How To Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative: A Practical Overview

When someone passes away, they may leave behind unclaimed money or property that no one in the family knows about. This can include forgotten bank accounts, old paychecks, insurance benefits, refunds, or even stocks. Many families only find out years later that a deceased relative had unclaimed assets.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how the process of claiming unclaimed assets for a deceased person usually works, what documents are commonly required, and how to move forward through official state and financial agency channels. This site is not a government office or an application portal, but it can help you understand typical next steps.

Understanding Unclaimed Assets After Someone Dies

Unclaimed assets are usually money or property that belongs to a person but has been inactive or unclaimed for a certain period. When the owner dies and no one claims these assets, they are often sent to a state unclaimed property office or held by the original institution (like an insurance company) until a rightful heir or representative claims them.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Uncashed checks (payroll, tax refunds, refunds, dividends)
• Life insurance benefits or annuities
• Retirement accounts (pensions, 401(k), IRA)
• Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
• Utility deposits or rental deposits
• Refunds or overpayments (from medical providers, lenders, etc.)
• Safe deposit box contents

Each state has its own unclaimed property program and its own rules. In many cases, the state will hold these assets indefinitely until someone proves they are entitled to them.

Who Can Usually Claim a Deceased Person’s Unclaimed Assets?

Eligibility typically depends on:

1. Your relationship to the deceased, and
2. Whether there is an estate process (probate) open or completed.

Common claimants include:

• Executor or personal representative named in the will or appointed by a court
• Surviving spouse
• Children or stepchildren
• Parents, siblings, or other close relatives
• Heirs identified under state intestacy laws (when there is no will)
• Court‑appointed estate administrator

Most state unclaimed property offices and financial institutions will ask:

• Are you the legal representative of the estate?
• Are you an heir (for example, child or spouse) who has a legal right to inherit?

If there is an active or recent probate case, the executor or administrator is often the person who needs to file the claim.

If there was no formal probate (often called a “small estate”), states may allow direct claims from heirs using small estate affidavits or similar forms. The exact rules vary, so it’s important to check with your state’s unclaimed property office or probate court.

Step 1: Confirm Whether Unclaimed Assets Exist

You usually start by searching official databases and checking with institutions where your relative might have had accounts.

A. Search State Unclaimed Property Programs

Most people start with the state unclaimed property office where the deceased lived. In many situations, you may also need to search:

• States where they previously lived or worked
• States where they owned property or had businesses
• States where certain employers or financial institutions were located

To find the correct office, you can:

• Search online for your state name plus “unclaimed property office”
• Visit your state treasury or comptroller website
• Call your state department of revenue or similar agency and ask where unclaimed property is handled

You will typically need:

• The deceased person’s full legal name
• Any former names (maiden names, name changes)
• Their last known address or city
• Sometimes, their Social Security number (if you have it)

If a match is found, the state website or office usually shows:

• The name of the apparent owner
• The holding institution (bank, insurer, employer, etc.)
• The type of property (for example, bank account, insurance benefit)
• Instructions or a form to start a claim

B. Check Directly with Financial Institutions and Employers

Not all assets go to unclaimed property offices right away. You may also want to contact:

• Banks and credit unions where the person banked
• Insurance companies (especially for life insurance or annuities)
• Former employers for retirement accounts or pension plans
• Brokerage firms for investment accounts
• Utility companies for deposits
• Mortgage or loan companies for possible refunds or escrow balances

When you contact these institutions, you generally will need:

• The deceased’s full name
• Date of birth and date of death
• Possibly their Social Security number
• A copy of the death certificate
• Proof that you are an authorized representative or heir

Step 2: Figure Out Your Role and Legal Status

Before filing a claim, it helps to be clear about your legal authority to represent the deceased person’s estate.

Common Situations

1. There is a will and probate was opened.

   • A court likely appointed an executor or personal representative.
   • This person usually has first responsibility to claim unclaimed assets on behalf of the estate.

2. There is no will, but probate was opened.

   • The court likely appointed an administrator.
   • This person typically has similar authority to an executor.

3. No probate was opened (small or simple estate).

   • Some states allow heirs to claim property directly through small estate or affidavit of heirship forms.
   • The process and dollar limits vary by state.

