1: Find the Official New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Portal

You can usually locate it by:

• Searching online for: “New Hampshire unclaimed property” or “NH Treasury unclaimed property”
• Confirming you are on an official state website (look for a “.gov” domain and clear state branding)
• You may also call the New Hampshire State Treasury or Unclaimed Property Division phone number listed on the official state site to confirm the correct portal

Step 2: Search by Name

On the official portal, you usually can:

1. Enter your last name and first name
2. Try variations (for example, maiden names, middle initials, or previous married names)
3. Search for each state you have lived or worked in, not just New Hampshire

You can also search:

• Former business names
• Names of deceased relatives, if you might be an heir

The search results usually show:

• Name and sometimes last-known address
• Holder (like a bank or company name)
• Type of property (for example, “wages” or “utility deposit”)
• Approximate value range (some states show exact amounts, others show ranges or “over/under” a certain amount)

Documents Commonly Requested to Claim Unclaimed Property

The New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office typically needs proof that:

1. You are who you say you are, and
2. You are the same person or legal representative listed on the unclaimed record

Requirements vary by situation, but common documents include:

If You’re Claiming for Yourself

• Proof of identity (often at least one of these):

  • State-issued driver’s license or ID card
  • U.S. passport
  • Another government-issued photo ID

• Proof of Social Security Number (sometimes):

  • Social Security card
  • Tax document or pay stub showing your full or partial SSN

• Proof of address or connection to the reported address:

  • Recent utility bill
  • Lease agreement or mortgage statement
  • Old documents tying you to the address on file (if you moved long ago)

If You’re Claiming on Behalf of a Deceased Person

In addition to your own ID, you may need:

• Death certificate
• Will, Letters Testamentary, or Letters of Administration showing you are the executor, administrator, or heir
• Proof of relationship (for example, birth or marriage certificate) if claiming as a spouse, child, or other heir

If You’re Claiming for a Business

You may be asked for:

• Business documents:

  • Articles of incorporation or formation
  • Partnership agreement
  • Certificate of good standing

• Proof of authority:

  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on company letterhead showing you are an authorized officer
  • Your own government-issued photo ID

Quick Reference: Common Documents vs. Situations

The exact list depends on the size of the claim and the details of the record. The official New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office usually provides specific instructions with the claim form.

How to File a Claim Through Official Channels

The steps can vary slightly depending on the type and size of the property, but the general process in New Hampshire often looks like this:

1. Start the Claim on the Official Website

After searching and finding a potential match:

• Select the record(s) that appear to belong to you
• Follow the on-screen steps to start a claim (often called “file a claim” or “claim this property”)
• Provide basic information such as:
  • Full legal name
  • Current mailing address
  • Contact information
  • Relationship to the original owner (if you’re an heir or representative)

Some smaller, simple claims may allow you to submit and verify everything online, while others may require printing and mailing forms.

2. Gather and Submit Requested Documents

You may be able to:

• Upload documents securely through the online system, or
• Print, sign, and mail the claim form along with copies of required documents to the address provided on the official site

Signatures may need to be:

• Notarized for certain high-value claims or estate-related claims
• Clearly dated and match your name exactly as shown on the documents

Always follow the specific instructions from the New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office.

3. Wait for Review

Once the claim is submitted:

• The office staff reviews your documentation
• They may contact you by mail, email, or phone if they need additional information
• Processing times can vary depending on:
  • How many claims they are handling
  • Whether your documents are complete and easy to verify
  • The complexity of your situation (for example, estate claims usually take longer)

If your claim is approved:

• Payment is often made by check mailed to you
• For some types of property, you may receive shares or proceeds rather than a physical item

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid extra wait time.

Frequent Causes of Delay

• Incomplete documents

  • Missing ID, missing proof of address, or no proof of relationship

• Mismatched names or spellings

  • Claiming under a different spelling or a married name without proof

• Illegible copies

  • Documents that are too dark, blurry, or cut off

• Estate complications

  • Multiple heirs, unclear will, no appointed executor yet

In these cases, the New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office may send a letter or email explaining what is missing or what you need to correct.

