Pennsylvania’s Unclaimed Property Office: What It Does and What It Holds

The Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property Office is the state’s official service that safeguards money and property that people have forgotten, lost track of, or never knew they had. Many residents are surprised to find they have unclaimed cash, refunds, or even safe deposit box items waiting for them.

This guide explains, in plain language, what the Pennsylvania unclaimed property program does, what types of property it holds, how property ends up there, and how people typically claim it through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office and does not process claims. This article is here to help you understand the process so you can follow up with Pennsylvania’s official unclaimed property office directly.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, unclaimed property usually means money or valuables that belong to a person or business but have been inactive or unclaimed for a certain period of time (called a “dormancy period”).

Companies that hold this property—such as banks, insurance companies, and employers—are required to turn it over to the state when they lose contact with the owner and cannot reach them.

Common reasons property becomes “unclaimed” include:

• A change of address without updating accounts
• A name change (such as after marriage or divorce)
• An account holder who moves to another state
• An owner who passes away, and heirs don’t know about the asset
• Returned mail, uncashed checks, or inactive accounts

The Pennsylvania unclaimed property program does not take ownership of the property. Instead, it holds and safeguards it until the rightful owner or heirs come forward and file a claim.

What the Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property Office Actually Does

The Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property Office (administered through the Pennsylvania Treasury Department) is responsible for handling unclaimed assets for individuals, businesses, and organizations.

In general, it:

1. Collects and Safeguards Dormant Property

Businesses and financial institutions that owe money or hold property for someone but lose track of that person must:

1. Identify dormant accounts after a set period of no activity.
2. Attempt to contact the owner (for example, by mail or email).
3. If contact cannot be made, report and transfer (escheat) the property to the state.

The office then safeguards:

• Cash amounts in state accounts
• Physical items, usually from safe deposit boxes

2. Maintains a Searchable Database of Owners

The office usually keeps a public search tool where you can look up:

• Your name,
• A former name,
• A business or organization name, or
• A deceased relative’s name, if you may be an heir.

This is often the first step people use to see if they have unclaimed money in Pennsylvania.

3. Reviews Claims and Verifies Ownership

When someone believes they are the owner (or an heir), the office:

• Reviews claim forms and supporting documents
• Verifies identity and legal right to the property
• Approves or denies claims based on Pennsylvania law and the documentation provided

4. Issues Payments or Releases Property

If a claim is approved, the office typically:

• Issues a check or direct payment for cash-type property
• Coordinates the release of physical items (for example, arranging pickup or auction with proceeds paid to the owner)

What Types of Property the Pennsylvania Office Holds

The Pennsylvania unclaimed property program does not handle real estate or vehicles. It mainly holds financial and personal property, including:

Common Types of Unclaimed Property

• Bank accounts

  • Savings and checking accounts
  • Money market accounts
  • Certificates of deposit (CDs) after maturity

• Uncashed checks

  • Payroll checks from employers
  • Vendor or business refunds
  • Insurance claim checks
  • Dividend checks

• Insurance-related assets

  • Life insurance policy proceeds
  • Annuity benefits
  • Refunds of insurance premiums

• Retirement-related funds

  • Certain retirement accounts not rolled over or claimed
  • Pension checks that were never cashed

• Business-related property

  • Customer credit balances
  • Utility deposits or refunds
  • Royalty payments

• Safe deposit box contents

  • Jewelry
  • Collectibles and coins
  • Important papers (old stock certificates, bonds, deeds, etc.)

When safe deposit box contents remain unclaimed for a set period, the office typically:

• Stores them securely for a time
• May later auction some items, while keeping records and holding the proceeds for the rightful owner

How Property Ends Up in the Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property System

Here is how the process normally works:

1. Dormancy period passes

   • If there is no contact or activity for a specific number of years (often 3–5 years, but it varies by type of property), the account or asset becomes “dormant.”

2. Business tries to contact the owner

   • Many businesses send letters or emails to the last known address.
   • If those attempts fail, the property is treated as unclaimed.

