Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in South Dakota: How to Find and Claim Money Owed to You

If you’ve ever paid a utility deposit or had money held in escrow for housing or services in South Dakota, there’s a chance you might have unclaimed funds waiting for you. Many people move, change banks, or switch services and never receive their refunds.

This guide explains, in plain English, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds usually work in South Dakota, and what steps you can take to track down and claim any money that might be yours.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government office, not an official portal, and not a place to apply or claim money. The information below is to help you understand typical processes so you can follow up through official South Dakota channels.

Understanding Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds

What are utility deposits?

A utility deposit is money you pay up front to a utility company to start or continue service, for example:

• Electricity
• Natural gas or propane
• Water and sewer
• Trash collection
• Telephone or internet (sometimes)

Companies usually require a deposit if:

• You have limited or no credit history
• You’ve had late payments or shut-offs in the past
• You are a new customer in the area

If you pay on time for a certain period or close your account in good standing, the company often:

• Refunds your full deposit, or
• Applies it as a credit to your final bill

If the company cannot reach you, or your address or bank details are out of date, the refund may go unclaimed.

What are escrow funds?

Escrow funds are money held by a third party to pay certain costs for you. In South Dakota, common examples include:

• Mortgage escrow accounts (for property taxes and homeowners insurance)
• Rental escrows (such as security deposits held in a special account)
• Construction or repair escrows (funds held until work is completed)
• Legal or settlement escrows (money held during a dispute or real estate sale)

If the escrow is closed and there is a remaining balance, that money should normally be returned to you. If the company, landlord, bank, or attorney can’t locate you, those funds can also become unclaimed property.

How Unclaimed Property Generally Works in South Dakota

South Dakota, like other states, has unclaimed property laws. When a business or financial institution can’t reach the owner of funds for a certain period of time, it typically must:

1. Try to contact the owner (often by mail, email, or phone).
2. If the owner can’t be located, turn the money over to the state after a set “dormancy” period.
3. The state then holds the money on behalf of the owner until it is claimed.

Common types of unclaimed property include:

• Utility deposits and refunds
• Escrow balances
• Security deposits from rentals
• Uncashed checks
• Bank accounts, dividends, and more

In South Dakota, unclaimed property is usually handled by a state-level unclaimed property office, often within the State Treasurer’s or similar financial agency.

Are You Likely to Have Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Money?

You may have unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds in South Dakota if any of the following applies:

• You moved within or out of South Dakota and:
  • Did not receive your last utility bill or final refund.
  • Did not update your forwarding address.
• You closed a utility account years ago and don’t recall ever receiving your deposit back.
• You rented a home or apartment and:
  • Paid a security deposit or last month’s rent up front.
  • Never clearly received your deposit refund or an itemized notice of deductions.
• You owned a home with a mortgage that included:
  • An escrow account for taxes or insurance, and
  • That mortgage was paid off, refinanced, or transferred to a new company.
• You were involved in a real estate transaction (buying, selling, or construction) that used an escrow, and you suspect surplus funds may not have been returned.
• Your name has changed (for example after marriage or divorce), and mailed checks may not have matched your current information.
• You lost track of old accounts, particularly if they were opened:
  • When you were a student
  • During military service
  • While working seasonal jobs in South Dakota

If any of these situations sound familiar, it is often worth checking for unclaimed property.

Who Typically Manages Unclaimed Utility and Escrow Funds in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, unclaimed utility and escrow funds generally pass through two levels:

1. The original holder

   • Utility companies
   • Mortgage lenders and loan servicers
   • Property managers and landlords
   • Title companies and escrow agents
   • Law firms that held settlement or closing funds

2. The State’s unclaimed property office

   • After a certain period of no contact (often a few years), the business turns the funds over to the state.
   • The state then keeps records and accepts claims from current and former residents, as well as from heirs, estates, and sometimes businesses.

