Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Pennsylvania: Why It Happens and How to Claim What You’re Owed

Unclaimed bank accounts in Pennsylvania can quietly sit for years without you realizing you have money waiting. Maybe you moved and forgot to update your address, closed a business, or a relative passed away and no one knew about their accounts.

This guide explains how bank accounts become “unclaimed” in Pennsylvania, how to search for them, and what to do to claim the money through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only; it is not a government agency, does not hold any unclaimed money, and cannot process claims.

What Is an Unclaimed Bank Account in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, unclaimed property is money or property that has had no activity by the owner for a certain period of time, and the holder (like a bank) has been unable to contact the owner.

For bank accounts, this often includes:

• Checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Money market accounts
• Safe deposit box contents (after certain steps and timelines)

When an account is considered “dormant” for long enough under Pennsylvania law and the owner cannot be reached, the bank is usually required to turn the money over to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department as unclaimed property.

Important points:

• You do not lose ownership rights because the account was turned over to the state.
• In Pennsylvania, there is no deadline for owners to claim their unclaimed property in most situations.
• You must go through official state channels (usually the Pennsylvania Treasury) to search and file a claim.

How Bank Accounts Become “Unclaimed” in Pennsylvania

Unclaimed bank accounts typically follow a similar path: inactivity, failed contact attempts, then transfer to the state.

Common Ways Bank Accounts Become Unclaimed

1. Account inactivity

   • No deposits, withdrawals, or other owner-initiated activity for a set period (often a few years, depending on the type of account).
   • Automatic interest posting usually does not count as owner activity.

2. Outdated contact information

   • You moved and didn’t update your mailing address.
   • Your email address changed or was deactivated.
   • Your phone number changed or is disconnected.

3. Returned mail or undeliverable notices

   • Bank statements, tax forms, or notices keep coming back as undeliverable.
   • The bank no longer has a valid way to reach you.

4. Closed or merged institutions

   • Your bank merged or was acquired and your account records were transferred.
   • During the transition, some older or inactive accounts may have been flagged as dormant.

5. Death of the account holder

   • The owner passed away and no one knew about the account.
   • The estate was never updated with the account information.
   • Beneficiaries did not receive or recognize notices.

6. Name changes

   • You changed your name after marriage, divorce, or other reasons.
   • Account records use an old name that you no longer use.

Once these factors line up and the legally required “dormancy period” passes, the bank typically turns the funds over to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, Bureau of Unclaimed Property.

Who Usually Has Unclaimed Bank Accounts?

Almost anyone can have unclaimed property without realizing it. In Pennsylvania, typical situations include:

• People who have moved frequently (students, military families, renters).
• Workers with old direct deposit accounts from past jobs.
• Seniors or their heirs, where older accounts were forgotten.
• Business owners who closed a location or changed bank providers.
• People who changed their name and didn’t update banking records.

If you have ever:

• Lived in Pennsylvania, or
• Opened a bank account in Pennsylvania, or
• Had a Pennsylvania address on any financial account

…it can be worth checking for unclaimed bank accounts through the Pennsylvania Treasury’s official unclaimed property resources.

How Long Before a Bank Account Becomes Unclaimed in Pennsylvania?

The exact dormancy period (how long an account can sit with no owner activity before it’s considered unclaimed) can vary by account type and by law changes over time.

A general pattern often looks like this:

• Checking and savings accounts – typically a few years of no owner-initiated activity
• Certificates of deposit (CDs) – dormancy periods are often calculated from the maturity date if not renewed or accessed
• Safe deposit boxes – may have a different timeline and process, including notices, drilling of the box, and eventual transfer of contents to the state

For the most accurate information about current timeframes:

• Check with your bank for its dormancy policy.
• Review the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s unclaimed property guidance or call their customer service line.

How to Find Out If You Have an Unclaimed Bank Account in Pennsylvania

The main way to search for unclaimed bank accounts in Pennsylvania is through the official unclaimed property search tool provided by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department.

Typical Steps to Search

1. Go to the Pennsylvania Treasury’s official website

   • Look for a section labeled something like “Unclaimed Property” or “Search for Unclaimed Property.”
   • Make sure the site clearly identifies the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and has a .gov address.

2. Search by name
   Use:

   • Your full legal name
   • Any previous names (maiden name, prior married name, name with or without middle initial)
   • The names of close relatives who may have passed away, if you are a legal heir.

3. Narrow by location (if requested)

   • You may be asked to enter a city or ZIP code where you lived or had accounts.

4. Review search results

   • Results may list your name (or a similar name), city, and the type of property (for example: “bank account,” “savings account,” “safe deposit box”).
   • Do not assume every entry under your name is yours; you’ll need to verify with more details later.

If you are not comfortable searching online:

• You can call the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, Bureau of Unclaimed Property, and ask about alternative ways to search or request forms.

How to Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account in Pennsylvania

Once you find a property that might be yours, the next step is to file a claim with the Pennsylvania Treasury, not with HowToGetAssistance.org.

Step-by-Step: Claiming an Unclaimed Account

1. Select the property you believe is yours

   • In the online search results, you usually can check a box or select a record to begin a claim.
   • If using paper forms, you may write in the property ID number or similar reference.

2. Provide basic information
   You’ll typically be asked for:

   • Your full name
   • Current mailing address
   • Phone number and/or email address
   • Social Security number (partial or full) in some cases, for verification
   • How you are connected to the property (owner, heir, executor, etc.)

