Heir Claims in Pennsylvania: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

When someone passes away in Pennsylvania, they may leave behind unclaimed money or property that ends up with the state. Many people do not realize they can request these funds as an heir or estate representative.

This guide explains how heir claims for unclaimed property in Pennsylvania usually work, who can file, what documents are commonly required, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site and is not a government office or application portal, but this overview can help you prepare before you contact the state.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, unclaimed property typically refers to money or property that has been inactive or abandoned for a certain period. Businesses, banks, and other organizations are required to turn this property over to the state unclaimed property program when they cannot reach the owner.

Typical examples include:

• Bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, insurance checks, dividends)
• Insurance policy proceeds and annuities
• Safe deposit box contents
• Utility deposits and refunds
• Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
• Certain retirement accounts that meet specific conditions

Real estate and vehicles are usually handled differently and do not typically become “unclaimed property” in the same way. Instead, those are generally handled through probate or other legal processes.

If the owner dies and nobody claims the funds, the property may stay with the state until a rightful heir or estate representative files a claim.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Person?

To claim unclaimed assets for someone who has died in Pennsylvania, you generally must show that you are:

• A court-appointed personal representative (executor or administrator) of the estate, or
• A legal heir or beneficiary (for example, surviving spouse, child, parent, or other relative) with rights under Pennsylvania inheritance laws, or
• A trustee or other legally authorized representative connected to the deceased person’s assets

The state usually looks for legal authority and relationship. Common categories include:

• Executor or administrator of the estate

  • Named in a will and confirmed by a Pennsylvania court, or
  • Appointed by a court when there is no will

• Heirs when there is no active estate

  • For smaller estates or when probate is closed, certain heirs may claim directly
  • You usually must prove your relationship (for example, child, spouse, sibling)

• Beneficiaries named by the deceased

  • For some assets, the deceased may have named specific beneficiaries
  • You may need to show supporting documents (such as a will or other legal paperwork)

If you are not sure whether you qualify, it can help to:

• Contact the Pennsylvania unclaimed property office (through its official phone number or website)
• Speak with an estate or probate attorney in Pennsylvania for guidance

Step 1: Confirm Whether There Is Unclaimed Property in the Deceased’s Name

The first practical step is usually to search for the deceased person’s name in the Pennsylvania unclaimed property database.

While each state has its own website, Pennsylvania typically offers:

• An online unclaimed property search on the state treasury or equivalent agency’s website
• A way to search by name and possibly last-known address

Helpful tips when searching:

• Try full legal name and common variations (e.g., with and without middle initial)
• Check both maiden and married names if applicable
• Search using the last known Pennsylvania address of the deceased
• If the deceased lived in multiple states, you may need to search each state’s unclaimed property database

If you find an entry that appears to belong to your deceased relative, you can usually start a claim through the state’s official portal or by following the instructions provided on the state website.

Step 2: Identify Your Role (Executor, Heir, Beneficiary)

Before you submit anything, clarify your legal relationship to the deceased and to their estate. This will shape what documents you need.

Common scenarios:

1. You are the executor or administrator of the estate

   • You typically need court-issued Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
   • You may claim unclaimed property on behalf of the estate

2. There is no executor, and you are a close heir

   • Pennsylvania rules may allow a next of kin (spouse, child, etc.) to claim if there’s no open estate
   • You may need to show relationship proof (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
   • Sometimes a small estate procedure or affidavit is used for modest amounts, depending on state rules

3. You are one of multiple heirs

   • The state may require consent forms or signatures from other heirs
   • You may need to show how the inheritance should be split

If there is any confusion or dispute among family members, it is often wise to consult a Pennsylvania probate attorney before filing.

