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

Finding out you might have unclaimed money sitting in old utility deposits or escrow accounts can be a surprise. In Washington State, these funds often end up in the state’s custody when companies can’t reach the person they belong to.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, what unclaimed deposits and escrow funds are, how they usually end up with the state, and how you can search and make a claim through official Washington channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or application site, but this article can help you understand the typical process so you know what to do next.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Unclaimed utility deposits

A utility deposit is money you pay to a service provider, such as:

• Electric
• Gas
• Water and sewer
• Garbage and recycling
• Internet or phone (sometimes)

You might pay a deposit when you:

• Start service with no credit history or low credit
• Have had past late payments
• Are opening a new account after a shutoff

If you move, close the account, or your credit improves, the utility may:

• Apply the deposit to your final bill, and/or
• Owe you a refund if the deposit is more than what you owed

When they cannot reach you or a refund check is never cashed, that money can become unclaimed property.

Unclaimed escrow funds

Escrow funds are commonly linked to:

• Mortgage escrows (for property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance)
• Real estate transactions (earnest money, seller credits, repair holds)

When a mortgage is paid off, refinanced, or transferred, or a home sale closes, there may be leftover funds in escrow that belong to you.

If the lender, servicer, or title/escrow company cannot successfully refund those funds (for example, you moved and didn’t update your address), they usually must report them as unclaimed property to the Washington State government after a set holding period.

Who Usually Has These Unclaimed Funds in Washington?

In Washington State, unclaimed deposits and escrow funds typically flow through two main paths:

1. Still with the original company

   • Recently closed accounts
   • Refund checks not yet “escheated” (turned over) to the state

2. Transferred to the Washington State unclaimed property program

   • Older, unclaimed balances
   • Funds from companies that were unable to locate the owner

📝 Key point: In Washington, unclaimed funds are usually handled by the state’s unclaimed property program (generally managed by the Washington State Department of Revenue). HowToGetAssistance.org does not manage or hold any unclaimed money.

How to Know If You Might Have Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Money

You might have unclaimed deposits or escrow funds if any of this sounds familiar:

• You’ve moved frequently within or out of Washington.
• You closed utility accounts in Washington and don’t remember receiving a final bill or refund.
• You paid a deposit for power, water, or another utility and never got notice that it was refunded or applied.
• You sold a home, refinanced, or paid off a mortgage in Washington.
• You had a real estate transaction fall through, but never received a refund of your earnest money.
• You changed your name, mailing address, or bank account and might have missed a check.

If any of these apply, it can be worth doing a free unclaimed property search for Washington.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Washington

In Washington, the usual first step is to search the state’s official unclaimed property database.

Because website addresses and systems can change, it’s safer to:

1. Go to your web browser and search for:
   • “Washington unclaimed property”
   • Or “Washington Department of Revenue unclaimed property”
2. Look for the official Washington State government site (for example, it will usually have .wa.gov in the address).
3. Use the name search tool provided on the official site.

What you’ll usually need for the search

You can often search with just:

• Your first and last name
• Previous names (maiden name, prior married name, legal name changes)
• Business name (if you owned a business with accounts in Washington)
• City or ZIP code (optional, but helpful if your name is common)

The search results will typically show:

• Your name (or a close match)
• Reported address (city, maybe street)
• Business that reported the funds (e.g., a utility company, mortgage servicer, escrow company)
• Type of property (such as “utility deposit,” “escrow account,” or generic property code)
• Whether the claim amount is over or under a certain dollar amount (some sites show exact amounts, some do not until you claim)

Step 2: Check Whether the Funds Are Utility Deposits or Escrow-Related

When search results show possible matches, look closely at:

• The holder (the company that turned in the funds)
  • For utilities: names like a local power company, city utility, public utility district (PUD), water district, or cable/internet provider
  • For escrow: names like a bank, mortgage company, mortgage servicer, title company, or escrow company
• The property description or “type”
  • Often labeled as “deposit,” “utility,” “refund,” “escrow,” “mortgage escrow,” or something similar

If you recognize the company or location from a time you lived or owned property in Washington, that’s a clue the funds could be yours.

Step 3: Start a Claim Through the Official Washington Portal

If you find a listing that may belong to you, the next step is usually to start a claim with the official Washington unclaimed property program.

