How To Claim Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Ohio

If you’ve ever paid a security deposit on utilities or kept money in a mortgage escrow account in Ohio, you might still be owed money—sometimes years after you’ve moved or closed an account. Many people do not realize that these funds can turn into unclaimed property and get turned over to the state.

This guide explains, in plain English, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds typically work in Ohio, how to check if money is waiting for you, and what to expect when you file a claim through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. It is not a government agency, not an official unclaimed property office, and not a place to apply or file claims. This article is meant to help you understand the process so you can use Ohio’s official systems more confidently.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

In Ohio, unclaimed property generally includes money or assets that have been inactive and unclaimed for a certain period of time. Two common examples are:

• Unclaimed utility deposits
• Unclaimed escrow funds (often connected to mortgages or property taxes/insurance)

Unclaimed Utility Deposits

A utility deposit is money you pay to a company for services such as:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water and sewer
• Telephone or internet (in some cases)
• Trash collection

If you:

• Move and close your account,
• Overpay your bill, or
• Are promised a refund or deposit return,

and the company can’t reach you (for example, your mailing address changes and your check is returned), they may eventually treat that money as unclaimed property.

In Ohio, after a period of inactivity and failed contact attempts (the exact time can vary by type of account and law), the utility company may be required to turn that money over to the state’s unclaimed property program.

Unclaimed Escrow Funds

An escrow account is commonly used in homeownership and real estate. You might see escrow in situations like:

• Your mortgage lender collects extra money each month to pay property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.
• A real estate closing where money is held temporarily by a title company or attorney.
• Certain landlord–tenant arrangements where funds are held for specific purposes.

You might have unclaimed escrow funds if:

• Your mortgage was paid off or refinanced and there was a remaining balance in your escrow account.
• A real estate transaction was canceled or adjusted, leaving unused escrow funds.
• A servicer or lender changed, and your escrow balance didn’t get properly forwarded.

If the company can’t find you to return the money, and the funds sit untouched for a set time, they may be reported to Ohio’s unclaimed property system as unclaimed escrow funds.

Who Typically Has Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Money in Ohio?

Many Ohio residents are surprised to find out they have money waiting for them. You might have unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds if you:

• Moved frequently, especially between rentals or cities.
• Changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons.
• Closed a utility account without confirming your final bill and deposit return.
• Paid off or refinanced a mortgage, especially many years ago.
• Sold or purchased property and think some funds didn’t get fully settled.
• Had a mortgage servicer change (your loan was transferred to a different company).
• Ignored old mail that looked like generic notices from a utility or lender.

You do not have to still live in Ohio to be owed money. Unclaimed property may be held by the state even if you’ve since moved elsewhere.

How Unclaimed Property Typically Works in Ohio

Understanding the overall unclaimed property process makes it easier to see where utility deposits and escrow funds fit.

1. Dormancy Period

A dormancy period is the amount of time an account must be inactive before it is considered unclaimed. For example:

• A utility account that has had no customer contact or activity for several years.
• An escrow account with money left over after a mortgage payoff that hasn’t been claimed for a set number of years.

The exact dormancy period can differ by type of property and may change over time based on law and regulation.

2. Due Diligence by the Company

Before sending money to the state, most companies are expected to make a good-faith effort to:

• Contact you at your last known address
• Possibly contact you by email or phone, if they have that information
• Issue a refund check or statement

If this fails—checks are not cashed, mail is returned, or you don’t respond—the funds may be considered abandoned.

3. Transfer to Ohio’s Unclaimed Property System

Once classified as abandoned under Ohio law:

• The utility company, mortgage lender, title company, or other business submits a report.
• The money is transferred to the custody of the state (typically the state’s unclaimed property division).
• Your name, last known address, and other identifying details are stored in a searchable database.

From that point, you no longer claim money from the company directly. You usually claim it through the State of Ohio’s official unclaimed property process.

How To Check for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Ohio

You don’t need to guess whether you’re owed money. Ohio typically offers a free, public search tool through the state’s unclaimed property office.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information

Before you search, it helps to have:

• Your full legal name (and former names)
• Middle initial, if commonly used
• Previous addresses in Ohio
• The name of any utility companies you used
• The name of your mortgage lender or servicer
• The name of any title/escrow company used in real estate transactions

These details make it easier to recognize which entries belong to you.

