Unclaimed Bank Accounts in New Jersey: Why It Happens and How to Claim Your Money

Unclaimed money in New Jersey often includes old bank accounts, CDs, cashier’s checks, and other financial assets that were forgotten or never reached the rightful owner. Many people do not realize they have money waiting for them until they actively search for it.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed bank accounts work in New Jersey, how they end up with the state, and how you can start the process to claim them through official channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government agency or claim portal, but this overview can help you understand what to expect.

What Is an Unclaimed Bank Account in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, unclaimed property generally refers to money or financial assets that a business or bank has been unable to return to the rightful owner for a certain period of time.

For bank accounts, this typically means:

• A checking or savings account with no owner activity for several years
• A CD (certificate of deposit) that was never cashed after maturity
• Cashier’s checks, money orders, or bank drafts that were never deposited or cashed
• Safe deposit box contents that were abandoned and later turned over to the state

When an account is considered “abandoned” under New Jersey law, the bank is required to turn the funds over to the State of New Jersey, usually to the state’s unclaimed property office (often called the Unclaimed Property Administration or a similar name). The state then holds the money for the rightful owner to claim, often with no expiration date.

How Bank Accounts Become “Unclaimed” in New Jersey

Most unclaimed bank accounts do not start with fraud or wrongdoing. They usually come from normal life events and simple oversights.

Common ways accounts become unclaimed

1. Moving and not updating your address

   • Bank statements or notices are mailed to an old address.
   • The mail is returned undeliverable, and the bank loses contact with you.

2. Switching banks

   • You open a new account at a different bank and forget a small balance in the old one.
   • Over time, that old account sits with no activity.

3. Life changes

   • Marriage, divorce, illness, or a death in the family can cause accounts to be overlooked.
   • Heirs might not know about accounts in a loved one’s name.

4. Dormant CDs or savings accounts

   • A CD matures and you never go back to cash it out or roll it over.
   • A savings account is opened “for a child” and then forgotten.

5. Uncashed cashier’s checks or bank checks

   • You receive a refund, rebate, or payout from a company via bank check or cashier’s check.
   • You misplace it, or never get around to depositing it.

6. Safe deposit boxes

   • Annual rent goes unpaid.
   • The bank eventually drills the box, stores the contents, and after legal timeframes, sends valuables to the state as unclaimed property.

How long before a New Jersey account is turned over?

Exact timelines can vary by property type and by law, but commonly:

• Bank accounts are considered dormant after a certain number of years with no activity initiated by the owner (for example, no deposits, withdrawals, or written communication).
• After the dormancy period, the bank is typically required to escheat (turn over) those funds to New Jersey’s unclaimed property office.

Because rules can change, it is safest to check directly with the official New Jersey unclaimed property office or state treasury department for the current dormancy periods and rules.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Bank Accounts in New Jersey?

The rightful owner of the account is usually the person whose name appears on the bank records. However, others may also be able to claim, depending on the situation.

Typical eligible claimants

• Original account owner

  • The person whose name, Social Security number (SSN), or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is tied to the account.

• Heirs or beneficiaries

  • Spouses, children, or other heirs of a deceased account owner, often with proof of relationship and estate documents.

• Legal representatives

  • An attorney, executor, administrator, or court-appointed guardian with proper legal authority.

• Business representatives

  • An owner or authorized officer of a business that had an account or check that went unclaimed.

To move forward, you typically must prove both your identity and your connection to the specific account or owner.

How to Search for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in New Jersey

Claiming unclaimed property usually starts with a free search through the official state system. You do not need to pay a private service to find out if the state is holding money for you.

Step 1: Gather basic information

Before you search, it helps to have:

• Your full legal name, including previous names or nicknames
• Current and past addresses, especially where you lived in New Jersey
• Business name, if you owned or managed a company that might have had accounts
• Last known address of a deceased relative, if you are searching on their behalf

Step 2: Use the official New Jersey unclaimed property search

New Jersey typically maintains an official unclaimed property website where you can:

• Enter your name, business name, or relative’s name
• See if there are any matches that show property in your or their name
• Start the claim process if a match appears

If you are not sure which site is official:

• Look for references on the New Jersey Department of the Treasury or similar official state pages.
• Check that the site clearly identifies itself as a New Jersey state government site (for example, by a .gov domain and official branding).
• If in doubt, you can call the state treasurer’s office or the unclaimed property office directly and ask for the correct website.

