Heir Claims in Ohio: How to Claim Unclaimed Money and Property for a Deceased Relative

Dealing with a loved one’s passing is hard enough. Finding out they may have unclaimed money or property sitting with the State of Ohio can feel overwhelming on top of everything else. This guide walks through how heirs and estates in Ohio typically claim unclaimed assets for someone who has died, and what to expect from the process.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, benefit program, or application portal. You cannot file claims or check claim status through this site, but you can use this guide to understand the usual steps and then move forward through official Ohio channels.

What “Unclaimed Funds” Mean in Ohio

In Ohio, “unclaimed funds” or “unclaimed property” usually refers to money or other financial assets that a company or institution has been holding, but which have become inactive and were turned over to the state.

Common examples include:

• Old bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, insurance settlements)
• Security deposits (utilities, landlords)
• Life insurance benefits
• Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or dividends
• Safe deposit box contents (handled differently and may involve local courts)

For living people, they can usually search in their own name and file a claim directly.

For someone who has died, money may still be held in their name. In that case, an heir, executor, or administrator of the estate may be able to claim the property.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Person in Ohio?

Ohio typically allows one of the following to claim unclaimed funds on behalf of someone who has died:

• Executor or administrator of the estate (if there was a probate estate opened)
• Heirs or next of kin (if no estate was opened, or after the estate is closed)
• Court-appointed representative (such as a guardian or special administrator)

Who should file depends on the situation:

If you are not sure who should file, many people contact:

• The county probate court where the person lived at death, and/or
• A probate or estate attorney for legal guidance

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot give legal advice or determine who is legally entitled, but this is generally handled under Ohio probate and inheritance laws.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Funds in Ohio

To see if your deceased relative has unclaimed property in Ohio, you typically:

1. Go to Ohio’s official unclaimed funds website (operated by the state, usually under the department of commerce or treasurer).
2. Use the search tool and enter the decedent’s full legal name.
3. Try variations, such as:
   • Middle initial vs. full middle name
   • Former married names or maiden names
   • Common nicknames, if they used them on accounts
4. Confirm that any results match your relative by checking:
   • Last known address
   • Approximate period when the funds became unclaimed
   • The type of holder (bank, insurance company, employer, etc.)

If you’re not comfortable searching online, you can:

• Call the state’s unclaimed funds hotline and ask for a search.
• Visit or contact your state unclaimed funds office directly.

✅ Tip: Make a list of all possible name spellings and past addresses before you start searching.

Step 2: Confirm You Are an Heir or Estate Representative

Before Ohio will release unclaimed funds for a deceased person, they usually require proof that you are legally entitled to claim them. This typically means:

• You are the court-appointed executor or administrator, or
• You are an heir, such as:
  • Surviving spouse
  • Child, grandchild
  • Parent
  • Sibling or more distant relative, depending on the family situation

Ohio uses its own intestacy laws (laws controlling who inherits when there is no will) to determine who has rights if there is no will. That part can get complex.

If there was a will:

• The named executor and the will may help show who is entitled, but the state still usually needs court documents showing that the probate court recognized that executor or the distribution of the estate.

If there was no will:

• The state may rely on probate court orders or affidavits of heirship to decide who can claim the funds.
• Some smaller amounts may be claimed with less paperwork, but that depends on the specific Ohio rules in effect at the time and the value involved.

Because each situation is different, many families consult:

• The county probate court where the decedent lived, or
• A licensed Ohio probate attorney

for personalized legal guidance.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

Ohio typically requires proof of death, proof of your identity, and proof of your authority or relationship to the deceased.

Commonly requested documents include:

Identity and Death Documentation

• Certified death certificate of the deceased
• Your government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Your Social Security number (sometimes requested on claim forms)

Proof of Authority (If You’re Estate Representative)

If you are the executor or administrator, you will likely need:

• Letters of Authority or Letters Testamentary/Administration issued by an Ohio probate court
• Sometimes, additional court orders if the estate is complex

Proof of Heirship (If You’re an Heir/Relative)

If there is no current executor or estate, or you are claiming as an heir:

• Documents showing your relationship, which may include:
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Adoption documents
• Obituary, if it clearly lists surviving relatives
• Affidavit of heirship, sometimes notarized, stating family relationships
• Probate court orders showing distribution of the estate (if the estate was already settled)

Proof of Ownership of the Funds

To connect the deceased to the unclaimed property, you may be asked for:

• Old bank statements or account numbers (if you have them)
• Insurance policy information
• Pay stubs or letters from former employers
• Any letters you received from the company or the state about unclaimed property

The exact list can vary by claim. The official Ohio unclaimed funds office usually provides detailed checklist information for each type of claimant (individual heir, estate representative, business, etc.).

Step 4: File an Heir Claim Through Official Ohio Channels

Once you’ve located the property and gathered documents, you can usually file a claim in one of these ways:

• Online through the official state unclaimed funds portal
• By mail, sending in a completed claim form and copies of your documents
• In person, at the state unclaimed funds office or certain public outreach events (availability can vary)

Typical steps:

1. Start the claim online by selecting the property you found under the deceased person’s name.
2. Indicate that the owner is deceased and that you are filing as an heir or estate representative.
3. Complete the claim form, which often asks for:
   • Your contact information
   • The deceased person’s information (full name, last address, date of death)
   • Your relationship to the deceased
   • Whether the estate was probated and where
4. Print any claim summary or cover sheet if the state instructs you to mail supporting documents.
5. Submit or mail the form with copies of your documentation (and any notarizations required).

