How to File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Pennsylvania: Step-by-Step Guide

Unclaimed “assets” in Pennsylvania are usually called unclaimed property. This can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, security deposits, and more that were turned over to the state after a period of inactivity.

This guide explains, in plain language, how to search for and file an unclaimed property claim in Pennsylvania, what documents you may need, and what to expect afterward. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only; it is not a government office and cannot accept or process claims. To actually file a claim, you must use Pennsylvania’s official unclaimed property system or contact the state agency that handles unclaimed property.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, unclaimed property generally refers to money or other financial assets that have been held by a business or institution but have had no contact from the owner for a certain number of years. After that time, the holder must turn the property over to the state.

Common examples include:

• Bank and credit union accounts with no activity
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, vendor payments, etc.)
• Security deposits from utilities, landlords, or service providers
• Insurance benefits or payouts that were never claimed
• Stocks, bonds, dividends, and mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents (these may be sold and converted to cash)
• Gift certificates or gift cards, in some cases

Pennsylvania’s unclaimed property program is usually run through the state treasury department. The state holds the assets until the rightful owner (or legal heir) files a successful claim.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Pennsylvania?

You can typically file a claim in Pennsylvania if you are:

• The original owner of the property (individual or business)
• A legal heir or beneficiary of a deceased owner
• A legal representative, such as:
  • Executor or administrator of an estate
  • Attorney-in-fact with a valid power of attorney
  • Court-appointed guardian or conservator

Some common situations:

• You moved away from Pennsylvania and forgot about an old bank account.
• A loved one passed away, and you believe they had a life insurance policy or other funds that went unclaimed.
• Your business had a check issued to it (insurance refund, vendor payment, etc.) that was never deposited.

If you are not the original owner, you will normally need additional proof that you are entitled to the property (for example, a will, letters of administration, or other estate paperwork).

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Pennsylvania

To file a claim, you first need to see if the state is holding anything in your name. This is typically done through Pennsylvania’s official unclaimed property search website.

You can usually search by:

• Last name and first name
• Business name
• Former names or aliases, if applicable
• Last known address or city, to narrow results

Tips for searching:

• Try different variations of your name (with and without middle initial).
• If you’ve married or changed your name, search under both the old and new names.
• If you owned a business, search using the business name as well.
• If you lived in multiple Pennsylvania cities, try adding or changing the city filter.

If your name appears, the listing usually shows:

• The name of the holder (e.g., bank, insurance company, utility)
• The reported owner name
• The last known address or city
• A general type of property (for example, “bank account” or “insurance proceeds”)
• Sometimes an approximate value range (not always exact)

From there, you can usually click or select a result to start a claim.

Step 2: Confirm You Are the Rightful Owner

Before you file, make sure the record actually belongs to you. Look at:

• Spelling of the name
• Address or city that matches somewhere you lived or had mail sent
• Type of property that makes sense (for example, an old car insurance refund in your name)

If you see several possible matches, you may be able to select multiple claims to submit together, as long as they all appear to be yours.

When in doubt, most people file only for the claims they can reasonably connect to themselves. The state will verify ownership using your documentation.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Pennsylvania usually requires documents to prove:

1. Your identity
2. Your connection to the reported address or account
3. Your legal right to claim the funds (if you’re not the original owner)

Common Documents for Individual Owners

You may be asked for one or more of the following:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Pennsylvania driver’s license or state ID
  • Passport
  • Other government-issued photo ID
• Social Security number (the claim form may ask for the full or last 4 digits)
• Proof of address or former address, such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Lease or mortgage statement
  • Tax return or W-2 showing your name and the address on the claim
• Legal name change documents, if applicable:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order for name change

Additional Documents for Heirs or Estates

If the property belonged to a deceased person, you may also be asked for:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will or letters testamentary/letters of administration showing the estate representative
• Small estate documentation, if applicable (for smaller estates under certain thresholds)
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificate (for parent/child)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse)
• Court orders that assign you as guardian, executor, or administrator

Documents for Businesses

If you are claiming on behalf of a business, you may need:

• Business tax ID (EIN)
• Proof of authority to act for the company (for example, officer status, authorization letter)
• Business formation documents or registration
• Documentation linking old and new business names, if the business changed names or merged

Quick Reference: Common Documents by Claim Type

*Exact requirements can vary by claim type and amount. The official Pennsylvania unclaimed property office will list what is needed for your specific claim.

Step 4: Submit Your Unclaimed Property Claim

Once you select your property and gather your documents, the next step is submitting your claim through Pennsylvania’s official channels.

Common Ways to File in Pennsylvania

While details can change, Pennsylvania typically offers:

1. Online claim filing through the official state unclaimed property portal
2. Paper claim form by mail, for people who prefer to mail documents or who cannot file online
3. In-person support at certain state offices or outreach events (though the actual claim may still be processed centrally)

You can usually find the current options by checking:

• The Pennsylvania Treasury or similar state agency’s official website
• The unclaimed property division phone line listed on state materials

Basic Steps to File Online

1. Create or log in to an account on the official Pennsylvania unclaimed property website (if required).
2. Select the property you found under your name.
3. Complete the claim form, which will typically ask for:
   • Your full legal name
   • Current mailing address and contact information
   • Social Security number or tax ID (for identity verification and tax purposes)
   • Relationship to the owner (if filing on behalf of someone else or an estate)
4. Upload or mail your documents, depending on how the system is set up:
   • Many portals let you upload scanned copies or clear photos.
   • Some claims, especially complex ones, may still require you to mail originals or certified copies.
5. Review and sign the claim form:
   • You may need to electronically sign.
   • Printed forms often require a wet signature and sometimes notarization, especially for larger amounts or estate claims.