You can also call New Jersey’s official unclaimed property phone line (often listed on state treasury or revenue department pages) if you prefer to search with an agent’s help.

Typical Documents You May Need to Claim Your Money

Exact requirements can vary based on who you are and what type of property it is, but most claims require two types of proof:

1. Proof of identity
2. Proof of ownership or relationship

Common documents for individual claimants

You may be asked for:

• Photo ID (one or more of the following):

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
  • Military ID

• Proof of Social Security number, such as:

  • Social Security card
  • Tax document with your SSN
  • Pay stub with SSN

• Proof of address or past residency, such as:

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Tax bill
    These may need to show the address connected to the unclaimed account.

Additional documents for heirs or estates

If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has died, New Jersey may also require:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will or letters testamentary/letters of administration (if there is a probate estate)
• Affidavit of heirship or similar form (sometimes used when there is no formal probate)
• Proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate
• Court orders naming you executor, administrator, or guardian if applicable

For business claims

If you are claiming money belonging to a business:

• Proof of your authority (e.g., corporate resolutions, letter of authorization, or official title)
• Business formation documents, such as:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Partnership agreement
  • LLC formation paperwork
• Tax ID (EIN) documentation
• Business address documentation, such as a tax notice, utility bill, or bank statement

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

The claim process usually takes several steps. New Jersey may update its procedures over time, so always double-check instructions on the official state site.

1. Search and identify your property

• Search using your name and any prior names.
• Review the property descriptions (e.g., “bank account,” “checking,” “savings,” “cashier’s check”).
• If something looks familiar, you typically select or “add” it to your claim.

2. Start an online or paper claim

Most states, including New Jersey, offer an online claim form for many types of unclaimed property. Sometimes, depending on the claim type or complexity, you may need to complete a paper form.

You can generally expect to provide:

• Your current name and any previous names
• Your current mailing address and phone/email
• Last four digits of your SSN or full SSN (depending on the form)
• Information about how you are connected to the property (e.g., “original owner,” “heir,” “executor”)

3. Upload or mail supporting documents

Most claims are not complete until you submit documentation.

You may:

• Upload scanned copies through the online system, or
• Mail photocopies (or sometimes certified copies) to the address listed on the claim instructions.

Make sure:

• Copies are legible, not cut off or blurry.
• Names and addresses on the documents match what you entered on the claim as closely as possible.

4. Wait for review

After submission, the New Jersey unclaimed property office will:

• Review your claim and documents
• Compare your information to the records they have from the bank
• Possibly contact you if they need more information or clarification

Processing times can vary depending on:

• Claim volume
• Complexity of the claim (simple individual claims may be processed faster than large estates or multiple-property claims)
• Whether documents were complete and matched at first submission

5. Payment

If your claim is approved, New Jersey generally issues:

• A check mailed to the address you provided, or
• In some programs, another method listed in their official instructions.

The state typically does not reopen the old bank account. Instead, it pays you the funds it is holding. Some states do not pay interest on unclaimed property, but interest rules vary, so you can ask the New Jersey office directly whether interest applies in your case.

Quick Comparison: Claim Types and Typical Proofs

*Exact requirements can vary; always follow the official New Jersey instructions for your specific claim.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Money?

Processing times can differ based on the:

• Number of claims the office is handling
• Complexity of your situation (individual vs. estate vs. business)
• Quality and completeness of your documents

Many people report that simple, well-documented claims are resolved in a few weeks to a few months, while more complex estate claims may take longer.

If you are concerned about delays:

• Check whether the New Jersey unclaimed property office offers online status checks.
• If not, use the contact information listed on your claim form or on the official state site to ask for an update. Have your claim number ready.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding what goes wrong helps you avoid problems.

Frequent issues

1. Name mismatches

   • Spelling differences (e.g., “Jon” vs. “John”)
   • Missing middle names or initials
   • Name changes after marriage or divorce without documentation
   • Tip: Include any prior names on your claim and provide legal name change documents if needed.