4. Estate is closed, but new assets show up later.

   • The former executor or an heir may need to reopen the estate or follow a simplified process, depending on state law.

If you are unsure of your role, you can usually:

• Ask the probate court in the county where the person lived at death
• Review any letters testamentary, letters of administration, or court orders issued after death
• Consider speaking with a probate or estate attorney for legal guidance

Step 3: Gather the Documents You Will Probably Need

Documentation is critical when claiming unclaimed assets for a deceased relative. Requirements vary, but most state programs and institutions will ask for some combination of:

Identity and Relationship

• Your government‑issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Proof of address, if required (utility bill, lease, etc.)
• Proof of relationship to the deceased, such as:
  • Birth certificate (for children or parents)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
  • Adoption papers, if applicable
  • Other documents showing legal guardianship or dependency, if relevant

Proof of Death and Estate Authority

• Death certificate (certified copy usually required)
• Will, if one exists
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration from the probate court
• Order appointing executor or administrator, if available
• For small estates:
  • Small estate affidavit or affidavit of heirship, if your state uses these
  • Any court forms or orders showing who the legal heirs are

Asset‑Specific Documents

Depending on the type of asset, you might also need:

• Old bank statements or passbooks
• Policy documents for life insurance or annuities
• Retirement plan statements or benefit letters
• Stock certificates or brokerage statements
• Safe deposit box key or rental agreement
• Employer letters or pay stubs

When in doubt, the safest approach is to:

• Call or email the state unclaimed property office or the institution’s claims department
• Ask what exact documents are required for your type of claim and your relationship to the deceased

Step 4: File an Official Claim Through the Correct Office

You do not file your claim through HowToGetAssistance.org. Claims are filed directly with state agencies, courts, or financial institutions.

Typical Claim Options

Most state unclaimed property programs allow one or more of the following:

1. Online claim form through the state’s official website
2. Printable claim form that you fill out and mail in
3. In‑person claim at a state office (where available)

For assets still held by banks, insurers, or other companies, you typically must use their internal claim forms or benefit request processes.

What the Claim Form Usually Asks

Claim forms usually ask for:

• Your full name and contact information
• Your Social Security number or tax ID (for tax reporting and identity verification)
• Information about the deceased (name, last address, date of birth, date of death)
• Type of claim (on behalf of estate, surviving spouse, heir, etc.)
• Details about the property (claim number, institution name, amount if known)
• A list of documents you are attaching

Be sure to:

• Follow all instructions carefully
• Attach clear copies of required documents (or originals if they must be mailed and originals are required)
• Keep copies of everything you submit, including any tracking numbers for mailed items

Quick Comparison: Common Claim Paths for Unclaimed Assets

This table is a general overview. Actual requirements vary by state and institution, so it is important to confirm with the specific office handling the asset.

What Happens After You Submit a Claim

Once you submit an official claim, the review process usually includes:

1. Initial review for completeness

   • The agency or company checks whether the form is filled out correctly and the required documents are attached.

2. Verification of identity and relationship

   • They verify that you are who you say you are and that you are legally allowed to claim on behalf of the deceased or their estate.

3. Review of estate status

   • If there is a probate case, they may verify the executor/administrator appointment with the probate court.
   • If you claim under a small estate or heirship form, they may ensure it meets state requirements.

4. Decision and payment or transfer

   • If approved, payment often comes as a check or direct deposit, or assets may be transferred to an estate account or to the beneficiary.
   • For stocks or mutual funds, they may transfer the shares or liquidate them and send the cash value, depending on the program rules.

Typical Timelines

Timelines vary widely, but common experiences include:

• Simple claims with clear documentation: a few weeks to a few months
• Complex claims (multiple heirs, missing documents, large estates): several months or longer

If a claim seems delayed, you can often:

• Check status through the state’s official portal, if available
• Call or email the unclaimed property office or the institution’s claims department
• Ask whether additional information or documents are needed

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems.

