Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Tennessee: How to Find and Claim Your Money

If you’ve ever opened a utility account or had a mortgage escrow account in Tennessee, there’s a chance you may have unclaimed money sitting in your name. This can happen if you moved, changed banks, or lost track of old accounts.

This guide explains how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Tennessee typically work, how to search for them, and what you usually need to do to file a claim through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site. It is not a government office, not an official portal, and does not process claims. To claim money, you must go through official Tennessee agencies, courts, and companies.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Unclaimed utility deposits

When you start service with a utility company (electric, water, gas, internet, etc.), the company may charge a security deposit. Later, that deposit might:

• Be refunded when you close the account or build good payment history
• Be mailed as a check to your last known address
• Be credited to your account

If the company cannot reach you or the check is never cashed, after a certain period they are usually required by law to turn that money over to the state’s unclaimed property program as unclaimed property.

In Tennessee, this typically covers:

• Electric and gas utility deposits
• Water and sewer deposits
• Telecom or cable deposits
• Refund checks that were never cashed

Unclaimed escrow funds

If you have (or had) a mortgage on a home in Tennessee, your lender may have collected extra money in an escrow account to pay:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners’ insurance
• Mortgage insurance (if required)

Sometimes, when:

• You pay off your mortgage
• You refinance with a different lender
• Your property taxes or insurance costs change

…there may be leftover escrow funds that should be refunded to you. If the lender can’t find you or the refund check isn’t cashed, those funds can also become unclaimed property and be turned over to the state.

Who Typically Handles Unclaimed Money in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, most unclaimed deposits, refunds, and escrow balances are turned over to the state’s unclaimed property program, run through the Tennessee Department of Treasury.

This program generally holds:

• Utility deposits and credits
• Uncashed refund checks
• Escrow balances from mortgages
• Bank accounts, wages, insurance proceeds, and more

Companies are usually required to report and transfer these funds to the state after a certain dormancy period (often a few years with no activity or contact).

Once your money is with the state:

• You do not lose ownership of it
• There is typically no fee charged by the state to claim it
• You must file a claim and prove your identity/right to the funds

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

1. Gather basic information before you search

Have ready:

• Your full legal name (and any former names or maiden names)
• Current and previous addresses in Tennessee
• Business names, if you owned a business that held utility accounts
• Former mortgage lenders or utility providers (if you remember them)

This helps you recognize which listings are actually yours.

2. Use the official Tennessee unclaimed property search

Tennessee’s Department of Treasury maintains an online searchable database where residents can look up unclaimed money in their name.

To find it:

• Search the internet for: “Tennessee unclaimed property Treasury”
• Make sure the site clearly shows it is part of the State of Tennessee (look for “tn.gov” and official state branding)
• Avoid look-alike or “sponsored” sites that ask for fees

Once there, you typically:

1. Enter your last name and optionally your first name
2. Narrow by city or zip code if needed
3. Review the list of potential matches

You may see entries labeled something like:

• “Utility refund”
• “Deposit refund”
• “Mortgage escrow”
• “Refund check”
• “Credit balance”

These can be signs of utility or escrow-related funds.

3. Search under different versions of your information

To be thorough:

• Try nicknames (e.g., “Bob” vs. “Robert”)
• Try former names or maiden names
• Search old business names
• Search with old addresses or locations where you had service

How to Claim Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Tennessee

Once you find property that looks like it belongs to you, the Tennessee unclaimed property system usually walks you through a claim request process.

Typical steps to file a claim

1. Select the property

   • Check the box or click the listing that matches your name and address.

2. Provide your contact information

   • Full legal name
   • Current mailing address
   • Phone number and email

3. Describe your relationship to the property

   • “I was the account holder”
   • “I am the heir/estate representative” (if claiming for someone else)

4. Submit a claim form

   • Some claims can be completed entirely online
   • Others may require you to print, sign, and mail or upload documents

5. Send in supporting documents (see next section)

The exact steps may change over time. Always follow the instructions posted on the official Tennessee unclaimed property website or given by staff from the Tennessee Department of Treasury.

Documents You May Need to Claim Funds

The documents required can vary depending on:

• Whether you’re claiming as an individual or business
• Whether you are claiming your own funds or funds for a deceased person/estate
• The amount and type of property

Below is a general guide:

For individuals claiming their own utility or escrow funds

Common documents include:

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Passport

• Proof of Social Security number (sometimes required)

  • Social Security card
  • Official tax document showing your SSN (with sensitive info redacted except SSN)

• Proof of address that matches the claim record, such as:

  • Old utility bill
  • Mortgage statement
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Tax record

If you do not have old paperwork:

• Tennessee may accept other documentation or ask you to explain your connection to the address or account.
• You can contact the unclaimed property office directly for guidance.

For businesses claiming deposits or refunds

If the utility or escrow account was in a business name, you may need:

• Business tax ID (EIN)
• Proof of business ownership or authority
  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Operating agreement
  • Government-issued ID for the person signing
• Business documents showing the address or relationship to the account

For heirs or estate representatives

If the funds belonged to someone who has died, common documents can include:

• Your ID (as claimant)
• Death certificate of the deceased
• Legal documents such as:
  • Will
  • Letters testamentary / letters of administration
  • Small estate affidavits (if applicable)
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate

Requirements depend on Tennessee probate rules and the value of the claim. The unclaimed property office can explain which documents apply to your situation.

