How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Assets in New Jersey: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever moved, changed jobs, or closed a bank account, you might have unclaimed money waiting in New Jersey’s unclaimed property system. This can include things like forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, or old utility deposits.

This guide explains, in plain language, how to search for and file an unclaimed assets claim in New Jersey through official channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or a claim-processing site, but this overview can help you understand what to expect before you go to the state’s official resources.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in New Jersey?

Unclaimed assets (often called unclaimed property) in New Jersey are usually financial accounts or valuables that the owner has not accessed for a certain period of time. Businesses are required to turn these over to the state when they lose contact with the owner.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs) that were abandoned
• Uncashed checks, such as:
  • Payroll checks
  • Refund checks
  • Insurance claim checks
• Utility deposits and refunds (electric, gas, cable, phone)
• Insurance benefits, including life insurance proceeds
• Safe deposit box contents (after a long period of inactivity)
• Stock dividends or other investment payments
• Overpayments to businesses or government entities

In New Jersey, these funds are typically held by the state’s unclaimed property program until the rightful owner or heir files a claim.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in New Jersey?

You may be able to file a claim in New Jersey if:

• You are the original owner of the account or property
• You are a heir or beneficiary of a deceased person who owned the property
• You are an executor or administrator of an estate
• You are authorized to act on behalf of a business, trust, or organization listed as the owner

Typical Eligibility Clues

You are more likely to have unclaimed assets in New Jersey if you:

• Lived, worked, or did business in New Jersey at some point
• Used a New Jersey address for:
  • Bank or credit union accounts
  • Job paychecks
  • Utility accounts
  • Insurance policies
• Changed your name (marriage, divorce, legal name change)
• Moved without updating your address with employers, banks, or insurers

Each claim is reviewed by the state unclaimed property office, which decides whether you have provided enough proof that you are the rightful owner or legal representative.

Step 1: Search for Your Unclaimed Property in New Jersey

To start, you typically need to search the official New Jersey unclaimed property database.

You can usually search by:

• Last name and first name
• Business name (if you’re claiming for a company)
• Sometimes by city or zip code to narrow results

Tips for a better search:

• Try former names (maiden name, previous married name, prior legal name)
• Try different spellings or common misspellings of your name
• Search past addresses where you lived or worked in New Jersey

If you find a match, the site generally allows you to start a claim request online. If you are not sure whether a listing is really yours, the state office usually allows you to submit a claim and then will ask for proof.

Step 2: Identify What Type of Claim You’re Filing

The documents you need depend on who is making the claim. New Jersey usually sorts claims into a few main categories:

1. Claim as an Individual Owner

This applies if you are the person listed on the unclaimed property record.

You usually need to prove:

• Your identity, and
• Your connection to the address or account shown in the record

2. Claim for a Deceased Person (Heir or Estate)

This applies if the listed owner is deceased, and you are:

• A heir or beneficiary
• The executor or administrator of the estate

You will typically need:

• Proof that the owner died
• Proof that you are legally entitled to the property (will, court letters, etc.)

3. Claim for a Business or Organization

This applies if the owner is listed as a:

• Corporation
• LLC or partnership
• Nonprofit
• Government entity or other organization

You usually need to prove both:

• The business is active (or you are authorized to represent it), and
• Your authority to file the claim on its behalf

Step 3: Gather the Documents You Will Likely Need

New Jersey’s unclaimed property office typically requires supporting documents before it will approve a claim. Requirements can change, so you should always confirm on the state’s official site or by calling the official office.

Below is a general guide to documents often requested.

Common Documents for Individual Claims

For individual owners, you may be asked for:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security Number
  • Social Security card
  • Tax form (with only the last 4 digits visible, if requested)
• Proof of address matching the unclaimed property record
  • Old utility bills
  • Bank statements
  • Lease agreement
  • Tax bill
• Name change documents, if applicable
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order for legal name change

Documents for Claims Involving a Deceased Owner

For heir or estate claims, the New Jersey office may request, depending on the situation:

• Death certificate of the owner
• Will naming beneficiaries
• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (court appointment of executor/administrator)
• Small estate affidavits (if allowed and applicable)
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificate
• Your own ID and proof of address

Documents for Business or Organization Claims

If you are claiming for a business, trust, or organization, you may need:

• Business formation documents
  • Articles of Incorporation or Organization
  • Partnership agreement
• Tax ID (EIN) documentation
• Proof of business address
• Proof of your authority to act on behalf of the business
  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on company letterhead
  • Official title (owner, officer, manager, etc.)
• Your personal ID as the representative

Quick Reference: Common Documents by Claim Type

This table is a general guide. Exact requirements should be checked with New Jersey’s official unclaimed property office.

Step 4: File Your Unclaimed Assets Claim in New Jersey

Once you’ve found property in your name and gathered basic documents, New Jersey usually allows you to start the claim online through the official unclaimed property portal.

Typical Ways to File

New Jersey often offers one or more of these options:

1. Online claim submission

   • Start the claim from the official state unclaimed property website
   • Enter your personal information and confirm details of the property
   • Upload copies of required supporting documents (or mail them later, if required)

2. Mail-in claim form

   • Print the claim form generated after searching online, or
   • Request a form from the state unclaimed property office
   • Fill it out, sign it, attach copies of your documents, and mail it to the official address

3. Occasional outreach events or claim drives

   • Sometimes state staff attend fairs or community events to help residents search the database
   • Claims still must be processed through the official state office afterward

For the most accurate and current instructions, use the contact information on the State of New Jersey’s official unclaimed property office page or call the official phone number listed there.

