Step‑by‑Step Guide: Finding Unclaimed Assets in Pennsylvania

Many people in Pennsylvania have unclaimed money waiting for them and do not realize it. This can include old bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, security deposits, insurance payments, and more.

This guide explains, in plain language, how to search for and claim unclaimed assets in Pennsylvania, what to expect from the process, and how to avoid scams. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government agency and not a place to file claims. You will need to work through official Pennsylvania channels to search for and claim any money.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Pennsylvania?

Unclaimed property (or unclaimed assets) usually refers to money and certain kinds of property that:

• Belonged to you or a relative, and
• Were held by a business or institution (like a bank, employer, or insurer), but
• Had no activity or contact with the owner for a legally defined period.

In Pennsylvania, unclaimed assets commonly include:

• Bank accounts (savings, checking, CDs) that were forgotten or inactive
• Uncashed checks (payroll checks, vendor payments, refunds)
• Utility deposits and rental security deposits
• Insurance benefits, such as life insurance payouts
• Safe deposit box contents turned over to the state after non-payment of fees
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual funds that were never claimed
• Money orders or traveler’s checks

These assets are usually turned over to the Pennsylvania Treasury’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property after a period of inactivity. The state holds the property for the rightful owner or heirs until a valid claim is filed.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Assets in Pennsylvania?

You may be able to claim unclaimed property if you are:

• The original owner whose name is on the account, check, or policy
• A former name of the owner (for example, a maiden name after marriage)
• An heir or beneficiary of a deceased person who had unclaimed property
• The legal representative for a person or estate (such as an executor, administrator, or someone with power of attorney, where allowed)
• A business owner or authorized representative of a company with unclaimed funds

In general:

• If the property is in your current legal name, the process is usually simpler.
• If you are claiming for someone else (for example, a deceased parent), you will need extra documents to show your legal right to the property.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can usually start a search with just a name, but having a few details ready can help you:

• Full legal name
  • Include middle initial if commonly used
  • Consider previous names (maiden name, former married name)
• Current and past addresses, especially in Pennsylvania
• Social Security number (SSN) or the last four digits (this may help with verification later)
• Date of birth (may be requested in the claim process)
• Business name and tax ID, if searching for a company

If you are searching for unclaimed assets for a deceased relative, it helps to have:

• Their full legal name
• Any other names they used
• Their last known address
• Their date of birth and date of death
• Your connection to them (child, spouse, sibling, executor, etc.)

You can still search without all this information, but having it on hand can make the claim process smoother.

Step 2: Use Pennsylvania’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

To find unclaimed assets in Pennsylvania, you typically use the state’s official unclaimed property search tool managed by the Pennsylvania Treasury.

Since this article is not an official portal, you will need to:

1. Go to the Pennsylvania Treasury’s official website

   • Look for a section called something like “Unclaimed Property” or “Search for Unclaimed Property.”
   • Confirm you are on an official government site (the web address usually ends in “.gov” and clearly lists “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” or “Pennsylvania Treasury”).

2. Start a name search

   • Enter your last name and first name.
   • Try different variations if needed (middle initial, former last names).
   • If searching for a business, select the business search option if available and enter the business name.

3. Review search results

   • The results will usually show a name, last known address, and possibly the holder (the company or institution that reported the property).
   • Confirm which entries seem to match you or your relative (correct or familiar names, addresses, employers, or companies).

4. Select property you believe is yours

   • There is usually a button or checkbox to claim or add to cart specific items.
   • You then move forward to the claim submission portion of the site.

If you have difficulty using the online search:

• You can contact the Pennsylvania Treasury’s unclaimed property office by phone.
• Some people also request help by mailing a form or visiting a state-run booth at public events when available.
• Local state representative offices sometimes help residents locate the correct official portal.

Step 3: Decide Whether You’re Claiming for Yourself or Someone Else

The process in Pennsylvania depends on who the owner is and who is filing the claim. When you start a claim on the official site, you usually need to choose the type of claimant:

Common claimant types include:

• Owner – Individual: You are the person named on the property.
• Owner – Business: You are authorized to claim on behalf of a business.
• Heir/Beneficiary: You are an heir of someone who has died.
• Executor/Administrator of Estate: You are representing a deceased person’s estate.
• Legal Representative: You have a court order or official legal authority (such as a guardian, conservator, or power of attorney when applicable).