Quick Comparison: Utility Deposits vs. Escrow Funds in Tennessee

If the money has not yet been turned over to the state, you might need to contact the original company or lender directly. If it has been turned over, the Tennessee Department of Treasury’s unclaimed property division typically holds it.

Timelines: How Long Does It Take?

How long before money becomes “unclaimed”?

The dormancy period (time with no activity) before funds are turned over to the state varies by type of account. Common patterns:

• Utility deposits or refunds: often a few years after the company loses contact or the check goes uncashed
• Escrow balances: often within a set period after mortgage payoff or account closure if the refund check isn’t cashed

Exact timeframes can change as state law changes. For current details, check Tennessee’s unclaimed property information or ask the state Treasury office.

How long does a claim take to process?

Once you submit your claim and documents:

• Simple, clearly documented claims may be processed in a few weeks
• More complex claims (especially for estates or businesses) can take longer

Delays often happen when:

• Documents are missing or unclear
• Names or addresses on documents don’t clearly match the claim
• Additional verification is needed

If you haven’t heard back in the time frame mentioned on the official site, you can usually:

• Call the Tennessee unclaimed property office
• Use any claim status tools on the official state website (if available)

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

People sometimes run into problems when claiming unclaimed funds. Typical issues include:

• Name mismatch

  • Claim under “Mary Johnson” but record shows “Mary A. Smith” (maiden name)
  • Use of nicknames or initials that don’t match ID

• Insufficient proof of address

  • No documents that show you lived at the address tied to the unclaimed property

• Missing legal documents for estates

  • No documentation showing you are authorized to claim funds on behalf of a deceased person

• Out-of-date or blurry copies

  • Hard-to-read ID or documents

To avoid delays:

• Provide clear, legible copies
• Include all pages of documents when requested
• Add brief explanations if names or addresses changed (for example, name change due to marriage, or move to a different city)

If your claim is denied, you can usually:

• Request clarification from the Tennessee unclaimed property office
• Ask what additional documents they need
• In some situations, seek legal advice if the amount is large or your situation is complex

What If You Think a Utility or Lender Still Has Your Money?

Not all unclaimed deposits or escrow funds are immediately turned over to the state. Sometimes:

• A utility company may still be holding a credit or deposit
• A mortgage lender may still be holding a refund or uncashed escrow check

Steps you can take:

1. Contact the company directly

   • Call the customer service line
   • Ask if they can check old accounts under your name, Social Security number (if appropriate), service address, or account number

2. Ask about past mailings

   • Ask whether any refund checks were issued and whether they were cashed

3. Request written confirmation

   • If they say they turned the funds over to the state, ask for an approximate date and amount to help your search with Tennesee’s unclaimed property system.

If the company confirms they still hold the funds, follow their official process for requesting a refund, which may involve:

• Filling out their internal claim or refund form
• Providing proof of identity and account ownership

How to Be Sure You’re Using Official Tennessee Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Unclaimed money can attract scammers. Some services may also offer to “help you claim” money for a fee.

Tennessee typically does not require you to pay anyone to claim your own money.

Tips to stay safe

• Check the website address

  • Official Tennessee government sites usually end in “.tn.gov”
  • Avoid entering personal information on look-alike sites or sites without clear state branding

• Be cautious about fees

  • Some private “finder” services charge a percentage of what you recover
  • You can normally work directly with the Tennessee Department of Treasury for free

• Do not share full Social Security numbers over email unless you are sure you are communicating through an official, secure channel

• If unsure, call the Tennessee Treasury or unclaimed property office using a phone number you look up independently through an official state directory

You can also dial 211 in many parts of Tennessee to ask for help finding the correct government office phone numbers or websites.

What If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Funds?

If you search Tennessee’s unclaimed property database and don’t see anything in your name:

1. Try variations of your name
2. Search for old addresses, especially if you moved frequently
3. Search again later
   • Companies report unclaimed property to the state on a regular schedule, so items may appear later

You can also:

• Check for other states where you have lived or held accounts, using those states’ official unclaimed property programs.
• Contact specific utility companies or mortgage lenders directly if you strongly believe a deposit or escrow refund is missing.

Key Takeaways: How to Claim Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Tennessee

• Unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are usually held by the Tennessee Department of Treasury’s unclaimed property program once turned over by companies.
• You can search for free using the official Tennessee unclaimed property database (found through the Tennessee Department of Treasury).
• To claim money, you generally need:
  • Photo ID
  • Proof of address or account connection
  • Additional legal documents if you’re claiming for a business or an estate
• Claims can take weeks or longer depending on complexity and completeness of your documents.
• If you think a utility company or mortgage lender still has your funds, contact them directly and ask about any unused deposits or escrow balances.
• Always use official state websites and phone numbers, and be cautious about any service that asks for payment to “find” or “claim” your money.

By following the steps above and working through official Tennessee channels, you can check whether any unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds are owed to you and take the necessary steps to request them.