Why a Claim Might Be Denied

A claim might be denied if:

• The office determines you cannot be verified as the rightful owner or heir
• Someone else has already claimed the property with stronger documentation
• The documents submitted are fraudulent, altered, or clearly inconsistent
• There is no legal basis for you to claim on behalf of another person or business

If you believe a denial was in error, you can usually:

• Contact the New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office directly
• Ask what documents or steps might allow you to resubmit or request a review

Procedures for appeals or reviews can vary, so it is important to follow instructions from the official office.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Property in New Hampshire?

In many states, the government holds unclaimed property indefinitely, meaning there is no deadline for owners or heirs to come forward. New Hampshire typically follows that approach, but specific rules can vary by property type and time period.

To understand your rights in a particular case:

• Check the FAQ or “About” section of the official New Hampshire Unclaimed Property website
• Contact the New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office or state Treasury directly and ask whether there is any time limit on your specific claim

Even if there is no strict time limit, it is usually smart to claim your property sooner rather than later, especially if documents may be easier to locate now than years from now.

How to Confirm You’re Using an Official New Hampshire Channel (Avoiding Scams)

Unfortunately, unclaimed property can attract scams and paid “finders” who offer to help for a fee. Some are legitimate businesses, but others are not.

You can protect yourself by:

Verifying the Website or Contact

• Look for “.gov” at the end of the website address

• Check the site for:

  • Official State of New Hampshire branding or the state seal
  • Clear contact information that matches state Treasury listings

• If unsure, call:

  • The New Hampshire State Treasury main office or the Unclaimed Property Division using a phone number you find on an official “.gov” site
  • A trusted resource like 211 (if available in your area) and ask how to contact the state Treasury

Watching for Red Flags

Be cautious if:

• Someone asks you to pay a fee to search for or claim property you can locate yourself through the official portal
• You are asked to send sensitive information to:
  • A personal email address
  • A non-government website
• You receive:
  • Aggressive phone calls or emails threatening you if you do not act immediately
  • Requests for your full Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card details before you have confirmed you are on an official channel

The official New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office does not charge you to claim your own property. They may require sensitive information, but always make sure you are on the legitimate state portal or speaking with the official office.

What If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Property?

It is common for people to search and not find anything. That does not mean:

• The system is broken
• Someone took your money
• You’ll never have unclaimed property

It may simply mean:

• Nothing in your name has been turned over to the state yet
• It has not yet reached the dormancy period required to become “unclaimed”
• There is a spelling difference or different name (for example, a middle name, nickname, or name with/without a hyphen)

You can:

• Try different name spellings, maiden names, and past addresses
• Search again periodically (for example, once a year)
• Search other states where you have lived or worked

If you believe a specific company owes you money now (for example, a refund or deposit that has not been paid), it may still be with that company, bank, or utility rather than with the state. In that case, contact the business directly.

Alternatives and Additional Places to Check

If you don’t find unclaimed property through New Hampshire’s system but you were expecting some type of payment, it may help to check:

• Other states’ unclaimed property offices

  • For states where you lived, worked, or had mail sent

• Federal agencies, if your concern is:

  • IRS tax refunds (contact the IRS directly)
  • Federal retirement or benefits (Social Security Administration, Office of Personnel Management, etc.)

• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)

  • If you think a pension from a former employer was lost or not paid out

Each of these has its own process and contact points, separate from New Hampshire’s unclaimed property program.

Key Takeaways About the New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office

• The New Hampshire Unclaimed Property Office safeguards money and some types of financial assets that have been forgotten, abandoned, or unclaimed.
• It may hold:
  • Old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, dividends, security deposits, and funds from safe deposit box contents.
• Owners, heirs, and businesses can search and claim through the official New Hampshire unclaimed property portal or state Treasury, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Be ready to show proof of identity, proof of address, and, for heirs or business claims, legal documents proving your authority.
• There is usually no fee charged by the state for you to claim your own unclaimed property.
• Always verify you are using an official New Hampshire government site or phone number to avoid scams.

With a careful search and the right documents, many people are able to successfully claim funds they did not realize were still waiting for them.