3. Property is turned over to the state

   • The business files a report with Pennsylvania’s unclaimed property office and sends the money or contents.

4. The state enters the record into its database

   • The record includes the owner’s name, last known address, and any identifying details the business provided.

The property stays with the Pennsylvania Treasury until the rightful owner (or heirs) claim it, with no time limit in most cases for claiming cash-type property.

Who Typically Can Claim Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property?

You may be able to claim property if you are:

• The person listed as the owner of the account or payment
• A person who used to live, work, do business, or receive mail at a Pennsylvania address tied to the property
• A current or former business owner whose company name appears in the search
• A heir, beneficiary, or executor/administrator of someone who has died who had unclaimed property

Special Circumstances

You may need extra documentation if you are:

• Filing for a deceased relative

  • You typically need proof of death and proof you are the legal heir or estate representative.

• Filing on behalf of a minor child

  • A parent or legal guardian may file with proof of relationship and guardianship.

• Filing for a business, trust, or organization

  • You usually need documentation that shows you are an authorized officer, owner, or representative.

Documents You May Need to Claim Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property

Exact document requirements can vary by type of property, amount, and claim situation. However, people are commonly asked to provide:

Basic Identity and Ownership

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Example: driver’s license, state ID, passport

• Proof of Social Security number or Tax ID, if requested

  • Example: Social Security card, tax form, or pay stub

• Proof of address (current or former, depending on the claim)

  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement
  • Tax bill

Additional Documents for Special Situations

• Name change documents, if your current name differs from the property record

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order

• Deceased owner claims

  • Death certificate
  • Will, letters testamentary, or letters of administration
  • Documentation that you are the executor, administrator, or heir

• Business or organization claims

  • Business registration or incorporation documents
  • EIN or tax ID documentation
  • Corporate resolutions or a letter on company letterhead naming you as the authorized representative

Quick Reference: Typical Documents by Situation

*Actual requirements may vary. The Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property Office usually lists specific document requirements for each claim type.

How to Search for and Claim Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot conduct searches or file claims for you, but you can typically use the following general steps through Pennsylvania’s official channels.

Step 1: Use the Official Pennsylvania Search Tool

Most people start by using the state’s unclaimed property search:

1. Go to the official Pennsylvania Treasury / Unclaimed Property website.
2. Enter:
   • Your first and last name
   • Any former names or nicknames
   • Any business names you own or manage
3. Try searching with:
   • Different spellings
   • Old addresses or cities where you previously lived or worked

If a match appears, you can usually review basic information about who reported the property and the amount range.

Step 2: Start a Claim Through the Official Website or Office

If you see property that you believe is yours:

• Use the online claim system, if available; or
• Follow the instructions to request a claim form by mail; or
• Contact the Pennsylvania Treasury / Unclaimed Property Office by phone for guidance.

You will generally:

1. Select the item(s) you want to claim.
2. Answer a few questions to describe your relationship to the property.
3. Receive a claim number and instructions about next steps.

Step 3: Gather and Submit Required Documents

Next, you typically must:

1. Print or download the claim form (if required).
2. Sign the form (some claims may accept electronic signatures; others require a physical signature).
3. Attach copies (never send originals unless explicitly required) of your supporting documents.
4. Mail or upload the documents to the official Pennsylvania office, following their specific instructions.

Keep copies of everything you send.

Step 4: Wait for Review and Decision

After you submit:

• The office reviews your claim and documents.
• If anything is missing or unclear, they may contact you for more information.
• Processing times can vary depending on:
  • Number of claims being handled
  • Complexity of your claim (for example, an estate claim often takes longer than a simple individual claim)

If approved:

• You typically receive a check by mail or another form of payment.
• For some physical items, you may receive specific instructions on how to claim them.

What Happens After You File: Timelines and Status Checks

Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months, especially for complex or estate-related claims.

