Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Find Unclaimed Assets in South Dakota

If you have ever changed jobs, moved homes, or switched banks, there is a chance you may have unclaimed assets waiting for you. South Dakota, like other states, holds this type of property until the rightful owner claims it.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed assets in South Dakota typically work and walks you through a step‑by‑step process to search for and claim property through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, not an official unclaimed property portal, and cannot process claims. Use this article as a roadmap, then complete each step through the official South Dakota offices and websites.

What Are “Unclaimed Assets” in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, unclaimed assets (often called unclaimed property) usually mean money or financial assets that a business or organization could not return to their owner. After a certain period with no contact, those assets are turned over to the state’s unclaimed property program to safeguard on your behalf.

Common examples include:

• Uncashed paychecks
• Old bank or credit union accounts (savings, checking, CDs)
• Utility deposits and refunds
• Insurance policy proceeds, including life insurance
• Dividend checks or stock-related cash
• Safe deposit box contents (often handled slightly differently)
• Money orders or traveler’s checks
• Refunds and credits from businesses or service providers

These assets typically become “unclaimed” after a period of inactivity and no contact from the owner. The time frame can vary depending on the type of property, based on South Dakota law.

Who Can Search for Unclaimed Assets in South Dakota?

Most people can safely check for unclaimed assets in their own name. You might want to search if:

• You have lived, worked, or owned a business in South Dakota
• You previously used South Dakota banks, employers, or utilities
• A relative passed away who lived in South Dakota
• You handled finances for a business, trust, or estate connected to the state

You may search on behalf of:

• Yourself (current or past names)
• A spouse or child, when you have legal authority
• A deceased family member, if you are handling the estate or are a lawful heir
• A business or organization you own or manage

The official South Dakota unclaimed property program typically allows multiple types of claimants, such as:

• Original owner
• Heir or beneficiary
• Executor, personal representative, or administrator of an estate
• Authorized company representative

Each type of claim usually has different documentation requirements, which the state explains in its official instructions.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can technically search without any documents in front of you, but having certain details ready usually makes the process smoother and helps you verify that a listed asset really belongs to you.

Useful information to gather:

• Full legal name (and any former names, such as maiden names)
• Common nicknames or name variations (e.g., Jon vs. John)
• Previous addresses in South Dakota (cities, zip codes if you remember)
• Name of former employers in South Dakota
• Names of any businesses you owned or managed in the state
• Approximate dates you lived or worked in South Dakota

If you’re searching for a deceased relative, collect:

• Their full legal name and any name changes
• Last known South Dakota address
• Date of birth and date of death
• Copies of any estate or probate documents naming you as executor or heir

You do not need to upload or mail anything just to search, but this information will help you identify legitimate matches and speed up the claim step later.

Step 2: Use South Dakota’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

South Dakota maintains an official unclaimed property program, generally run through the state treasurer’s office or a similar state department. That agency provides an online search tool where you can look up potential unclaimed assets by name.

To use the official search:

1. Go to the official South Dakota state government website.
2. Look for terms such as “Unclaimed Property,” “Unclaimed Funds,” or “Treasurer – Unclaimed Property.”
3. Open the search tool that allows you to enter a person’s or business’s name.

Typical search steps:

• Enter last name (and first name if requested).
• Try alternate spellings and previous last names.
• If available, narrow results using city or zip code filters.
• Repeat the process for:
  • Your current name
  • Any prior names you used
  • Any business names you used in South Dakota
  • Names of deceased relatives, if you may be an heir

Most official sites clearly label themselves as a state government website (often with a “.gov” address and official state seals).

Step 3: Review Search Results and Identify Your Property

Search results typically show a list of possible matches. Each listing usually includes:

• Owner name
• Reported address (city and possibly street)
• Name of the company or institution that reported the property
• Type of property (such as payroll check, bank account, utility refund)

Use this information to decide whether an entry likely belongs to you:

• Does the name match your name, a prior name, or your business’s name?
• Does the city or address line up with where you lived or worked?
• Does the company name look familiar (past employer, bank, insurer)?

If you find a possible match, most official portals provide a button or link such as “Claim,” “Start Claim,” or “View Details.” This does not complete your claim yet; it simply opens the next set of instructions.

You can usually select multiple properties under your name and submit them together in one claim packet, which often makes things more efficient.

Step 4: Start a Claim Through the Official South Dakota Program

When you click to claim a property, the official system typically asks you for:

• Your current contact information (mailing address, phone, email)
• Details confirming your connection to the listed name or address
• Your relationship to the property (owner, heir, representative, etc.)

Depending on the type of claim, you may need to:

• Create an online account with a username and password, or
• Complete an online form that generates a claim number you can print and mail, or
• Download a PDF claim form to fill out and send with supporting documents

How the specific process looks can change over time. The best approach is to:

• Carefully follow the on‑screen instructions for each property
• Write down or print your claim number for future reference

Remember: HowToGetAssistance.org cannot submit or track claims for you. You must complete all forms and submissions through the official South Dakota unclaimed property office.

