Unclaimed Bank Accounts in New Hampshire: Why They Happen and How to Claim Your Money

Unclaimed money from bank accounts, CDs, cashier’s checks, and other financial accounts is more common than many people realize. In New Hampshire, these funds are usually handled through the state’s unclaimed property process.

This guide explains, in plain English, how bank accounts become “unclaimed” in New Hampshire, how to search for them, and how to file a claim through official channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only, not a government office or a place to submit claims, but this overview can help you feel prepared before you contact the official state office.

What Is an Unclaimed Bank Account in New Hampshire?

An unclaimed bank account is typically a checking, savings, or similar account that has had no owner activity for a certain period of time, and the bank has been unable to reach the owner.

In New Hampshire, this usually involves:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Money market accounts
• Cashier’s checks or bank drafts
• Safe deposit box contents (handled a bit differently but usually processed under similar laws)

When an account is considered “dormant” or “inactive” for a specific number of years, state law usually requires the bank to turn the funds over to the State of New Hampshire’s unclaimed property program. The state holds the money for the rightful owner or their heirs until it is claimed.

You are not “losing” the money when it goes to the state; it is being held under state custody for you.

How Bank Accounts Become Unclaimed in New Hampshire

There are several common reasons bank accounts become unclaimed:

1. No Activity for Several Years

Most accounts are considered inactive after a period with no account owner-initiated activity, which may include:

• No deposits or withdrawals
• No account logins (if the bank recognizes this as activity)
• No updates from the owner
• No response to bank notices

Once the account has had no activity for the required “dormancy period” (often 3–5 years, though exact timeframes can vary by account type and change over time), the bank typically must report it as unclaimed property to the state.

2. Outdated Contact Information

Banks are usually required to try to contact the owner before sending money to the state. Accounts may become unclaimed when:

• You move and don’t update your address
• You change your phone number or email
• Mail from the bank is returned as undeliverable
• You stop checking mail or statements

If the bank cannot reach you, it may still have to turn the funds over to the state after the dormancy period.

3. Death of the Account Holder

If someone passes away and no one notifies the bank or settles the account during estate administration, the account may sit untouched. After a few years with no activity, those funds are often transferred to the state’s unclaimed property program under the deceased person’s name.

4. Forgotten Small Accounts or Refunds

People commonly forget:

• Old student accounts
• Small savings accounts opened years ago
• Overpayment refunds or closed account balances
• Accounts opened for a child or grandchild

These may quietly become unclaimed if left untouched.

Who Oversees Unclaimed Bank Accounts in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, unclaimed bank accounts are handled by the state’s unclaimed property program, typically managed by the New Hampshire State Treasury or a similar official department.

This office is responsible for:

• Receiving unclaimed funds from banks and other businesses
• Maintaining a searchable list of owners
• Reviewing and processing claims from individuals and heirs
• Releasing funds to the rightful owners once proper proof is provided

HowToGetAssistance.org is not connected to this office. To actually search for and claim property, you must go through the official New Hampshire unclaimed property website or office.

How to Check for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in New Hampshire

You do not need a third-party service to look for unclaimed accounts. Many people can do this themselves in a few minutes.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information

Before you search, it helps to have:

• Your full legal name
• Any previous names (maiden names, name changes, etc.)
• Common misspellings or variations of your name
• Current and past New Hampshire addresses
• The name of any deceased relative you may be searching for (if applicable)

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

Most people start with the state’s official unclaimed property search tool. You would typically:

1. Go to the New Hampshire unclaimed property section of the official state website.
2. Enter your last name, and possibly first name or city for a more focused search.
3. Review the results for:
   • Your name
   • Your known addresses
   • Businesses or employers you recognize

If you see a possible match, the website usually gives an option like “View Details” or “Start a Claim”.

Step 3: Consider Searching for Relatives

You can also search for:

• Deceased parents, grandparents, or spouses
• Common former addresses tied to your family
• Family members with unusual last names (easier to spot)

If you find property under their names, claiming it usually requires proof of your relationship and sometimes estate or probate documents.

Typical Documents Needed to Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account

Requirements can vary depending on whether:

• You are the original owner, or
• You are claiming on behalf of a deceased owner, business, or trust

However, people are commonly asked for some or all of the following:

If You Are the Original Owner

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security number
  • Social Security card
  • Tax form showing your SSN (e.g., W-2)
• Proof of current or past address that matches the record
  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement
  • Tax bill
• Completed claim form from the official New Hampshire unclaimed property office

If You Are Claiming for a Deceased Owner

In addition to your own ID, you may need:

• Death certificate of the account holder
• Proof of your relationship
  • Birth certificate (for parent-child)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse)
• Letters of appointment or other documents showing you are the executor, administrator, or personal representative of the estate (if applicable)
• Will or probate documents, if required by the state

If You Are Claiming on Behalf of a Business

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, etc.)
• Proof of authority to act for the business
  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on company letterhead
  • Official title such as owner or officer
• Tax ID number for the business

Quick Reference: Common Documents by Claim Type

Requirements can change, so always follow the exact instructions on the official New Hampshire unclaimed property claim form or state website.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account in New Hampshire

The specific steps can vary slightly depending on the type and size of the property, but the process usually looks like this:

1. Find Your Property in the State’s Search Tool

• Confirm that the name and address on the listing match you (or the person you’re claiming for).
• Select the property you want to claim.