Because of this, it can be useful to check in two directions:

• Directly with the company or landlord, especially for more recent deposits.
• Through the official South Dakota unclaimed property office, especially for older or “lost” funds.

Step-by-Step: How to Search for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in South Dakota

1. Gather basic information

Before you search, it helps to have:

• Full legal name (and any former names)
• Previous addresses in South Dakota
• Approximate dates you had service or an account
• Name of the utility company, landlord, or lender, if you remember it
• Social Security number (kept private; only used when officially required on secure government systems)

Having this ready can make your search faster and your claim stronger.

2. Search the official South Dakota unclaimed property database

Most states, including South Dakota, maintain an online unclaimed property search tool on an official state website.

To find it:

• Look for the State Treasurer’s Office or Unclaimed Property Division on the official South Dakota state government website.
• Confirm you are on a “.gov” website or another clearly official state domain.
• Use the online search tool to enter:
  • Your last name and first name
  • Any prior names (such as maiden names)
  • Business names, if you owned a business

If the system finds a match, it will usually show:

• The name associated with the property
• The city or last known address
• The holder (for example, a specific utility or company)
• The type of property (such as utility deposit, escrow, or refund)

You can then usually start a claim request directly through the state’s website or by mail, following the instructions provided.

3. Check with utility companies and landlords directly

If your deposit was recent (within the last year or two), it may not have reached the state yet. You can:

1. Contact the utility:

   • Call the customer service or billing department.
   • Ask if there is any credit balance or deposit still attached to your old account.
   • Be ready to provide your:
     • Old account number (if available)
     • Service address
     • Dates of service
     • Full name and date of birth for identity verification

2. Contact former landlords or property managers:

   • Ask whether your security deposit or other escrow funds were fully returned.
   • Request a copy of any move-out statement or record showing how your deposit was handled.

3. Contact your former mortgage servicer or title company:

   • If you had a mortgage escrow account, ask whether there was a surplus at payoff or refinance.
   • Request documentation of how any remaining funds were applied or refunded.

If they tell you your funds were turned over to the state, ask for:

• The date the funds were sent
• The amount
• The name and address used on the account

This can help you match their records to what you see in the state’s unclaimed property database.

Documents You May Need to Claim Unclaimed Funds

The exact documents can vary depending on:

• The amount of the claim
• Whether the claim is for yourself, an estate, or a business
• How old the account is

Below is a typical list of documents people in South Dakota may be asked to provide.

For individuals claiming their own funds

You may be asked for:

• Government-issued photo ID

  • South Dakota driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport

• Proof of Social Security number, such as:

  • Social Security card
  • Tax document (with only necessary digits shown as requested)

• Proof of current address, such as:

  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank or credit card statement

• Proof of connection to the old account or address, for example:

  • Old utility bill or account statement
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Closing documents showing your name and the address

For heirs or estates

If you are claiming funds on behalf of a deceased relative, you may need:

• Death certificate
• Proof of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Letters of appointment or other documents showing you are the personal representative or executor of the estate
• Any prior documents that link the deceased to the old address, account, or property

For businesses

If the property belongs to a business, you might be asked for:

• Proof of business ownership or authority, such as:
  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Partnership agreement
  • Business license
• Photo ID of the person submitting the claim
• Documents linking the business to the address or account on record

Quick Reference: Where to Start and What You’ll Likely Need

How to Submit an Unclaimed Property Claim in South Dakota

Once you locate property that appears to be yours in the South Dakota unclaimed property database, the next steps usually look like this:

1. Initiate the claim through the official channel

Depending on the state’s system, you may:

• Submit an online claim form, or
• Print and mail a paper claim form

You will typically need to:

• Confirm your name and current contact information
• Identify the specific property ID or claim number
• Indicate your relationship to the property (owner, heir, business representative, etc.)