Step 3: Gather Commonly Required Documents

Pennsylvania’s unclaimed property office generally requires proof of death, proof of relationship, and proof of authority. The exact list depends on your specific role and situation, but typical documents include:

Core documents for deceased-owner claims

• Death certificate (certified copy is often required)
• Government-issued ID for the claimant (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Proof of address (for the claimant, and sometimes for the deceased)
• Any claim form required by the state unclaimed property office

If you are the executor or administrator

You may need:

• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration issued by a Pennsylvania court
• A copy of the will, if there is one
• Documentation showing the Estate’s Tax Identification Number (EIN), if applicable

If you are an heir or beneficiary (no open estate)

You may be asked for:

• Birth certificate(s) to prove your relationship to the deceased (for example, showing parent–child link)
• Marriage certificate if you are a surviving spouse or if a name has changed
• Copies of other heirs’ identification or notarized consent forms, when required
• Any document that shows your right to inherit under Pennsylvania intestacy laws (for example, a family tree affidavits or notarized statements)

If the property is in a different name form

If the deceased’s name on the property does not exactly match your proof (for example, different spelling or a former name), you may need:

• Name change documents, such as a marriage certificate or court order
• Supporting records that connect the two versions of the name (old and new)

Quick Document Reference Table

*Exact requirements are set by the Pennsylvania unclaimed property office and may change. Always confirm with the official agency before submitting.

Step 4: File an Heir Claim Through Official Pennsylvania Channels

Once you’ve gathered your documents, you usually file a claim with the Pennsylvania unclaimed property office. HowToGetAssistance.org does not process claims. To move forward, you typically must use:

• The official state unclaimed property website,
• A paper claim form submitted by mail, or
• In limited cases, in-person assistance through a state office or outreach event

Typical steps:

1. Start the claim online

   • Locate the property under the deceased’s name in the official search tool
   • Select the property and choose the option that applies to a deceased owner
   • Enter your information as the claimant

2. Indicate the type of claimant

   • Choose whether you are the executor/administrator, heir, or other legal representative
   • The system or form usually tells you which documents to provide for your situation

3. Upload or attach documentation

   • For online claims, you may scan and upload documents
   • For paper claims, you will generally attach copies and mail them to the address the state provides

4. Sign and submit

   • Some claims require notarized signatures
   • Confirm you are using the official state mailing address or portal

If you are unsure whether you are on the correct website, you can:

• Call the Pennsylvania Treasury or unclaimed property official phone line directly and ask for instructions
• Type the agency’s name carefully into a search engine and verify that it is a .gov site (or another clearly official state domain)

What Happens After You File an Heir Claim?

After the Pennsylvania unclaimed property office receives your claim:

1. Initial review

   • Staff typically check that your form is complete and the essential documents are included
   • If something is missing or unclear, they may send a request for more information

2. Verification of relationship and authority

   • The office usually reviews the death certificate, Letters Testamentary/Administration, and other documents to confirm:
     • The owner is deceased
     • You are the proper person to receive the funds

3. Decision and payment

   • If approved, the state generally issues payment to the estate or to you, depending on how the claim was filed
   • Payments are often made by check, though policies can vary

4. Possible delays

   • Complex family situations, old records, or disputes can extend the timeline
   • Responding quickly to any requests for additional documents can help avoid delays

Processing times can vary depending on how many claims the agency is handling and how complicated your claim is.

Common Reasons Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems:

• Missing or incomplete documentation

  • No certified death certificate
  • No proof you are the executor, administrator, or heir
  • Missing heir consent forms when there are multiple heirs

• Name mismatches

  • The deceased’s name on the property does not match the name on the death certificate or other records
  • No documentation to connect name variations

• Disputes among heirs

  • Multiple family members filing separate claims for the same property
  • Unresolved disagreements about who should receive the funds

• Lack of clear legal authority

  • Claim filed by someone who is not an executor, administrator, or legally recognized heir
  • Out-of-state personal representative without appropriate recognition in Pennsylvania, in some cases

If a claim is denied or returned, the notice from the state usually describes the reason and may outline how you can correct the issue or provide additional documentation. You can also call the official office to ask for clarification.

Can You Appeal a Denial?

Pennsylvania usually has a process to challenge or appeal a denied unclaimed property claim, though the exact steps can change over time.