If you are mailing documents, the official website or instructions will list the correct mailing address and any special directions (for example, “Do not send original documents unless specifically requested”).

What Happens After You File a Claim?

After you submit your claim to the official Pennsylvania unclaimed property office:

1. Claim is received
   • You might get a confirmation number or email if you filed online.
2. Review and verification
   • Staff review your form and documents.
   • They check that your ID and proof of address match the property record.
   • If you’re an heir or estate representative, they confirm your legal authority.
3. Follow-up requests (if needed)
   • You may receive a request for more documents or clarification.
   • Responding quickly can prevent delays.
4. Decision
   • If approved, the state usually issues a check to the address on your claim form, or provides another approved method of payment.
   • If denied or partially approved, you should receive a written explanation.

Processing times can vary based on:

• The complexity of your claim (simple owner claims are often quicker than estate or business claims)
• Volume of claims at the time
• Whether additional documents are needed

If you have questions about timing or status, you can usually contact:

• The Pennsylvania Treasury’s unclaimed property unit by phone
• The online “check status” area of the official unclaimed property website, if available

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common problems can help you avoid them:

• Incomplete forms
  • Missing signatures or unanswered questions
• Unclear or missing identification
  • ID that is expired, blurry, or doesn’t match the name on the claim
• No proof of address
  • Not providing any document that ties you to the address or city listed on the property
• Name mismatch
  • Claiming in a different name without showing legal name change documents
• Insufficient estate documentation
  • For deceased owners, not providing a death certificate, letters of administration, or proof of relationship (when required)
• Wrong person claiming
  • Filing for property that actually belongs to another person with the same or similar name

If your claim is denied, there is often a way to:

• Submit additional documentation if the issue was missing or unclear proof
• File a new claim with correct information
• Ask the official office to explain what specific requirement was not met

Information on appeals or reviews is usually available from the Pennsylvania unclaimed property office or treasury department.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Property in Pennsylvania?

In many states, most unclaimed property does not expire and remains available to the rightful owner or heirs indefinitely, though some specific property types can be treated differently.

In Pennsylvania, it is generally understood that:

• The state holds the property until a valid claim is made.
• There may be different handling rules for certain items (for example, safe deposit box contents may be sold and converted to cash).

To be sure, check with the Pennsylvania Treasury or unclaimed property office about:

• Whether there are any time limits for certain property types
• How long records are retained for very old accounts

Even if you moved away years ago, it is usually still worth checking.

Verifying You Are Using an Official Pennsylvania Channel

Because unclaimed property can involve personal information and money, it’s important to avoid scams and confirm you are dealing with the official state office, not a private “finder” service pretending to be the government.

Here are some practical tips:

• Look for “.gov” in the website address. Official state websites in the U.S. typically end with .gov.
• Check for clear state branding. Official sites usually mention the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or Pennsylvania Treasury Department.
• Be cautious of fees.
  • The state itself typically does not charge you to search for or claim your unclaimed property.
  • Private “asset recovery” or “finder” companies may offer to help for a fee or percentage. These businesses can be legitimate, but they are not required to claim your money—you can usually do it yourself through the state’s official process at no cost.
• Never pay with gift cards or wire transfers to claim your own property.
• Verify phone numbers by cross-checking with published contact information from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (such as the main treasury department line).

If you’re unsure whether a website or letter is legitimate, you can:

• Call the Pennsylvania Treasury’s main number (look it up on the state’s official site or in government directories).
• Ask them to confirm whether a specific mailer, email, or phone call is actually from their office.

Can Someone Else Claim on Your Behalf?

In some situations, another person or company may legally claim on your behalf, but you should proceed carefully:

• Authorized representatives (attorney-in-fact, guardian, estate executor, etc.) may file when they have legal documentation like a power of attorney or court appointment.
• Private asset recovery / finder companies might contact you stating they have located unclaimed money and will help you claim it for a percentage.

Before signing anything:

• Ask specifically what agency holds the property and how much they believe it is.
• Contact the Pennsylvania unclaimed property office directly and search your name yourself.
• If you decide to use a private company, read the contract carefully, including:
  • Fees or percentage they will take
  • How long the agreement lasts
  • What information you must provide

Using a private company is optional; you can usually file a claim directly with the state at no charge other than any notary or mailing fees you choose to pay.

What If You Do Not Qualify or Cannot Prove Ownership?

If you believe property is yours but cannot meet the documentation requirements, consider:

• Gathering older records that might show your address or link you to the account (for example, old tax returns, pay stubs, insurance statements).
• Asking the unclaimed property office what alternative documents might be accepted.
• For estate cases, asking the probate court or an attorney about how to obtain or update legal authority, if appropriate.

If the official Pennsylvania office determines you are not the rightful owner, they will not release the funds to you. In that case:

• There may be no alternative route if you cannot establish legal entitlement.
• You can ask whether there is a formal appeal or review process in Pennsylvania for unclaimed property decisions.

Key Takeaways for Filing an Unclaimed Property Claim in Pennsylvania

• Use Pennsylvania’s official unclaimed property search tool to look for your name, former names, and any businesses you own or owned.
• Be ready to provide proof of identity, proof of address, and, if needed, proof of legal authority (for heirs, estates, or businesses).
• Submit your claim through the official Pennsylvania Treasury or unclaimed property office, either online or by mail, following their instructions.
• Respond promptly to any requests for additional documents to avoid delays.
• Watch out for scams and fee-based “recovery” services; you can usually file a claim on your own at no cost through the state.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims or check claim status, but you can use the information above to prepare your documents, understand the process, and then complete your claim directly through Pennsylvania’s official unclaimed property channels.