2. Start a Claim Through the Official Portal or Forms

Typically you will:

• Click a button like “File a Claim” or “Claim This Property” on the official state website, or
• Download and print a claim form if the process is mail-only

You’ll be asked for basic information such as:

• Full legal name
• Current mailing address
• Contact phone and email
• Last four digits of your Social Security number
• Relationship to the original owner (if not yourself)

3. Submit Required Documents

You may be asked to:

• Upload scanned copies or clear photos of documents through the official portal, or
• Mail copies (not originals unless specifically required) along with your claim form to the address given by the state agency

Follow all instructions carefully, including any notary requirements. Some claims may need your signature notarized.

4. Wait for Review by the State Office

After submission, the New Hampshire unclaimed property office will:

• Review your claim
• Compare your information to the original account records
• Request additional information if something is missing or unclear

Processing time can vary based on:

• Claim volume
• Complexity of the claim (individual vs. estate)
• Whether documents are complete and legible

5. Receive Your Payment

If your claim is approved, you typically receive funds:

• By check mailed to your address, or
• By another method specified by the state (if offered)

The money is normally the balance turned over by the bank plus any interest that state law may require, depending on the situation.

What Happens After You File: Status Updates and Follow-Up

You usually can:

• Check claim status online through the official unclaimed property site, or
• Call the New Hampshire unclaimed property office using the phone number listed on the state’s main website

When checking status, be ready to provide:

• Your claim ID or reference number
• Your name
• Sometimes your last four digits of your SSN for verification

If the office asks for more documents, respond as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Sometimes claims run into problems. Common issues include:

1. Missing or Incomplete Documentation

• No proof of address matching the record
• No proof of name change (marriage, divorce, etc.)
• Incomplete claim form or missing signatures

Tip: Double-check the claim checklist on the official form or website before sending anything.

2. Name Differences or Spelling Issues

If your current name does not clearly match the name on the account:

• Provide marriage certificates, court orders, or other legal name change records
• Include notes on the claim form if there are common misspellings of your name

3. Heirship or Estate Issues

For deceased owners, a claim may be delayed if:

• No executor or personal representative has been officially appointed when required
• Multiple heirs claim the property without clear documentation
• The will or probate paperwork is incomplete or missing

You may need guidance from the probate court or a legal professional if an estate is complicated. The unclaimed property office generally cannot provide legal advice.

4. Identity Verification Problems

If the state cannot confidently match you to the record, they may:

• Ask for additional ID
• Ask for older documents (e.g., old pay stubs, school records, or tax forms showing your address at the time)

Can You Appeal or Re-File a Claim?

If your claim is denied or closed:

• The denial letter or notice from the state usually explains why.
• In many cases you can submit a new claim with better or additional documentation.
• For more complex disputes, state law may allow for an appeal or review process, which is normally handled through the New Hampshire unclaimed property office or sometimes an administrative or court process.

To understand your options:

• Contact the unclaimed property office directly using the official phone number listed on the New Hampshire state government website.
• Ask them what additional information would be needed to move forward.

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

Unlike some private deadlines, many states—including New Hampshire—treat unclaimed property under the concept of “no time limit” or “no statute of limitations” once funds are in state custody. That means:

• The state generally holds unclaimed property indefinitely for the rightful owner or heirs.
• However, time periods for interest, recordkeeping, or bank obligations may differ.

To be sure, review the information provided on the New Hampshire unclaimed property office’s official page about time limits and conditions.

Protecting Yourself: Scams and How to Confirm You’re on an Official Channel

Unclaimed money can attract scammers. To reduce your risk, keep these points in mind:

Warning Signs of Possible Scams

• Someone contacts you claiming you have unclaimed money and immediately asks for:
  • Upfront fees
  • Your full Social Security number
  • Your bank account login information
• Emails or texts that:
  • Come from unfamiliar or unofficial domains
  • Have spelling errors or generic greetings
• Websites that:
  • Do not clearly show they are a New Hampshire state government site
  • Use logos or names that don’t match actual state agencies

How to Verify You Are Using Official Resources

• Access New Hampshire’s unclaimed property program using:
  • The official New Hampshire state government website (typically ending in “.gov”)
  • Phone numbers listed directly on the state’s main website
• If someone calls you:
  • Hang up and call back using the official number from the state’s site, not the one they provide
• You can also dial 211 to ask for help finding the correct New Hampshire state office for unclaimed property.

Some people choose to pay “finders” or “heir search” companies a fee to help locate property. Before signing anything:

• Understand that you can search and claim property yourself for free through the official state office.
• If you do choose to use a third party, read any agreement carefully and ensure it complies with New Hampshire state law on unclaimed property finders.

Tips to Prevent Future Accounts From Becoming Unclaimed

Once you’ve checked for unclaimed property, it’s a good time to update your financial records so you don’t lose track again:

• Update your address with banks whenever you move.
• Sign up for online banking or electronic statements so you see regular activity.
• Use each account at least once every year or two in a way recognized as activity by your bank.
• Keep a simple list of your accounts and store it safely where a trusted family member can find it if needed.
• Tell your executor or trusted family member where key financial records are kept.

If You Don’t Find Anything in New Hampshire

If no unclaimed property appears under your name in New Hampshire, you might still have funds held elsewhere if you:

• Lived or worked in another state
• Had accounts with national banks headquartered in a different state
• Received insurance payments or refunds from out-of-state companies

You can search other states by:

• Going to each state’s official unclaimed property website, or
• Calling the state treasury or unclaimed property office for instructions

Remember that you must search and claim through each state separately based on where the business reported the funds.

By understanding how unclaimed bank accounts are handled in New Hampshire and how the state’s unclaimed property system works, you can take practical steps to search for your money and, if you find a match, follow the official claim process with the right documents ready.