Common options may include:

• Submitting additional documents

  • If the denial was due to missing or unclear paperwork, sending the proper proof may resolve it

• Requesting a review or reconsideration

  • You may be able to send a written request asking the agency to re-evaluate your claim

• Legal action

  • In more complex or disputed cases, some people choose to consult an attorney versed in Pennsylvania unclaimed property or probate law
  • An attorney can explain whether court action is reasonable in your situation

Any appeal or review must usually follow deadlines and procedures set by the Pennsylvania unclaimed property office or state law. Check directly with the official agency or a qualified attorney for current rules.

How Unclaimed Property Interacts With Probate and Estate Administration

Heir claims do not exist in a vacuum. They often relate to broader estate and probate processes in Pennsylvania:

• If there is an open estate in Pennsylvania:

  • The executor or administrator typically should claim unclaimed property on behalf of the estate
  • Once collected, these assets are generally distributed according to the will or intestacy laws

• If the estate is closed or was never opened:

  • Some heirs may be able to claim directly from the unclaimed property office, following the state’s rules
  • You might need to provide more detailed family relationship documentation

Because estate law can be complex, questions such as “Should I open an estate to claim this money?” or “How do we split this among siblings?” are often best answered by a Pennsylvania probate attorney or a trusted legal aid service.

Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify as an Heir or Representative

If you discover unclaimed property for a deceased person but do not qualify as an heir or estate representative:

• Notify the appropriate relative

  • A spouse, child, parent, or sibling may be able to start a claim
  • You can share search results and information about the state’s unclaimed property office

• Encourage opening or re-opening an estate, if appropriate

  • In some cases, a qualified person (such as a next of kin) might open an estate to handle outstanding matters, including unclaimed property

• Contact the official unclaimed property office

  • They can explain who is allowed to claim and what proof is required

If there is no clear heir or the closest relatives are distant, the property may eventually remain with the state under escheat laws. The rules for this are set by Pennsylvania law.

Protecting Yourself From Scams

Because unclaimed property can involve money, it unfortunately attracts scammers. Here are ways to protect yourself:

How to verify you are using an official channel

• Look for a .gov address and a clear reference to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the state treasury
• Call the state treasury or unclaimed property office using a phone number you can confirm independently (for example, from a government directory or your state’s main website)
• Avoid using websites that appear to mimic official sites but do not clearly identify themselves as government offices

Red flags to watch for

• Upfront fees to “release” your money
• Demands for sensitive personal information (like full Social Security number) that feel unnecessary or are requested through insecure channels
• Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming you have unclaimed funds and insisting you act immediately
• Pressure to sign over a portion of your inheritance to a person or company you did not contact yourself

There are legitimate “finder” or “locator” services that charge a fee to help people locate and claim unclaimed property. However, you can usually search and file a claim directly with the state for free. If you choose to use a third party, consider carefully reviewing:

• The fee structure
• Any contract they ask you to sign
• Whether you can reasonably handle the claim on your own through the official state office

Getting Help With Heir Claims in Pennsylvania

If you feel overwhelmed by the paperwork or legal questions, you are not alone. You do not have to navigate this alone, and there are official and nonprofit resources that may be able to help:

• Pennsylvania unclaimed property office or state treasury

  • Can explain what forms and documents are required
  • Can verify that you’re using the correct process for an heir claim

• County Register of Wills or Orphans’ Court (where the deceased lived)

  • Handles probate filings, Letters Testamentary, and Letters of Administration
  • May help you understand whether an estate has been opened or needs to be opened

• Local legal aid organizations

  • In some areas, they may offer free or low-cost help with simple probate or unclaimed property questions, especially for low- and moderate-income residents

• 211 information line

  • By calling 211, many Pennsylvanians can be connected to local resources, including legal help or guidance services

HowToGetAssistance.org does not take applications or process claims, but using the steps above, you can be better prepared when you contact the official Pennsylvania unclaimed property office or speak with a legal professional about your specific situation.