Step 5: Gather the Documents You’ll Likely Need

The South Dakota unclaimed property program usually requires proof of identity and proof of ownership before releasing any funds. The exact requirements can differ based on your situation and the type of property, but many people are asked for some of the following:

Common Documents for Individual Owners

• Government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security number, often:
  • Social Security card, or
  • Tax document showing full or partial SSN (as allowed)
• Proof of current address, such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement

Additional Proof of Ownership

To show that the property is actually yours, you may need:

• Old utility bills with your name and the same address listed on the claim
• Bank statements linking you to the bank or account number
• Pay stubs or W‑2 forms from an employer that reported the property
• Tax forms showing your connection to the business or organization

If You Are Claiming for a Deceased Person

Claiming property as an heir or executor usually involves extra documents, such as:

• Death certificate of the deceased owner
• Will, letters testamentary, or letters of administration showing the executor or personal representative
• Affidavit of heirship, if required by state rules
• Identification for both you and the deceased, when available

If You Are Claiming for a Business or Organization

Businesses may be asked for:

• Business registration documents (articles of incorporation or similar)
• Proof of authority to act on behalf of the business (such as a corporate resolution or title showing you are an authorized officer)
• Tax ID or EIN documentation
• Proof that the business operated at the listed address, if needed

The official portal or claim instructions from the South Dakota agency typically list exact document requirements for each claim type. When in doubt, contact the state unclaimed property office directly for guidance.

Step 6: Submit Your Claim (By Mail or Online, as Directed)

Once you have gathered your documents:

1. Follow the instructions given on the official South Dakota unclaimed property site or on the claim form.
2. If the claim must be mailed, send:
   • The completed claim form
   • Copies (not original) of your ID and other requested documents, unless the instructions specifically require originals
3. If the claim can be uploaded online, scan or clearly photograph your documents and:
   • Upload them through the secure state portal, making sure images are readable
   • Confirm you have attached all required pages before submitting

Many claim forms require a signature, and some may require the signature to be notarized (particularly for higher-value claims or estate claims). The claim instructions usually specify when a notary is needed.

Keep:

• A copy of the entire claim packet you send
• Any tracking number if you mail documents by certified or trackable mail
• Your claim number for tracking purposes

Step 7: What Happens After You Submit Your Claim?

After you submit your claim, the South Dakota unclaimed property office typically:

1. Logs your claim and assigns or confirms a claim number.
2. Reviews your documents to make sure they are complete and meet state requirements.
3. Requests additional information if something is missing, unclear, or conflicting.
4. Approves or denies the claim according to state law and program rules.

Typical Timelines

Processing times can vary based on:

• Volume of claims at the office
• Whether your documentation is complete and clear
• Whether the property requires more in‑depth verification

Many straightforward claims may be resolved in a matter of weeks, while more complex or estate-related claims may take longer. The official portal or agency staff can usually provide general estimates.

How You Might Receive Payment

If your claim is approved, payment is commonly issued as:

• A check mailed to the address you provided, or
• Another payment method specified by the state program

Safe deposit box contents and certain non‑cash items may be handled differently, sometimes involving separate instructions about how to retrieve or handle items.

Quick Reference: Common Claim Types and Documents

This table is a general guide. Always follow the specific instructions provided by the official South Dakota unclaimed property office for your claim.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems:

• Missing documents

  • Not providing all pages requested
  • Leaving out required estate paperwork for deceased owners

• Name mismatches

  • Spelling differences between your ID and the claim record
  • Name changes not explained with supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate)

• Incomplete forms

  • Missing signatures or dates
  • Not answering all required questions

• Unclear proof of connection

  • No evidence showing you lived or operated at the specific address
  • No link between you and the business that reported the property

If your claim is denied, the official notice may explain the reason and sometimes list steps you can take if you believe the decision was incorrect.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

If you disagree with a denial or if your claim appears to be stuck, you can typically:

1. Contact the South Dakota unclaimed property office directly using the phone number or email address listed on the official state website or on your claim correspondence.
2. Ask whether you can submit additional documentation to clarify ownership or identity.
3. Request information on whether there is a formal appeal or review process under South Dakota’s unclaimed property rules.

The exact process for appeals or reviews can change, so it is important to follow the instructions you receive directly from the state agency.

How to Tell You’re on an Official South Dakota Channel (and Avoid Scams)

Because unclaimed property involves money, scams are common. Use these tips to stay safe:

• Check for a government domain
  • South Dakota’s official state websites generally use a “.gov” or clearly recognizable state domain.
• Look for official branding
  • State seal, official department names, and clear contact information for a government office.
• Be cautious about unsolicited contacts
  • Unexpected calls, texts, emails, or social media messages claiming you have unclaimed money might be from paid “finders” or scams.
  • The official unclaimed property office does not typically require you to pay a fee just to claim your own money.

If someone offers to “help you recover money” for a percentage fee:

• Understand that you can normally search and file directly with the state at no cost.
• If you still consider using a third-party service, carefully review any contract and verify their legitimacy.

When in doubt, you can:

• Call the South Dakota state treasurer’s office or unclaimed property office at the phone number listed on the official state website.
• Ask them to confirm:
  • That you are on the correct official site
  • That the notices or letters you received are genuine

Alternatives if You Do Not Find Unclaimed Assets in South Dakota

If your South Dakota search shows no results, you may still want to:

• Search other states where you previously lived, worked, or studied.
• Check states where:
  • Your employers were based
  • You previously held bank accounts or insurance policies
  • Close relatives lived if you may be an heir

You can also explore other resources that may help with financial needs or questions:

• 211 information and referral services, which can connect you with local assistance programs
• Local legal aid organizations, if you need advice on estates or probate
• Financial counseling services that can help you review your overall situation

These resources are separate from South Dakota’s unclaimed property program, but they may provide additional support if you are trying to stabilize your finances or manage a deceased relative’s estate.

By following these steps—searching the official South Dakota unclaimed property site, identifying matches, gathering the right documents, and submitting a complete claim through the state’s program—you give yourself the best chance of successfully recovering any unclaimed assets you are entitled to. All application, verification, and payment processes happen directly through the official South Dakota agencies, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.