Step 2: Use the Official State Search

In most cases, you will:

1. Go to the official unclaimed property page for the State of Ohio.
2. Use the search box to look up your name, former names, or business name (if relevant).
3. Review the results, which may show:
   • Your name or business name
   • Last known address or city
   • Holder (for example, a utility company, bank, or mortgage lender)
   • Sometimes, the type of property (like “deposit,” “refund,” or “escrow”)

You can also typically:

• Search for relatives’ names, especially deceased family members, to see if you may be an heir with a possible claim.
• Contact the state unclaimed property office directly by phone if you are unsure how to use the search or want help verifying a result.

Step 3: Confirm It Looks Like It’s Really You

Look closely at:

• The spelling of the name
• The city or town listed
• The company name (for example, a familiar utility or mortgage lender)

If multiple records look like they might be yours, it is usually possible to select more than one to claim, but each record will need proof.

How To Claim Unclaimed Utility Deposits in Ohio

Once you have found a possible match related to a utility deposit or utility refund, you can usually start an official claim through Ohio’s unclaimed property system.

Typical Steps To File a Claim

The exact process can change, but it often looks like this:

1. Select the Property

   • On the search results page, select or “add to cart” the records that look like they’re yours.

2. Start the Claim Form

   • Provide information requested by the state, such as:
     • Your current mailing address
     • Phone number and email
     • How you are related to the property (for example, “I am the person listed”)

3. Submit Required Documents

   • Upload or mail copies of documents that prove your identity and connection to the account.

4. Review and Sign

   • Some claims require a signed claim form, sometimes notarized, particularly if the amount is large or if the claim is for an estate.

5. Wait for Review

   • The state will review your documents and may contact you for more information.

6. Receive Payment if Approved

   • If your claim is approved, you generally receive:
     • A check by mail, or
     • Occasionally another form of payment, depending on state procedures.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not process these claims. All claims go through official State of Ohio systems or offices.

Documents You May Need for Utility Claims

Each case is different, but common documents include:

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Ohio driver’s license or state ID
  • U.S. passport or other official ID

• Proof of current address

  • Recent utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement

• Proof of former address (if the utility account was at a different address)

  • Old bills, lease, mortgage statement
  • Tax document listing that address

• Proof of name change (if the name on the record is different from your current legal name)

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order of name change

• Proof of relationship to the business (if claiming under a business name)

  • Business registration or articles of incorporation
  • Documents showing you are an authorized representative

If the money belongs to someone who has died and you’re handling their estate, see the heirs and estates section below.

How To Claim Unclaimed Escrow Funds in Ohio

Unclaimed escrow funds—such as leftover balances from mortgage escrow accounts or real estate transactions—are generally claimed through the same state unclaimed property process, but the proof may be more detailed.

Typical Steps for Escrow Claims

1. Search for Your Name or the Property Owner’s Name

   • Look for property held by:
     • A mortgage company or loan servicer
     • A title company
     • A bank’s escrow department

2. Start the Claim

   • Select the record and complete the online or paper claim form, similar to other unclaimed property.

3. Provide Identity and Ownership Documents

   • Expect to provide more paperwork than you might for small utility refunds.

4. Submit Any Real Estate–Related Documentation

   • Mortgage statements, settlement statements, or closing documents can be very helpful.

5. Wait for the State’s Review

   • The state office may compare your documents to the holder’s report to verify your claim.

6. Receive Funds if Approved

   • If approved, the state typically issues a check to you or to the estate, depending on who is legally entitled to the funds.

Documents Commonly Requested for Escrow Claims

• Standard identity documents

  • Photo ID, proof of current address

• Mortgage and property records, such as:

  • Monthly mortgage statements
  • Closing disclosure or settlement statement
  • Deed or property tax bill showing ownership
  • Escrow account statements (if available)

• Name change or marital status documents (if applicable)

  • Same as in utility claims

• Estate documents (if the original owner is deceased)

  • See below for more detail.

Special Situations: Deceased Owners, Heirs, and Estates

Sometimes the unclaimed funds belong to:

• A deceased parent, spouse, or relative
• A person for whom you are a legal representative (e.g., executor, administrator)

If You Are an Heir or Executor

You may be able to claim unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. The typical process:

1. Search under the deceased person’s name
2. Start a claim as “heir” or “estate representative,” if that option is provided
3. Provide documentation, which may include:
   • Death certificate
   • Will (if one exists)
   • Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (court documents naming you as the estate’s executor or administrator)
   • Your own photo ID and contact information

The state office usually reviews who is legally entitled to the funds based on Ohio law and the documents you provide. In some cases, small amounts may be claimed with simpler paperwork, while larger amounts might require formal probate documentation.