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept claims or forward them to the state. You must send forms directly to the official Ohio agency that handles unclaimed funds.

What Happens After You File an Heir Claim in Ohio

After the Ohio unclaimed funds office receives your claim:

1. Initial review

   • Staff usually check the form for completeness.
   • If something is obviously missing, they may contact you or send a letter requesting additional information.

2. Verification process

   • They verify the deceased person’s identity and match it to the unclaimed property.
   • They verify your identity and your legal right to the funds (heir, executor, etc.).
   • They may check probate records if an estate exists or has existed.

3. Decision

   • If approved, the state generally issues a check to you or to the estate, depending on who filed.
   • If denied or if they cannot confirm your entitlement, they typically send a denial letter or request for more information.

How long it may take

Processing times vary based on:

• Volume of claims
• Complexity of the situation (multiple heirs, missing documents, probate issues)
• Whether the state needs to contact you for more information

Some straightforward claims can be processed in a few weeks, while more complex heir claims can take longer. The best way to get a realistic time estimate is to contact the official Ohio unclaimed funds office or hotline and ask about their current processing times.

Common Reasons Ohio Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Heir claims for deceased owners are more complicated than regular claims, so delays are common. Some frequent issues include:

• Missing death certificate or uncertified copies that are not acceptable
• No proof of relationship between the claimant and the deceased
• No proof of authority for an executor or administrator
• Incomplete family information when multiple heirs exist
• Inconsistent names or addresses (misspellings, name changes, or multiple last names)
• Conflicts among heirs, especially if more than one person is claiming the same funds

To reduce problems:

• Double-check that all sections of the claim form are complete.
• Include clear copies of documents and, where required, certified or notarized versions.
• If multiple heirs exist, consider resolving how the funds should be handled before filing, possibly with help from a probate attorney.

How Appeals or Reconsideration Typically Work

If your claim is denied or only partially approved, Ohio may allow you to:

• Request reconsideration by supplying additional documentation
• Submit an appeal or additional correspondence explaining why you believe you are entitled

The denial notice should explain:

• Why the claim was denied or limited
• What additional documents or steps might be needed
• How to contact the unclaimed funds office if you have questions

In more complicated cases—such as disputes between heirs or questions about which state’s law applies—people often consult an Ohio probate or estate attorney to understand their options.

If the Deceased Lived in More Than One State

Unclaimed property is usually held by the state that:

• The company is based in, or
• The last known address of the owner was in

If your loved one:

• Worked in multiple states
• Had bank accounts or life insurance in another state
• Moved frequently

…you may want to search for unclaimed property:

• In Ohio, and
• In each other state where they lived or worked

Most states have an official unclaimed property search tool on their state government websites. Some national tools also help you search multiple states, but final claims are still filed through each individual state’s official office.

When Probate or a Small Estate Process May Be Needed

Sometimes, you will discover unclaimed funds after you thought everything about the estate was settled—or when no probate case was ever opened.

Depending on the amount of money and the value of the person’s overall estate, you may need to:

• Open a probate estate in the Ohio county where they lived
• Use a small estate or summary release from administration process if the estate is below certain value thresholds under Ohio law
• Ask the probate court whether specific Ohio forms (such as affidavits) are enough for unclaimed funds

Probate rules can change and are very specific to Ohio law. To understand whether you need to involve the probate court, you can:

• Call or visit the probate court clerk’s office in the county where the person lived
• Ask if they have guides for small estates or summary procedures
• Consider speaking with a licensed Ohio attorney for advice tailored to your situation

Avoiding Scams When Claiming Heir Property in Ohio

Because unclaimed funds can involve real money, scams are common. To protect yourself:

• Verify you are on an official state website
  • The site should clearly identify itself as part of the State of Ohio government.
• Be cautious of third-party companies that:
  • Demand upfront fees
  • Guarantee results
  • Ask you to sign over a percentage of your claim without fully explaining your options
• Know that in many cases, you can file directly with the state at no cost.
• Do not share your Social Security number, bank account, or ID documents with anyone unless you are certain:
  • They are part of the official state unclaimed funds office, or
  • You have chosen to work with a licensed attorney or reputable professional.

If you are unsure whether you are dealing with the official Ohio office:

• Call the main state government information line or
• Contact your state treasurer’s office or department of commerce and ask for the correct unclaimed funds contact information.

Other Resources If You Need Help

If the process feels confusing or you run into difficulties, you may find it useful to:

• Contact the Ohio unclaimed funds hotline for guidance about forms and documentation (they typically cannot give legal advice but can explain their procedures).
• Speak with the probate court clerk’s office in the county where your relative lived.
• Call 211 in Ohio to ask for referrals to:
  • Legal aid organizations
  • Senior services agencies
  • Community resources that may offer guidance, especially for low-income families
• Consider hiring a licensed Ohio probate or estate attorney, especially if:
  • The amount of unclaimed funds is significant
  • There are multiple heirs
  • There are disputes or complicated family situations

By understanding how heir claims in Ohio usually work—who can file, what documents you need, and how the state reviews claims—you can move forward with more confidence. When you are ready, your next step is to contact the official Ohio unclaimed funds office or your local probate court and follow their current instructions for filing an heir claim on behalf of your deceased relative.