Common next steps after filing:

• Confirmation: You may receive a confirmation letter, email, or on-screen message with your claim number.
• Status checks: Many state systems allow you to check claim status online using your claim number. Otherwise, you can call the Pennsylvania Treasury Unclaimed Property Office and provide your claim number for an update.
• Request for more information: If the office needs more documents or clarification, they usually send a letter or email with specific instructions and a response deadline.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems:

• Incomplete forms

  • Missing signatures
  • Leaving required sections blank

• Insufficient documentation

  • No proof of connection to the address on record
  • No proof of relationship to a deceased owner

• Mismatched names or addresses

  • Spelling differences, nicknames, or missing middle names
  • Not providing name change documents when needed

• Unclear legal authority (for estates or businesses)

  • No court-issued estate documents
  • No proof you are an authorized officer or representative

If your claim is denied, the notice usually explains why. In many cases, you can submit additional documentation and try again, or pursue the office’s appeal or review process if one is available.

Can You Appeal or Ask for a Review?

Pennsylvania typically provides some method for:

• Requesting clarification if you do not understand the denial
• Submitting more information if you can correct the issue
• In some cases, requesting a formal review or reconsideration

If you disagree with a decision:

1. Carefully read the denial or decision letter.
2. Note any deadlines or instructions for submitting more information.
3. Contact the Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property Office directly to ask about your options for review or appeal.

How to Avoid Scams When Searching for Unclaimed Property

Because unclaimed property involves money and personal information, it can attract scammers. To protect yourself:

Verify You Are Using Official Channels

• Make sure you are on the official Pennsylvania Treasury / Unclaimed Property website (check that the web address clearly belongs to a government site).
• If unsure, use:
  • The official Pennsylvania Treasury phone number, or
  • A trusted information line such as PA 211, to ask for the correct unclaimed property contact details.

Be Cautious About “Finder” or “Heir Hunter” Services

Some third parties offer to:

• Find unclaimed property for you
• File claims on your behalf, often for a percentage fee

While some may be legitimate, you should:

• Understand the cost and terms before agreeing.
• Know that Pennsylvania’s official unclaimed property search and claim process is typically free when you deal directly with the state.
• Avoid giving Social Security numbers, bank information, or ID copies to anyone unless you are sure they are operating legally and you understand what you are signing.

Watch for Red Flags

Be careful if:

• Someone contacts you first claiming you have unclaimed money and pushes you to act quickly.
• They refuse to give clear information about the property, their fee, or their business identity.
• They request upfront payment or payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

If you are unsure, contact the Pennsylvania Treasury / Unclaimed Property Office directly to verify whether you really have a claim and how to proceed safely.

If You Don’t Find Anything in Pennsylvania

If your search does not show any unclaimed property under your name in Pennsylvania, you still have options:

• Check other states

  • If you have lived, worked, or owned property in other states, you may have unclaimed property there.
  • Each state has its own unclaimed property office and search system.

• Check under different names

  • Try maiden names, former married names, or common misspellings of your name.

• Check for relatives or businesses

  • You may find property listed under:
    • Deceased family members
    • Old business names
    • Nonprofits or organizations you managed

If you still do not find anything, you can periodically re-check, since new property is turned over to the state every year.

Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania Residents

• The Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property Office holds forgotten or lost financial assets and valuables on behalf of individuals and businesses.
• It commonly holds bank balances, uncashed checks, insurance benefits, utility deposits, and safe deposit box contents, but not real estate or vehicles.
• You may be able to claim property if you are the listed owner, an heir, or an authorized representative of a business or estate.
• Be prepared to provide proof of identity, proof of address, and, if needed, estate or business documents.
• Claims are usually handled through the official Pennsylvania Treasury / Unclaimed Property website, mail, or phone, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Always verify you are using official channels, be cautious of third-party “finder” services, and never share sensitive information with questionable contacts.

By understanding how the Pennsylvania unclaimed property system works and what it holds, you can better decide whether to search for property in your name and, if you find something, follow the official steps to claim it safely.