If you’re unsure what is required, you can usually call the state’s unclaimed property office and ask what documents they typically need for estate claims.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Not every claim is approved right away. Some typical issues include:

• Missing or incomplete documents

  • No proof of identity or address
  • No documentation linking you to the address or account on file

• Name on claim doesn’t match the record

  • You changed your name but didn’t submit proof of the change
  • The spelling or initials are significantly different

• Insufficient proof for heirs/estates

  • No death certificate
  • No proof you’re legally authorized to represent the estate
  • Multiple heirs but only one person filing without proper documentation

• Incorrect or outdated contact information

  • The state office cannot reach you for clarifications
  • Mail from the state is returned as undeliverable

If your claim is delayed or appears to be denied:

• Watch for official letters or emails that explain what is missing.
• Contact the state unclaimed property phone line to clarify what else is required.
• Be prepared to submit additional documents or corrected information.

How Reviews, Corrections, and Appeals Typically Work

If there is a problem with your claim:

1. The state may contact you in writing, by email, or by phone to:

   • Ask for additional documentation
   • Explain that documents you provided are unclear or incomplete

2. You can usually:

   • Resubmit clearer copies (for example, legible scans, not blurry photos)
   • Provide alternative documents that prove the same fact (such as another bill or tax record)

3. If a claim is formally denied:

   • You may receive a letter explaining the reason.
   • In some cases, states have a review or appeals process.
   • You may be able to submit new evidence and request reconsideration.

Because procedures can change, it is best to contact Ohio’s unclaimed property office directly for the most accurate, current information on appeals or reconsiderations.

Key Differences: Utility Deposits vs. Escrow Funds in Ohio

Below is a simple comparison to help you see how these two types of unclaimed funds usually differ.

Both types are typically claimed through the same state process, but escrow-related claims often involve more paperwork.

How To Make the Process Smoother

A few practical steps can reduce stress and delays:

• Organize your documents

  • Keep digital copies (PDF or clear photos) of:
    • IDs
    • Utility bills
    • Mortgage statements
    • Closing documents

• Search multiple ways

  • Try:
    • First + last name
    • Variations with middle initial
    • Former married or maiden names
    • Business names you used

• Watch for official communications

  • Check your mail and email for:
    • Requests for additional documentation
    • Notices about claim decisions

• Respond promptly

  • Delays often happen when requested documents are slow to arrive.

• Ask questions early

  • If you’re confused, call the Ohio unclaimed property office or another official state helpline.
  • Make sure you’re dialing an official government number (see scam tips below).

Protecting Yourself From Scams

Because money is involved, scammers sometimes target people searching for unclaimed property. A few caution signs and protections:

How To Verify You’re on an Official Channel

• Look for:
  • A “.gov” in the website address (many official state sites use this).
  • Clear reference to the State of Ohio or the appropriate state department.
• You can confirm by:
  • Going to the main State of Ohio website and navigating to “Unclaimed Property” or “Treasurer/Commerce” from there.
  • Calling a published state government phone number listed on official materials or state directories.

Common Red Flags

Be cautious if:

• Someone contacts you first claiming you have money due and:
  • Demands upfront fees to help you get it.
  • Asks directly for your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number by unsolicited call or email.
• The website:
  • Has unusual spelling or doesn’t clearly identify itself as a state government site.
  • Promises “guaranteed” results or uses high-pressure sales tactics.

Some private “finder” services may be legitimate and offer to help you search or file claims, but:

• They typically charge a fee or percentage of the recovered amount.
• You can almost always search and submit claims yourself for free using the state’s official system.

If you’re unsure, you can call:

• The Ohio unclaimed property program’s official phone line, or
• A central state government information number, or
• 2-1-1 (in many areas) for help getting connected to the correct official office.

What To Do If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Funds

If your search doesn’t show any unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds right now, you can still:

• Check again later, especially if:

  • You recently moved or closed accounts.
  • You settled a mortgage or property transaction not long ago.

• Search in other states where you have lived or worked.

• Review your records:

  • For any utilities or lenders where you’re unsure whether you received your final deposit or escrow refund.

You can also contact former utility companies or mortgage servicers directly to ask about any past deposits or escrow balances. If they still hold your funds and those funds are not yet reported as unclaimed to the state, they may issue a refund directly through their own process.

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are handled in Ohio and how the state’s unclaimed property system typically works, you can take clear steps toward checking for and claiming any money that may be owed to you. All actual claims must be filed through official Ohio government channels, either online, by mail, or by phone with the appropriate state office.