Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in New Hampshire: How to Find and Claim What You’re Owed

If you’ve ever opened a utility account, rented an apartment, or had a mortgage escrow account in New Hampshire, you may have money sitting unclaimed in your name. This can include:

• Utility security deposits
• Credit balances on closed utility accounts
• Mortgage escrow refunds
• Other customer refunds or overpayments

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how these funds typically end up as unclaimed property in New Hampshire, how to search for them, and what to expect when you file a claim through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or claim-processing portal. Instead, this article walks you through how to use New Hampshire’s official unclaimed property system and related resources.

Understanding Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in New Hampshire

What are “unclaimed” utility deposits?

When you start service with a gas, electric, water, or telecom company, you may be asked to pay a security deposit. That money is usually:

• Held by the company while you’re a customer
• Applied to your bill if you fall behind
• Refunded when you close the account and pay in full

If the company can’t reach you to send the refund (for example, you moved and didn’t update your address), state law usually requires them to turn that money over to the New Hampshire unclaimed property program after a certain period of time.

Common examples:

• Security deposit on an electric account left after you moved
• Final bill overpaid, leaving a small credit balance
• Deposit refunded by check that was never cashed

What are escrow funds in this context?

If you have (or had) a mortgage, your loan servicer may collect extra money in an escrow account to pay:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Possibly mortgage insurance (PMI)

If that account ends up with a surplus—for example, if taxes or insurance dropped, or the loan was paid off or refinanced—the servicer may issue you a refund check.

If that refund is not claimed, returned mail, or otherwise uncashed for a set period, it can also be turned over to the state as unclaimed property.

Who Usually Has Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Money in New Hampshire?

You might have unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds if:

• You moved frequently (especially out of state)
• You closed a utility account and don’t remember getting your deposit back
• You changed your name (marriage, divorce, or other reasons)
• You refinanced or paid off a mortgage, or sold a home
• Your loan servicer changed and you lost track of prior escrow accounts
• You handled bills for a deceased relative who owned property or paid utilities

It is common for people to have small amounts ($10, $50, $100) that they never realized were due to them. Sometimes, amounts can be larger if they involve older deposits or mortgage escrow balances.

Where Unclaimed Utility and Escrow Funds Go in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, most unclaimed deposits and escrow balances eventually end up with the state’s unclaimed property program, usually run by the state treasury or similar agency.

Typical process

1. Utility companies and mortgage servicers review their records and identify dormant accounts or unclaimed refunds.
2. After a required waiting period and attempted contact, they transfer those funds to the state as unclaimed property.
3. The state holds the money in trust for the rightful owner—often indefinitely.
4. Individuals can then search and file claims through the state’s official unclaimed property website or by mail.

You do not lose your right to these funds just because a company turned them over to the state. The money is held until you (or your heirs) file a valid claim.

How to Search for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in New Hampshire

You do not need a paid service to search for unclaimed property. The New Hampshire state treasury (or equivalent state office) typically offers a free online search tool.

Step 1: Go to New Hampshire’s official unclaimed property page

Because web addresses can change, the safest approach is to:

• Search online for: “New Hampshire unclaimed property treasury”
• Verify you are on an official .gov website or the state treasury’s recognized page
  • Look for “State of New Hampshire,” “Treasury,” or “Unclaimed Property Division” on the page
  • Avoid ads that look like private “search” services

Step 2: Search by name

Most official sites let you search using:

• Last name (required)
• First name (optional but helpful)
• Business name (if you owned a business)

Tips to improve your search:

• Try current and former last names
• Search under nicknames and full legal names
• Search in reverse order if the system allows (e.g., “Smith, John” vs. “John Smith”)
• If you owned a business, search under the business name as well

Step 3: Check multiple addresses and variations

The state may list property with:

• Your current address
• An old New Hampshire address
• Just your name and city

If you recognize any listing—even if the amount is not shown—it’s worth claiming.

How to Recognize Utility or Escrow-Related Listings

On the unclaimed property search results, each item usually shows:

• Your name
• Reported address (where the company last tried to send money)
• Holder name (the company that sent funds to the state)
• Property type (sometimes coded or described)

To spot utility deposits or escrow funds, look for:

• Holder names resembling electric, gas, water, cable, internet, or phone companies
• Holder names matching banks, mortgage lenders, or loan servicing companies
• Property type labels like:
  • “Utility deposit”
  • “Customer credit” or “Account credit”
  • “Escrow balance” or “Mortgage escrow refund”
  • “Refund” or “Overpayment”

If you’re not sure, you can still start a claim. The details are usually clarified during the claim review.

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Utility Deposits or Escrow Funds in New Hampshire

Once you find a listing that seems to be yours, you can typically initiate a claim online through the state’s unclaimed property portal or request a paper claim form.

Basic steps

1. Select the property you want to claim
2. Choose your claim type:
   • Owner (if it’s your own money)
   • Heir or personal representative (if the listed owner is deceased)
3. Provide contact information:
   • Current mailing address
   • Phone number
   • Email (if requested)
4. Print or complete the claim form:
   • Some states allow full online submission
   • Others require you to print, sign, and mail the form with documents
5. Submit required documents (see below)
6. Mail your claim to the address provided, or upload documents if the portal allows

Documents You May Need to Claim Funds

The exact documents vary by situation and amount. New Hampshire’s unclaimed property office usually lists specific requirements on its forms or website.