Step 5: What Happens After You Submit a Claim?

After you file your claim, the New Jersey unclaimed property office typically:

1. Acknowledges receipt

   • If you filed online, you may receive a confirmation number or email.
   • If you mailed a claim, acknowledgement may come later by mail or email.

2. Reviews your documents

   • Staff compare your information and documents with the original account records.
   • They verify your identity and your connection to the property.

3. Requests more information if needed

   • If something is missing, unclear, or inconsistent, you may get a letter, email, or phone call asking for additional proof.

4. Approves or denies the claim

   • If approved, the state issues a payment or transfer (usually a check, and sometimes other forms depending on the type of property).
   • If denied, you are normally notified of the reason and may have options to submit more documentation or appeal.

Typical Processing Times

Processing times can vary depending on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• How complex your claim is (for example, estate claims often take longer)
• Whether you submitted complete and clear documentation

Some claims may be processed in a few weeks, while others—especially those involving estates or multiple heirs—can take several months.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common problems can help you avoid delays.

Frequent Issues

• Missing or incomplete documentation

  • No copy of ID or only partial documents
  • No proof of connection to the address listed on the claim

• Unreadable or unclear copies

  • Blurry photos or scans
  • Important information cut off or covered

• Name mismatch

  • Your current name doesn’t match the claim record, and you didn’t include proof of name change

• Insufficient proof for heir or estate claims

  • No death certificate
  • No legal documents showing you are entitled to the property

• Not signing the claim form (for mail-in claims)

To reduce the chance of problems, try to:

• Provide legible copies of documents
• Include all pages of each document if requested
• Double-check that the name, address, and Social Security Number details match your documents
• Follow any special instructions on the state’s claim form

How Reviews, Corrections, and Appeals Usually Work

If your claim is denied or the state says it needs more information, you usually have options:

If the State Requests More Information

• Carefully review the letter or email from the unclaimed property office.
• Provide exactly what they ask for, clearly labeled.
• If something requested is hard to get, contact the office to ask what alternative documents might be acceptable.

If Your Claim Is Denied

Denials may happen because:

• The state believes you have not proven ownership
• The property is determined to belong to someone else with similar information
• The documentation provided does not meet legal requirements

In many cases, you can:

• Submit a new claim with stronger documents
• Write or call the unclaimed property office to ask for clarification
• In complex or high-value situations, some people choose to consult an attorney, especially for estate-related questions

The exact appeal or review process can vary, so it’s important to follow the specific instructions in the denial notice and any guidance given by the New Jersey unclaimed property office.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official New Jersey Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed money can attract scammers, it’s important to verify you’re dealing with official sources.

Signs You’re on an Official Channel

• The website clearly identifies itself as a State of New Jersey government site.
• The web address (URL) clearly shows a government domain (often ending in something like “.gov”).
• Contact information matches what’s listed on other recognized New Jersey government resources.
• Staff do not ask for:
  • Upfront fees to claim your own money
  • Your full Social Security Number by email or text message
  • Sensitive information on suspicious or unofficial forms

Be Cautious Of

• Companies or individuals who say they can “find” or “unlock” your unclaimed money for a fee
• Emails or calls claiming you must pay a fee or tax to receive unclaimed property
• Links in unsolicited emails or social media messages that ask for:
  • Your full Social Security Number
  • Bank account or credit card numbers

You generally do not need to pay a third-party service to search for or claim unclaimed property in New Jersey. If you decide to use a paid “finder” or “locator” service, it is wise to:

• Carefully review any contract they present
• Confirm that you can always choose to work directly with the state instead

If you are uncertain whether a site or caller is official, you can:

• Independently look up the New Jersey unclaimed property office on a trusted government directory
• Call the main state government information line or use a known, official number to verify
• Ask the caller for their name, department, and call-back number, then verify it before sharing information

What If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Property in New Jersey?

If your search does not show any results:

• Double-check spelling and try variations of your name.
• Search for old names and addresses (previous marriages, prior residences).
• If you’ve lived or worked in other states, search their official unclaimed property sites as well.

You can also:

• Keep a note to check again every year or two, especially if you move frequently or change jobs often.
• Make sure current accounts and contact information with employers, banks, and insurers are always up to date so fewer accounts go unclaimed in the future.

Helpful Tips Before You Contact the New Jersey Unclaimed Property Office

Before reaching out to the official office, it can help to:

• Write down:
  • The property ID or claim number (if provided online)
  • The amount or type of property (e.g., “payroll check,” “bank account”)
• Have your:
  • Photo ID nearby
  • Social Security Number (or last 4 digits) ready if they ask you to verify identity
• Note any deadlines or response dates listed in letters or emails from the office

If you call or mail the office, clearly include:

• Your name and contact information
• Your claim number or property ID
• A brief description of your question (for example, “status of claim,” “need to update mailing address,” or “clarifying required documents”)

By understanding how unclaimed property works in New Jersey, gathering the right documents, and submitting a complete claim through the state’s official unclaimed property office, you can improve your chances of a smooth process and, if approved, receive any funds or assets that belong to you.