2. Provide required documentation

The state will tell you what documents they need for your specific claim. This often includes:

• A copy of your photo ID
• Proof of your Social Security number
• Any additional documents tying you to the address or account

You may be asked to:

• Upload scans through the official online portal, or
• Mail photocopies (do not mail original IDs unless specifically instructed and you are comfortable doing so)

3. Wait for review and follow-up

After you submit your claim:

• The state will review your documents and verify ownership.
• If anything is missing or unclear, they may contact you by mail, email, or phone.
• Once approved, your payment is usually issued by:
  • Check, mailed to your address
  • In some cases, direct deposit, if offered and selected

Processing times can vary depending on:

• The volume of claims
• The complexity of your case
• Whether documents are complete and clear

For updates, you can usually:

• Check your claim status on the official website, or
• Call the unclaimed property office directly using the number listed on the state’s site.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

People often run into issues with unclaimed utility or escrow claims for reasons such as:

• Name mismatch

  • The property is listed under a previous name (maiden name, different spelling, nickname).
  • Tip: Search all variations of your name, and provide proof of name change if needed.

• Insufficient proof of address

  • The state needs evidence that you lived at or owned the address linked to the funds.
  • Tip: Old bills, tax records, leases, or mortgage statements can help.

• Missing identification

  • Not including a clear copy of your photo ID or Social Security verification.
  • Tip: Follow the document instructions carefully and make sure copies are readable.

• Heir or estate claims without authority

  • A relative tries to claim funds without showing legal authority to represent the estate.
  • Tip: If the owner is deceased, you may need to provide estate documents or probate records.

• Incorrect or incomplete claim form

  • Forms not signed, missing pages, or incomplete answers.
  • Tip: Review everything before submitting and keep copies of what you send.

If a claim is denied, the decision letter usually explains why and may list what corrections or documents are needed for a re-submission or appeal. If you don’t understand the notice, you can contact the unclaimed property office for clarification.

If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Find Any Unclaimed Funds

If your search doesn’t show any unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds in South Dakota, you still have options:

1. Check neighboring or former states

   • If you lived, worked, or had services across state lines, search for unclaimed property in:
     • Other states where you lived
     • States where major companies or banks you used are based

2. Search under different names

   • Try:
     • Previous last names
     • Common misspellings of your name
     • Middle initials or no middle initial

3. Contact utility companies directly

   • For very recent deposits, the money may still be with the company and not yet in the state database.

4. Look for other forms of assistance

   • If you were hoping unclaimed funds would help with bills, but none are available, you might explore:
     • Local energy assistance programs through your county or community action agencies
     • Rental assistance or housing counseling programs
     • 211 (reachable by phone in most areas) to ask about financial assistance resources in your area

How to Avoid Scams When Searching for Unclaimed Funds

When people search for unclaimed money, scammers sometimes try to take advantage. A few protection tips:

• Verify you’re on an official site

  • Look for a “.gov” domain or confirm the website address through the South Dakota state government’s main site or by calling a known official number.

• Be cautious about fees

  • It is common for official state unclaimed property programs to allow you to search and claim your money for free.
  • Some private “finders” or “locators” offer to help for a fee. In some situations, this is legal, but you do not have to pay anyone to search or file a claim yourself.

• Protect your Social Security number

  • Only enter your SSN into secure, official state portals.
  • Be cautious of anyone who calls you unexpectedly, asks for your SSN, and pressures you to act immediately.

• Avoid sending original documents unless absolutely required

  • Use copies unless an official agency specifically instructs otherwise and you are certain the address is legitimate.

If something feels suspicious, you can:

• Contact the South Dakota unclaimed property office directly using a phone number found on the official state government website.
• Ask them to confirm how claims are normally handled and whether any letters or emails you received are legitimate.

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are handled in South Dakota, and by using the state’s official unclaimed property resources, you can give yourself a solid chance of recovering money that may rightfully belong to you. All searches and claims should be completed through official South Dakota agencies and verified company contacts, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.