Frequent Causes of Delay

• Missing or incomplete documents (for example, no death certificate or no proof of relationship)
• Name mismatches (differences in spelling, maiden vs. married names)
• Unclear estate status (no proof of executor, no small estate documents)
• Illegible copies of documents
• Out‑of‑date contact information on the claim form

Reasons a Claim Might Be Denied

• You are not recognized as a legally entitled heir under state law
• Another person has already been recognized as the executor or administrator who must claim the asset
• The submitted documents do not match the records the agency has
• The small estate affidavit or heirship documents do not meet state requirements

If your claim is denied, you can usually:

• Request a written explanation
• Ask what you can do to correct or supplement your claim
• In some cases, file an appeal or request for review following the agency’s or court’s procedures
• Consider consulting a probate or estate attorney if the amount is significant or the issues are complex

Appeals and Reviews: How They Usually Work

Each state and institution has its own rules for disputes, but common steps include:

1. Notice of denial:

   • You may receive a letter or email explaining why the claim was denied.

2. Time limit to respond:

   • Many agencies set a deadline (for example, 30–90 days) to submit more information or appeal.

3. Submitting additional documents or explanations:

   • You may be able to fix the issue by providing missing records or clarifying information.

4. Formal appeal or administrative review (if available):

   • Some programs allow you to request review by a supervisor, hearings officer, or administrative law judge.

Details on how to appeal are usually provided by:

• The state unclaimed property office
• The financial institution’s claims or customer service department

If you are unsure how to proceed, you can ask the agency for instructions on their official appeal or review process.

If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Claim the Assets

Sometimes a family member learns that they are not the legal heir or not the correct person to claim the asset. Common alternatives include:

• Another relative files the claim, such as the executor, surviving spouse, or closest heir under state law.
• Probate is opened or reopened in the appropriate court so the court can formally appoint an executor or administrator.
• Heirs work together with a probate attorney to sort out disputes, especially when there are multiple potential heirs.

If you are not an heir but want to help (for example, you are a friend or more distant relative), you may:

• Share the information with the closest legal heirs or the person who handled the estate
• Encourage them to contact the unclaimed property office or a probate attorney for next steps

How To Avoid Scams and Make Sure You’re Using an Official Channel

Because unclaimed assets can be valuable, scams are common. It is important to protect yourself and your family.

Warning Signs of Possible Scams

• Someone contacts you unexpectedly and demands upfront payment or “processing fees” to help you claim money.
• The person refuses to tell you which state or which agency holds the money.
• You are pressured to act immediately or risk “losing” the asset (most unclaimed property programs hold assets for a very long time).
• The caller or email sender asks for full Social Security numbers, bank account logins, or passwords in an unsafe way.
• The website address does not look like an official state or government site.

How To Verify You’re on an Official Site or With an Official Office

• Search for your state’s unclaimed property office through a trusted route, such as your state treasury, comptroller, or department of revenue website.
• Confirm contact information using a phone number listed on a known government site, not one given only in an unsolicited email or message.
• If you receive a letter, compare its contact information and web address with what you find independently on state or institution websites.
• When in doubt, call your state’s main government information line or local courthouse and ask to be connected to the correct unclaimed property program or probate court.

Some states allow licensed professionals to help search for unclaimed property for a fee, sometimes called “finders” or “locators.” If you choose to work with one:

• Check whether they are licensed or registered if your state requires it.
• Read the contract carefully, including fees and your right to cancel.
• Remember that you can usually search for and claim unclaimed property yourself at no cost through official channels.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Unclaimed assets for a deceased relative often sit with a state unclaimed property office or a bank, insurer, or employer until a rightful heir or estate representative claims them.
• The person most commonly able to claim is a court‑appointed executor or administrator, or an heir using small estate or heirship procedures, depending on state law.
• You typically need to gather identity documents, a death certificate, proof of relationship, and, if applicable, probate documents like letters testamentary or administration.
• Claims are filed directly with official state agencies or financial institutions, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• If your claim is delayed or denied, you can usually submit additional documents, request an explanation, or pursue an appeal through the agency’s or court’s process.
• Always verify that you are dealing with an official government office or financial institution, and be cautious about anyone asking for upfront fees or sensitive information without clear proof of legitimacy.

If you are unsure about your specific situation, contacting your state unclaimed property office, your local probate court, or a qualified estate or probate attorney can help you understand the exact steps needed for your relative’s case.