Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in New Jersey: How To Find and Claim Your Money

Many New Jersey residents move, switch utility companies, or pay off mortgages without realizing they may have unused deposits or escrow funds sitting in their name. Over time, these funds can be turned over to the State of New Jersey as unclaimed property.

This guide explains, in plain English, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds typically work in New Jersey and how you can search for and claim what might be owed to you through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and does not process claims. This article is for information only so you can better understand how to work with the official New Jersey offices that handle unclaimed property.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Unclaimed utility deposits

When you start service with a gas, electric, water, phone, or internet company, you may be required to pay a security deposit. Normally, that deposit is:

• Applied to your final bill, or
• Refunded after a certain period, or
• Credited back when you close the account and pay your balance in full

If the company cannot reach you (for example, you moved without updating your address or didn’t cash the refund check), the money may eventually be turned over to the State of New Jersey’s unclaimed property program.

These unclaimed amounts can include:

• Security deposits
• Credit balances on closed accounts
• Refund checks that were never cashed

Unclaimed escrow funds

Escrow funds are commonly held by:

• Mortgage lenders/servicers (for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance)
• Landlords or property managers (for security deposits on rentals)

Typical examples of unclaimed escrow-related funds include:

• Overpayment of taxes or insurance through a mortgage escrow account
• Refunds after your mortgage is paid off or refinanced
• Residential security deposits that were never returned after you moved out

If the holder of these funds can’t find you or your contact information is out of date, they may be required by law to send the money to the New Jersey unclaimed property office after a certain period of inactivity.

Who Typically Handles Unclaimed Property in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, unclaimed property (including many utility deposits and some escrow funds) is usually handled by a state-level unclaimed property division. This is often part of:

• The state treasury department or
• A similar financial or revenue agency

You do not claim these funds through your utility company or lender once they’ve been turned over to the state. Instead, you work directly with the state’s unclaimed property program.

To confirm you’re on the correct official site or line, look for:

• A web address ending in “.gov”
• References to New Jersey Treasury, Unclaimed Property, or Department of the Treasury
• Official phone numbers listed on the same site

If you are unsure, you can call 211 in New Jersey and ask to be directed to the official state unclaimed property office.

How To Check for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in New Jersey

The process is generally straightforward and can often be started online.

Step 1: Gather basic information

Before searching, it helps to have:

• Your full legal name (and any former names, including maiden names)
• Previous addresses in New Jersey
• Names of past utility companies (electric, gas, water, phone, internet)
• Names of past mortgage lenders/servicers
• Names of landlords or property management companies

You can still search without all of this, but more details help you recognize whether a listed property is truly yours.

Step 2: Search the official New Jersey unclaimed property website

New Jersey generally offers an official online search tool. You can:

1. Visit the official New Jersey government website (look for a .gov address).
2. Navigate to the section labeled something like “Unclaimed Property” or “Search for Unclaimed Funds.”
3. Enter:
   • Your last name
   • Your first name
   • Optionally a city or ZIP code to narrow results

You can usually run multiple searches, such as:

• Under different spellings of your name
• Under former names
• Using old addresses or business names if you owned a small business

If you do not have internet access, you can contact the unclaimed property office by phone and ask if they can help you check for any property under your name.

Step 3: Review the search results

Search results often show:

• Name of apparent owner
• Last known address or city
• Holder name (for example, a utility company, bank, lender, or insurer)
• Sometimes a property type (such as “deposit,” “utility credit,” “escrow,” or “refund”)

Look for entries that match:

• Your name (or a close match)
• A past address you recognize
• A company you had an account with

You can typically click or select each entry to begin a claim on the official site.

Documents You May Need To Claim Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds

New Jersey may ask for proof that you are the rightful owner. The exact documents can vary, but common requests include:

Identity documents:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Social Security number (full or last four digits)

Proof of address or ownership:

• Utility bill showing your name and the address on the claim
• Lease agreement or rental contract
• Mortgage statement or settlement documents
• Property tax bill

Name or status change documents (if needed):

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order confirming a legal name change
• Estate or probate documents if claiming on behalf of a deceased person or an estate

Banking information:

• Bank account or routing numbers if you choose direct deposit for payment (if offered by the state)

Keep in mind: New Jersey may update its document requirements over time. The official unclaimed property website or hotline will provide the most current list.

Typical Step-by-Step Claim Process in New Jersey

Once you have identified a potential match in the state’s unclaimed property system:

1. Start the claim online (if available)

Most people can:

• Select the property they want to claim
• Choose “File a Claim” or similar option
• Answer questions about:
  • Whether you lived at the listed address
  • Your relationship to the company or account
  • Whether you are claiming for yourself, a business, or an estate

2. Complete the claim form

You may be asked for:

• Full legal name
• Current mailing address
• Date of birth
• Social Security number (for verification purposes)
• Phone number and/or email
• Whether you want check or direct deposit, if both options are available

Some smaller claims may be completed fully online. Others may require printed forms and signatures.

3. Provide supporting documents

You might be asked to:

• Upload scanned copies of documents through the official site, or
• Mail copies to the New Jersey unclaimed property office

Examples:

• Copy of your ID
• Proof of address connected to the claim (old utility bill, lease, etc.)
• Proof of name change, if your current name differs

For an escrow or mortgage-related claim, you may also need:

• Mortgage payoff letter
• Closing disclosure
• Statements from your mortgage servicer

For a rental security deposit, you may be asked for:

• Lease agreement
• Move-out inspection paperwork, if available

4. Wait for review

The New Jersey unclaimed property office will typically:

• Review your claim and documents
• May contact you by mail, phone, or email if they need more information
• Approve or deny the claim based on the evidence provided

Processing times can vary depending on the volume of claims, complexity, and whether your documentation is complete.