2. Address mismatches

   • No proof that you lived at the address the bank has on file
   • Missing documents showing your address during the relevant time period
   • Tip: Use older documents (even from years ago) that connect you to that address.

3. Insufficient proof for heirs

   • Missing death certificate
   • No proof of relationship (e.g., no birth or marriage certificate)
   • No estate papers showing you have authority to claim
   • Tip: Contact the probate court or an attorney if you’re unsure how to get these documents.

4. Illegible or incomplete documents

   • Blurry scans, cut-off pages, or missing signatures
   • Tip: Scan documents clearly, check each page, and submit all pages, even blank backs if requested.

5. Out-of-date information

   • Old contact details make it hard for the state to reach you with questions
   • Tip: Always use a current mailing address and phone/email.

If your claim is denied, the state usually explains why. You can often:

• Fix the issue (for example, submit missing documents) and
• Resubmit or appeal, depending on New Jersey’s rules.

To understand the appeal process, contact the New Jersey unclaimed property office or state treasury and ask about appeal or review options for denied claims.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in New Jersey?

If you search New Jersey’s unclaimed property system and do not find any accounts, there are still a few steps you can take:

1. Check other states

   • If you lived, worked, or banked in another state, you may need to check that state’s unclaimed property site as well.
   • Many people have property in more than one state.

2. Check under different names

   • Include maiden names, nicknames, or prior legal names.
   • Try slight variations if your name is often misspelled.

3. Search for relatives

   • Especially deceased parents, grandparents, or spouses.
   • If you find property in their name, you may be able to claim as an heir, following that state’s rules.

4. Search old records

   • Review old bank statements, checkbooks, or tax returns to identify banks you used.
   • Reach out to those banks directly to ask if any old accounts were turned over to the state.

Even if you do not find unclaimed money right away, checking every few years is a good habit—especially after major life events like moving, getting married/divorced, or handling a loved one’s estate.

How to Tell You’re Using an Official New Jersey Channel (and Avoid Scams)

Unclaimed property scams exist, especially when there is the possibility of unexpected money.

Signs you are likely on an official New Jersey site or line

• The website or materials clearly identify a New Jersey state government department, such as:
  • New Jersey Department of the Treasury
  • New Jersey Unclaimed Property office (or a similar name)
• The website address typically ends in “.gov”.
• The phone number is listed on other official New Jersey government pages.
• The site emphasizes that the search is free, and you are not required to pay just to see if the state holds money in your name.

Red flags to watch for

• A company asking for upfront payment just to see if you have unclaimed property
• Emails, texts, or calls that:
  • Pressure you to act immediately
  • Ask for full Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or passwords through links or over the phone in an unsafe way
• Websites that look unofficial, have many ads, or do not clearly state their relationship to the state

New Jersey law may allow “finders” or “heir locator” services to charge a fee to help you with the process. Some people choose to use them, but you can almost always:

• Search for free and
• File your claim yourself through the official state office without paying a middleman.

If you are uncertain, you can:

• Call the New Jersey state treasury office or unclaimed property office directly and ask if a site or company is affiliated with them.
• Ask the caller or company to send information in writing, then verify independently using state government contact information you look up yourself.

Helpful Tips Before You Start a New Jersey Unclaimed Property Claim

• 📝 Keep copies of everything
  Save copies of all forms, IDs, and correspondence you send to the state.

• 🔍 Use exact spellings and full legal names
  Match your identification documents as closely as possible.

• 📬 Update your contact information with the state
  If you move or change phone numbers while a claim is pending, notify the unclaimed property office so they can still reach you.

• 📂 Organize estate paperwork
  If you are handling a deceased person’s account, keep court documents, wills, and certificates together. This will help with both unclaimed property and other estate tasks.

• ⏰ Check periodically
  New properties are turned over to New Jersey each year. Even if nothing shows up today, that could change in the future.

By understanding how unclaimed bank accounts in New Jersey arise and how the state’s claiming process typically works, you can take clear, practical steps to see whether any money is being held in your name—and, if so, begin the process of claiming it through the official New Jersey unclaimed property office.