Selecting the correct claimant type is important because it affects:

• What documents you will need
• Who must sign the claim form
• Whether you must provide court documents (like Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or a small estate affidavit, when allowed under Pennsylvania law)

If you are unsure which type you are, you can usually find definitions on the official Pennsylvania unclaimed property site or by calling the Treasury’s unclaimed property office.

Step 4: Complete the Claim Form (Online or Paper)

Once you pick property to claim, the official Pennsylvania system typically guides you to submit a claim form. This may be:

• Online claim form, completed and submitted through the state’s portal, and/or
• Printable claim form that you sign and mail with supporting documents

Typical information you may need to provide:

• Full name, including any other names you have used
• Current address and phone number
• Email address for notifications, if applicable
• Social Security number or last four digits (for identity verification)
• Relationship to the original owner, if you are not the person named
• Details about the owner, if claiming for someone else (date of birth, date of death, last address)

For paper forms, you usually must:

1. Print the claim form generated by the system.
2. Sign it (sometimes in the presence of a notary, depending on the claim value and requirements).
3. Attach copies of required documents (see below).
4. Mail it to the Pennsylvania Treasury address listed on the form.

Step 5: Gather the Documents Pennsylvania Typically Requires

The exact documents depend on:

• Whether you are the original owner, and
• Whether the original owner is deceased.

Below is a general guide. Always follow the specific instructions on your Pennsylvania claim form or from the Pennsylvania Treasury.

Common Documents for an Individual Claim (Owner Alive)

You may be asked to provide:

• Proof of identity (usually a copy, not the original), such as:
  • State-issued driver’s license or ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of current address, which may include:
  • Utility bill, bank statement, or lease with your name and address
• Proof of previous address (especially if the unclaimed property lists an old address):
  • Old utility bill, pay stub, W‑2, lease, or tax document
• Social Security number verification, such as:
  • A document showing your SSN (W‑2, Social Security card, or tax form)

Extra Documents for Name Changes

If the name on the property is different from your current legal name (for example, due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you may need:

• Marriage certificate, if your last name changed
• Divorce decree, if it shows a return to a previous name
• Court order documenting a legal name change

Documents for Deceased Owner Claims

If the person whose name appears on the unclaimed property is deceased, Pennsylvania often requires documents such as:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will and/or letters of administration or letters testamentary
• Estate documents showing that you are the executor or administrator
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased if there is no estate (for example, birth certificate showing parent-child relationship, marriage certificate for spouse)

If there is no formal estate and the amount is relatively small, Pennsylvania may allow a simplified process. In that case, the Treasury’s instructions usually explain what substitute documents or affidavits can be used.

Quick Reference Table: Typical Documents by Claim Type

*Actual requirements come from the Pennsylvania Treasury, and may change or vary based on the case. Always follow the instructions on your specific claim.

Step 6: Submit Your Claim and Documents

Depending on the value and type of property, Pennsylvania may let you:

• Upload documents online, or
• Mail physical copies along with the signed claim form

Always follow these basic safeguards:

• Never mail original identity documents unless an official office specifically instructs you to do so (and even then, confirm by calling the official Pennsylvania Treasury phone line).
• Make clear copies of both sides of any ID card if required.
• Use the mailing address printed on your claim form from the official Pennsylvania Treasury site.
• Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

If your claim is submitted online, you may still be required to mail additional documents. The online confirmation page or email usually explains what is needed.

Step 7: Track Your Claim and Response Time

After submitting the claim:

• Pennsylvania typically provides a claim number.
• You may be able to check claim status through the Pennsylvania Treasury’s official site using that number and some identifying details.
• The processing time can vary depending on:
  • The volume of claims
  • Whether your documents are complete and clear
  • Whether additional review is needed (for example, complex estates or multiple heirs)

In many cases, claims with simple, complete documentation are processed faster than claims that require multiple follow-ups or legal review.

If you have questions:

• Use the official telephone number or contact form listed by the Pennsylvania Treasury’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property.
• Be prepared to provide your claim number, your name, and basic details about the property.

Common Reasons Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property Claims Get Delayed

People often experience delays for reasons such as:

• Missing documents
  • For example, no proof of old address when the property is tied to that address
• Unclear identity verification
  • ID copy is too dark, blurry, or expired
• Incorrect claimant type selected
  • Filing as owner when the property is actually listed under a deceased person’s name
• Incomplete estate documentation
  • No letters testamentary or unclear legal authority for an executor or heir
• Mismatched names
  • Spelling differences or missing documentation for a name change

To reduce the chance of delays:

• Carefully read the instructions that come with your claim.
• Double-check that your name and SSN match the documents you provide.
• Provide additional supporting documents if there is any doubt (for example, both a driver’s license and a utility bill).