How Long Does It Take To Get Paid?

Processing times in New Jersey can change, but people commonly report:

• Several weeks for straightforward, well-documented claims
• Longer if:
  • Documentation is incomplete
  • There are multiple claimants
  • The claim involves an estate or business

Payments are generally issued as:

• A mailed check, or
• Direct deposit into your bank account (if offered and you choose this option)

Always confirm how and when payment will be sent with the official unclaimed property office, and keep your mailing address and contact information updated while your claim is in process.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

New Jersey may delay or deny an unclaimed property claim for reasons such as:

• Missing documents (for example, no proof you lived at the claimed address)
• Name mismatch that is not explained (e.g., maiden name vs. current name without supporting documents)
• Unclear relationship to the original owner (for estate or business claims)
• Incomplete claim form (sections left blank or unclear answers)
• Inconsistent information between your claim and the records from the original holder

If your claim is delayed:

• Check for letters or emails from the state asking for additional information
• Call the official unclaimed property hotline listed on the state’s .gov website and ask for a status update

If your claim is denied:

• The notice may explain why it was denied
• You can ask:
  • Whether you can submit additional documents
  • If there is a formal appeal or review process
• In complex cases, some people choose to consult an attorney familiar with property or estate issues for legal advice

Special Situations: Estates, Deceased Relatives, and Businesses

Claiming funds for a deceased relative

If you’re trying to claim unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds for a deceased family member, New Jersey may require:

• Death certificate
• Proof you are the legal heir or executor (such as Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or a similar probate document)
• Your own photo ID
• Any documents that link the decedent to the address or account in question

The exact requirements can depend on:

• Whether the estate went through probate
• The dollar amount involved
• Whether multiple heirs are involved

The official unclaimed property office can usually provide instructions specific to estate claims.

Claiming funds for a business

For unclaimed deposits or credits in the name of a business, New Jersey may ask for:

• Proof of authority to act for the business (e.g., officer documents, authorization letter, or other official paperwork)
• Business registration documents
• Tax ID number (EIN)
• Proof the business was located at the address associated with the claim

If the business has closed, there may be additional paperwork requirements. Contact the state’s unclaimed property office for guidance.

Quick Comparison: Utility Deposits vs. Escrow Funds in New Jersey

Note: For recent issues (like a refund you expected in the last few months), it may still be with your utility company, landlord, or lender. For older, inactive funds, they are more likely to have been transferred to New Jersey’s unclaimed property program.

Deadlines and Time Limits

In New Jersey, many types of unclaimed property can typically be claimed at any time after they are turned over to the state. However:

• Utility companies or lenders often have a period of inactivity (dormancy) before they must send funds to the state.
• If your money is still with the original company, they may have internal deadlines for requesting a refund or correcting an account.

Practical tips:

• If you recently ended a utility or rental, contact the company or landlord directly first.
• For older accounts (years ago), it’s more efficient to check the New Jersey unclaimed property office.
• Even if you moved away from New Jersey, it is still worth checking if you ever lived or had service there.

Always confirm any time-related rules with the official New Jersey unclaimed property office, since laws and policies can change.

How To Avoid Problems and Scams

Because unclaimed property involves money, it can attract scammers. Here are ways to stay safe:

Verify you’re using official New Jersey channels

• Look for a “.gov” website, clearly connected to the State of New Jersey.
• Check that the site lists a state office address and phone number.
• If unsure, call 211 or the New Jersey state information line and ask for the official unclaimed property office.

Be cautious of:

• Companies that charge large fees to “help” you claim your money
• Unexpected phone calls or emails telling you to pay a fee to receive unclaimed funds
• Anyone asking you to provide:
  • Full Social Security number
  • Bank login information
  • Upfront payment to unlock your funds

New Jersey’s official unclaimed property office typically does not require you to pay a fee just to search for your funds. Some fees may apply in limited situations (for example, if you choose to use a private “finder” service), but these are optional, and you can usually do it yourself through official state channels at low or no cost.

If something feels suspicious, contact the New Jersey unclaimed property office directly using a number found on a verified state .gov site.

What If You Don’t Find Anything?

If your search in New Jersey shows no results:

1. Try variations of your name.

   • Include middle initial or omit it
   • Try former names or maiden names

2. Search for family members.

   • Especially if you help manage finances for a spouse, parent, or child

3. Search other states.

   • If you lived, worked, or had utilities in other states, check their official unclaimed property websites as well.

4. Contact the company directly (for recent issues).

   • For deposits from the last year or so, contact the utility company, lender, or landlord. Your money may not have reached the state yet.

If you still cannot locate the funds you expected, ask the company (utility, lender, landlord) where any deposit or escrow balance went, and if they transferred anything to the State of New Jersey as unclaimed property.

Key Takeaways for New Jersey Residents

• Unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are often turned over to the New Jersey unclaimed property program when companies cannot reach the owner.
• You can usually search for free using the official New Jersey government unclaimed property site or by calling the state’s unclaimed property office.
• Be prepared to provide proof of identity and proof of your connection to the address or account (utility bills, leases, mortgage documents).
• Processing can take several weeks or longer, especially if documents are missing or the claim is complex.
• Watch out for scams and high-fee services. You can typically claim unclaimed property on your own directly through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file claims or check your status for you, but you can use the guidance above to work directly with the official New Jersey unclaimed property office and take the next steps toward claiming any deposits or escrow funds that may be yours.