Since procedures may change over time, the safest approach is:

1. From the official unclaimed property site, look for:
   • A “File a Claim” or “Start Claim” button next to your listing, or
   • Instructions to download a claim form
2. Follow the steps on the official site, which usually include:
   • Confirming your identity details
   • Filling out some information about past addresses
   • Printing and signing any required forms

Some claims might be handled completely online; others may require you to print, sign, and mail forms along with copies of documents.

Documents You May Need to Claim Unclaimed Funds in Washington

The exact documents can vary depending on:

• The amount of the claim
• Whether it’s for an individual or business
• Whether it involves a deceased owner
• The type of property (utility deposit vs mortgage escrow vs other)

However, for typical individual claims related to utility deposits or escrow funds in Washington, you may be asked for:

1. Proof of identity

Usually a copy of:

• Driver license or state ID
• Passport
• Other government-issued photo ID

2. Proof of Social Security Number (sometimes requested)

• Social Security card
• Tax document (such as a W‑2 with your SSN visible)

Check the official instructions carefully before sending anything that shows your full SSN.

3. Proof of address or connection to the property

To show you are the person who lived at or owned the address associated with the unclaimed funds, you may be asked for records such as:

• Old utility bills showing your name and the service address
• Lease agreements or rental contracts
• Mortgage statements or settlement statements
• Property tax bills in your name
• Bank statements showing payments to the utility or mortgage company
• Closing disclosure or HUD‑1 settlement statement from a real estate transaction

4. Additional documents for special situations

• Name change: marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
• Claiming on behalf of a deceased person:
  • Death certificate
  • Will or letters of administration
  • Proof that you are the executor, heir, or personal representative
• Business accounts:
  • Proof of ownership or authority (e.g., business license, corporate documents)

Quick Reference: Common Documents by Situation

*Actual requirements come from the official Washington unclaimed property office; always follow the latest instructions there.

Step 4: Submit Your Claim and Supporting Documents

Once you have filled out the claim form and gathered your documentation:

1. Review everything carefully

   • Make sure names, addresses, and claim numbers match.
   • Sign where required (some forms need a notarized signature).

2. Submit the claim

   • Many Washington claims can be uploaded through the official online portal.
   • Some may need to be mailed to the address listed on the state form.
   • Only send documents to official Washington State unclaimed property addresses or upload through the verified state website.

3. Keep copies

   • Keep copies of all forms, IDs, and documents you send.
   • Note your claim number and the date you submitted the claim.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not receive, process, or track claims; all submissions must go through the state’s official unclaimed property program or relevant official offices.

What Happens After You File a Claim in Washington?

After your claim is submitted, the typical process includes:

1. Initial review

   • Staff at the Washington unclaimed property office review your claim for completeness.
   • If something is missing, they may mail or email a request for additional information.

2. Verification

   • They compare your documents to the information they received from the company that reported the funds.
   • For utility deposits: they may verify your name, service address, and account history.
   • For escrow funds: they may confirm you were the borrower, seller, buyer, or other party entitled to the funds.

3. Decision

   • If approved, the state typically issues:
     • A check mailed to the address you provided, or
     • Another payment method described in the official instructions.
   • If they cannot verify ownership, the claim may be denied or returned for more information.

4. Timelines

   • Timeframes can vary. Some simple claims are processed relatively quickly; others, especially those with complicated estates or old records, can take longer.

If you’re unsure about the status, use:

• The online claim status tool on the official Washington unclaimed property site, or
• The phone number or email provided by the state office.

Common Reasons Washington Claims Get Delayed or Denied

People in Washington sometimes run into problems with unclaimed property claims for reasons like:

• Name mismatch

  • The name on the claim does not clearly match the name reported with the funds.
  • Missing proof of a name change (marriage, divorce, legal change).

• Insufficient address proof

  • No documents tying you to the specific address where the account existed.
  • Using only current address documents when the state needs past address proof.

• Incomplete forms

  • Missing signatures, dates, or claim numbers.
  • Not answering all required questions on the form.

• Not responding to follow-up requests

  • The state asks for additional documents, but the claimant never sends them.

• Wrong person claiming the funds

  • For example, a family member claims funds that legally belong to an estate without the proper authority.