What Happens If Your Claim Is Denied or Questioned?

If the Pennsylvania Treasury cannot approve your claim as submitted, they may:

• Request additional documentation or clarification, or
• Issue a denial notice explaining why the claim cannot be paid

Typical next steps if this happens:

1. Read the notice carefully.

   • It may specify exactly which documents were missing or why your claim did not meet requirements.

2. Gather the additional proof requested.

   • For example, a better copy of your ID, a proof of prior address, or additional estate documents.

3. Resubmit or appeal, as allowed.

   • Some denials can be resolved by submitting additional paperwork.
   • In more complex cases, you may need to speak with a representative from the Pennsylvania Treasury’s unclaimed property office to understand your options.

If you cannot resolve the disagreement directly, some people consult legal counsel—especially in larger or more complicated estates. HowToGetAssistance.org does not provide legal advice or representation.

Searching for Unclaimed Assets in Other States

If you or your relatives have lived or worked outside Pennsylvania, you may also have property held by other states. Unclaimed property is usually held by the state where the business or address is located at the time the account went dormant.

You can:

• Visit the official unclaimed property site for each state where you have lived or worked, or
• Use a reputable multi-state search tool run or linked by state treasuries, then follow each state’s official instructions separately.

Each state has its own:

• Claim forms
• Required documents
• Processing times

Tips to Avoid Scams When Searching for Unclaimed Assets

Because unclaimed property involves money, there are scams and misleading offers. Some companies legitimately offer to help find and claim property for a fee, but you are not required to pay to search or file a claim with the state.

To protect yourself:

• ✅ Use official sites and numbers.
  • Look for Pennsylvania’s “.gov” address and references to the Pennsylvania Treasury or Bureau of Unclaimed Property.
• ❌ Be wary of up-front fees.
  • You do not have to pay the state to search for or claim your own unclaimed property.
• ❌ Watch out for urgent or threatening messages.
  • Official agencies usually do not threaten arrest or demand immediate payment to release your own funds.
• ✅ Verify offers from “finders” or third-party services.
  • If someone contacts you saying they can get you money for a percentage or fee, ask for their information and verify whether Pennsylvania regulates such services and what your rights are.
• ✅ Protect your personal information.
  • Only enter your full Social Security number or upload ID documents on verified official portals or after confirming a mailing address is truly from the Pennsylvania Treasury.

If you are unsure whether a message or letter is real, you can:

• Call the official unclaimed property hotline for Pennsylvania (found on the Pennsylvania Treasury’s official website), and
• Ask staff to confirm whether you really have a claim or whether a letter is legitimate.

If You Do Not Find Any Unclaimed Property Right Now

Even if your first search shows nothing, it can still be worthwhile to:

• Search again later.
  • Property is added to the unclaimed property database regularly as businesses turn over dormant accounts.
• Search for relatives, including parents, grandparents, or other family members, especially if you are handling their affairs.
• Keep your information updated with banks, employers, and insurers so new accounts do not become unclaimed in the future.

Common ways to prevent future unclaimed property:

• Update your address when you move.
• Cash or deposit checks promptly.
• Review insurance policies and beneficiary designations periodically.
• Keep a simple record of your accounts and tell a trusted person how to find them in case of emergency.

Key Takeaways for Finding Unclaimed Assets in Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania’s unclaimed assets are managed by the Pennsylvania Treasury’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property, not by HowToGetAssistance.org.
• You can search for unclaimed property by name through the official Pennsylvania Treasury website or by contacting the Treasury office.
• The process generally involves:
  1. Searching by name on the official site
  2. Selecting matching property
  3. Filing an online or paper claim form
  4. Providing identity and ownership documents
  5. Waiting for review and payment if approved
• Documentation needs vary depending on whether you are the original owner, an heir, or an estate representative.
• Always make sure you are working through an official Pennsylvania government channel and be cautious about sharing personal information on third-party sites or with unsolicited callers.

By following these steps and using the correct state resources, many people are able to locate and claim unclaimed assets that rightfully belong to them or to their families.