3. Gather required documents
   The exact documents depend on whether you are:

   • The original account owner
   • A spouse, child, or other heir of a deceased owner
   • A representative of a business or estate

   Common documents include:

   • Proof of identity
     • Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID card, passport).
   • Proof of Social Security number
     • Social Security card, W-2, or official tax document (when requested).
   • Proof of address or connection to the property
     • Old bank statements
     • Utility bills with your name and the address used on the account
     • Tax returns listing the relevant address
   • For deceased owners
     • Death certificate
     • Will, letters testamentary, or other estate documents
     • Documents showing your legal right to inherit or act on behalf of the estate

4. Submit your claim
   Typical methods:

   • Online submission through the Pennsylvania Treasury’s official claim portal (uploading scanned documents when required).
   • Mailing paper forms and copies of documents to the address listed by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department.
   • In some cases, you may be able to hand-deliver documents to a Treasury office if they allow in-person assistance.

   Always follow the instructions on the official Pennsylvania Treasury forms or website.

5. Wait for review and processing

   • The Treasury staff will review your documents to confirm your identity and your right to the funds.
   • Processing time can vary depending on how complete your documents are and the volume of claims.

6. Receive your funds

   • If your claim is approved, you may receive:
     • A check mailed to your address, or
     • Another approved payment method, depending on the Treasury’s procedures.

Common Documents Needed for Different Claim Types

Here is a simple overview of documents that are often requested. Requirements can vary, so always refer to the official Pennsylvania Treasury instructions for your specific claim.

How Long Does It Take to Get Money from an Unclaimed Bank Account?

Processing times can vary, but some common factors include:

• Completeness of your documentation – Missing or unclear documents often cause delays.
• Type of claim – Claims for deceased owners or businesses may take longer due to extra verification steps.
• Volume of claims – Claims may move more slowly during busy periods.

Many people find that straightforward claims with accurate documentation are processed in a matter of weeks to a few months, but there is no guaranteed timeline. You can usually check the status of your claim through the Pennsylvania Treasury’s official website or by calling their customer service.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

If your claim for a Pennsylvania unclaimed bank account is delayed or denied, it is often due to documentation issues. Typical problems include:

• Insufficient proof of identity

  • Name on ID doesn’t match the name on the account, and no supporting documents are provided.

• No link to the address on record

  • The Treasury’s records show an old Pennsylvania address that you haven’t documented.

• Missing estate documents

  • For deceased owners, there is no will, no letters testamentary, or no clear proof that you’re the legal heir or executor.

• Unclear or incomplete forms

  • Sections left blank or answers that conflict with other information.

If your claim is denied, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department may:

• Provide a reason for denial, and
• Let you know if you can submit additional documents or file a new claim with corrected information.

If you disagree with a decision, ask the Treasury Department:

• Whether there is a formal appeal process or
• Whether you should consult an attorney, especially for complicated estate or business cases.

Are There Deadlines for Claiming Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Pennsylvania?

In many cases, there is no time limit for owners or their heirs to claim unclaimed property from the Pennsylvania Treasury. The property generally stays with the state until it is claimed.

However:

• Some types of property, such as safe deposit box contents, may eventually be sold or disposed of under specific rules, with the cash value kept for the owner.
• Laws can change over time, so it is still wise to search and claim as soon as possible.

For the most accurate and up-to-date rules, check with the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, Bureau of Unclaimed Property.

How to Verify You’re Using an Official Pennsylvania Channel

Because unclaimed money sounds appealing, scammers sometimes target people with fake “claim services.” To protect yourself:

Signs You’re on an Official State Site

• The website clearly identifies the Pennsylvania Treasury Department or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• The web address usually ends in “.gov”.
• There is no pressure to pay a large fee up front just to check if you have unclaimed property.
• Phone numbers are published as official contact lines for the Pennsylvania Treasury or state government.

Warning Signs of Scams

• Someone calls, emails, or messages you unexpectedly, claiming you have thousands of dollars waiting, and:

  • Demands fees or “taxes” up front to release the money.
  • Pushes you to provide full Social Security number, bank login, or credit card information over an unsecured channel.
  • Cannot clearly identify the state agency they work for.

• A website that:

  • Does not show any clear affiliation with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • Has a strange web address, spelling errors, or no customer service contact information.

If you are unsure whether a website or person is legitimate:

• Contact the Pennsylvania Treasury Department directly using a phone number listed on an official state government site.
• Ask them to confirm whether your claim or communication is genuine.

Do You Need to Pay Someone to Help You Claim Your Money?

In Pennsylvania, you can usually search for and claim unclaimed property yourself directly through the Treasury Department at no cost, other than possible notary or mailing fees.

Some private “finder” or “locator” services may offer to help you file a claim for a percentage of what you receive or a fee. Before you agree:

• Remember that you are not required to use a paid service.
• Consider whether you feel comfortable handling the claim on your own through the official channels.
• If you choose to use a locator service, read the contract carefully, and confirm that you are still dealing with the official Pennsylvania Treasury Department for the actual claim.

What if You Don’t Find Anything in Pennsylvania?

If your search in Pennsylvania turns up nothing, consider:

1. Other states where you’ve lived or worked

   • If you had bank accounts, jobs, or mailing addresses in other states, unclaimed accounts there would typically be held by those states’ unclaimed property offices, not Pennsylvania.

2. Old employers or financial institutions

   • If you suspect an account existed but doesn’t show in the state search, contact the bank or credit union directly to ask about past records or transfers to the state.

3. Other types of unclaimed property

   • Even if you don’t have an unclaimed bank account, you might have:
     • Uncashed paychecks
     • Utility deposits
     • Insurance payouts
     • Stock dividends or refunds

Use the same official Pennsylvania Treasury resources to check for these as well.

By understanding how unclaimed bank accounts arise in Pennsylvania and how the state’s unclaimed property system works, you can take clear, practical steps to search, verify, and file a claim through official channels. When in doubt, contact the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, Bureau of Unclaimed Property directly for guidance on your specific situation.