If your claim is denied, the notification often explains why and what you might provide if you want the claim to be reconsidered.

Can You Appeal or Ask for a Review?

Washington’s unclaimed property office typically has procedures if:

• You believe your claim was denied in error, or
• You later find additional documents that support your claim.

To seek a review:

1. Carefully read the denial or notice you received.
2. Look for:
   • Any instructions on how to submit more information
   • Contact details for the unclaimed property office
3. Gather stronger or clearer documentation (for example, more detailed utility bills, mortgage records, or legal documents).
4. Submit a written explanation along with your new evidence, following the guidance from the state office.

For more complex situations, such as large amounts or estate-related disputes, some people choose to speak with a qualified attorney familiar with Washington property or probate law. HowToGetAssistance.org does not provide legal representation.

Other Places to Check Besides the State

While Washington’s unclaimed property program is a central place to look, there are a few other avenues you may want to consider:

1. The original utility or escrow company

If your account closed recently, the company might still be holding the refund and may not have turned it over to the state yet.

You can:

• Call the customer service number on an old bill or statement.
• Ask if there are any:
  • Closed accounts in your name
  • Credit balances, unused deposits, or refund checks that were never cashed

For escrow/mortgage:

• Contact the mortgage servicer, lender, or escrow/title company listed in your closing documents.
• Ask if an escrow surplus or overpayment refund was issued.

If they say the funds were turned over to the state, that confirms you should work through the official Washington unclaimed property program.

2. Other states

If you:

• Lived in another state around the same time, or
• Had a utility or mortgage/escrow account tied to property in a different state,

You may also want to search that state’s unclaimed property program using a similar process.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Ownership?

You might identify a listing that looks like it could be yours, but:

• You cannot find any documents linking you to the address, or
• The state office determines the funds legally belong to someone else or to an estate you do not control.

In those cases, you generally cannot receive the money. However, you may still be able to:

• Request clarification from the unclaimed property office about what records would be needed.
• For estate issues, consider speaking with:
  • A probate attorney in Washington, or
  • The county probate court where the deceased person lived, to understand your rights.

If you’re simply trying to improve your financial situation and do not have unclaimed funds, consider contacting:

• 211 by phone: They can often connect Washington residents with local utility assistance, rental assistance, and housing counseling resources.
• Your local community action agency or housing counseling agency for budgeting and assistance options.

HowToGetAssistance.org provides general guidance but does not determine eligibility or distribute any funds.

Tips to Avoid Scams and Make Sure You’re Using Official Washington Channels

When searching for unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds, it’s important to stay safe:

• Use official government sites

  • Look for addresses that clearly show a Washington State government domain (commonly containing .wa.gov).
  • Avoid entering personal information on sites that look suspicious or overly promotional.

• Be cautious about “finder” or “locator” services

  • Some businesses offer to help find unclaimed money for a fee.
  • In most cases, you can search and claim unclaimed property in Washington for free through the official state program.
  • If you choose to use a locator service, read contracts carefully and consider verifying the claim independently through the state.

• Never pay upfront for a “guaranteed” payout

  • Legitimate state unclaimed property programs do not charge you to file a claim.
  • Be wary of promises of fast money in exchange for personal financial details.

• Protect your personal information

  • Only share your Social Security number, bank information, or ID documents through secure, official channels.
  • If you receive unsolicited calls, emails, or texts about “unclaimed money,” verify by contacting the official Washington unclaimed property office directly using a phone number you look up yourself.

Key Takeaways for Washington Residents

• Unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Washington often end up with the state’s unclaimed property program when companies can’t reach you.
• You can usually search for free through the official Washington State unclaimed property website by name and location.
• If you find a match, be prepared to provide:
  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of your past address or account (utility bills, mortgage statements, escrow/closing documents)
• Claims are reviewed and processed by the state, not by HowToGetAssistance.org or any private website.
• If your claim is denied or delayed, it’s often due to missing documents, name/address mismatches, or incomplete forms, and you may be able to fix this by sending additional information.
• Be careful to use official channels and watch out for anyone asking for fees or sensitive information outside of recognized state offices.

By following the steps above and working directly with the official Washington unclaimed property office and relevant utility or escrow companies, you can give yourself the best chance of recovering any unclaimed deposits or escrow funds that legally belong to you.