Typical documents include:

For your own utility or escrow funds

• Proof of identity (copy, not original):
  • State ID or driver’s license
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security number (for some claims)
• Proof of address matching the claim (if available):
  • Old utility bill
  • Mortgage statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement showing the address

If you no longer have documents with the old address, you can often still claim, but the state may ask for:

• Alternative proof that you lived at that address at some point, or
• A written explanation and additional verification

Additional documents in special situations

• Name change:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order for legal name change
• Business-related funds:
  • Business license
  • Articles of incorporation/organization
  • IRS notice with business name and your name
• Deceased owner (heirs/estate):
  • Death certificate
  • Will, letters testamentary, or other proof of authority
  • Proof of your relationship to the deceased

Quick Reference: Common Documents for Utility vs. Escrow Claims

*Exact requirements are set by the New Hampshire unclaimed property office and may vary depending on the amount and circumstances.

Timelines: How Long It Takes and Deadlines to Know

Is there a deadline to claim unclaimed property?

In many states, including New Hampshire, most unclaimed property does not expire. The state generally keeps it until the rightful owner or heirs claim it.

However:

• The sooner you claim, the easier it usually is to prove ownership.
• Some types of property may have special rules, so it’s wise to check the official unclaimed property website or contact the office if you’re unsure.

How long does it take to get your money?

Processing times vary based on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• Whether your documents are complete and easy to verify
• Whether your claim involves an estate or complicated ownership situation

In many cases, simple individual claims are processed within several weeks to a few months, but time frames can change. The state’s unclaimed property office or website often lists estimated processing times.

Common Issues That Can Delay or Deny a Claim

Delays or denials often happen for reasons that can be avoided. Typical issues include:

• Missing identification or blurry copies that are hard to read
• No proof connecting you to the address on file, when required
• Incomplete forms or missing signatures
• Name differences not explained (nicknames, middle initials, married vs. maiden names)
• Estate claims without proper legal authority (for example, no letters testamentary or small-estate documentation when needed)

If your claim is delayed, the unclaimed property office may send you a letter, email, or status update asking for more documents or clarification.

If your claim is denied, the notice often explains:

• Why (e.g., not enough proof of ownership)
• Whether you can submit more information or documentation
• Any formal appeal or review process available under state rules

To understand your options, you can call the New Hampshire unclaimed property office directly using the phone number listed on the official state site or on the claim form.

How to Handle Claims Involving a Deceased Relative

Unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds often show up for parents, grandparents, or other relatives who have died.

If you believe a deceased family member has unclaimed funds:

1. Search using their name and possible former addresses.
2. If you find a match, look at the claim type and instructions carefully.
3. Be prepared to provide:
   • A death certificate
   • Proof you are the legal representative of the estate (if applicable), or
   • Documents that show your relationship and any estate distribution

Because estate procedures can be technical, it may help to:

• Review instructions on the official New Hampshire unclaimed property website
• Ask the unclaimed property office what documents are needed for your situation

If the estate is complex or large, some people consult a lawyer or estate professional, but that is a personal choice, not a requirement of the unclaimed property program itself in many cases.

Verifying You’re on an Official New Hampshire Channel (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed money sounds attractive, there are scams and confusing offers. To protect yourself:

Signs you’re on an official site or line

• Web address usually ends in “.gov” or clearly belongs to the State of New Hampshire
• The site clearly identifies the New Hampshire Treasury or Unclaimed Property Division
• The service to search and file a claim is free

Red flags to watch for

• Websites that charge a fee just to search or file
• Individuals who contact you demanding an upfront payment to “release” money
• Emails or calls asking for your bank login, full Social Security number by phone, or credit card information
• Messages that use scare tactics or pressure you to act immediately

Some legitimate “finder” or “locating” services do exist and may charge a fee for helping you. However, you are not required to use them. You can always go directly to the New Hampshire unclaimed property office and keep the full amount yourself, as long as you follow their official process.

If you are unsure whether a letter or call is legitimate:

• Look up the phone number for the New Hampshire Treasury or unclaimed property office independently (not from the letter), and call to confirm.
• Ask them if the notice you received is genuine.

If You Don’t See Any Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds

If your search shows no results:

• Try searching different name variations and old addresses.
• Check for typos in your name.
• If you had utilities or mortgages in other states, search their unclaimed property sites too. Each state maintains its own database.

Even if you do not find anything right now, it can help to:

• Check once a year
• Keep your addresses updated with current utilities, lenders, and banks, especially when you move or change names

Other Resources That May Help in New Hampshire

While unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are one way to recover money owed to you, there are other resources that might help with bills or financial stability:

• 211 New Hampshire: Can connect you to local help with utilities, housing, and basic needs.
• Local community action agencies: Often help with energy assistance and utility bills.
• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services: Runs various benefit programs (such as food assistance and some cash and medical programs).

These resources are separate from unclaimed property, but they can help if you are struggling to pay current bills while you wait for a claim to be processed.

By using New Hampshire’s official unclaimed property program, gathering the right proof of identity and address, and watching out for non-official services or scams, you can usually check—and, if eligible, claim—unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds that belong to you or your family through the proper state channels.