Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Wyoming: How to Find and Claim What You’re Owed

Many Wyoming residents and former residents have money sitting unclaimed without realizing it. Two common examples are utility deposits (for gas, electric, water, internet, etc.) and escrow funds (often from mortgages or rental security accounts).

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed funds usually work in Wyoming, how to search for them, and what to do to claim money that belongs to you.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. It does not run any benefit or unclaimed-property program and cannot process claims. To actually recover funds, you must go through official Wyoming agencies or the relevant company.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Unclaimed utility deposits

When you start service with a utility provider (such as electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, trash, phone, or internet), the company may charge a deposit.

That deposit may become “unclaimed” if:

• You move or cancel service
• The company owes you a refund (for example, your final bill was lower than your deposit)
• The utility cannot reach you with the last known address on file
• A refund check is mailed but never cashed

After a certain amount of time with no contact, the law typically requires the company to turn those funds over to the Wyoming unclaimed property program.

Unclaimed escrow funds

Escrow funds are money held by a third party (often a bank, mortgage servicer, or property manager) to cover things like:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Mortgage-related adjustments
• Security deposits for rentals (sometimes held in a dedicated escrow account)

Common ways escrow funds become unclaimed include:

• Paying off or refinancing a mortgage, leaving a small leftover balance
• Moving out of a rental unit and not receiving your final security deposit refund
• Overpaying into an escrow account for property expenses
• The company failing to reach you after you move or change contact information

In Wyoming, when these funds stay unclaimed for a certain period, the holder usually has to report them to the state’s unclaimed property office, which safekeeps the money until the rightful owner claims it.

How Unclaimed Property Works in Wyoming

In Wyoming, unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are generally treated as “unclaimed property.” This is a broad category that can include:

• Utility deposits and bill overpayments
• Escrow balances from mortgages or rental arrangements
• Bank accounts and checking balances
• Uncashed checks (refunds, payroll, etc.)
• Insurance proceeds and more

Typically:

1. Companies hold your money for a set period if they cannot reach you.
2. After that period passes, they must turn unclaimed balances over to the state.
3. The state’s unclaimed property program holds the money until someone files a successful claim.

The state does not take ownership in a way that erases your rights. Even if many years have passed, you can usually still claim your funds by proving you’re the rightful owner or heir.

Step 1: Make a Quick Self-Check Before You Search

Before using any official database, it helps to list:

• All addresses you have used in Wyoming, especially from the last 10–20 years
• Past utility providers (electric, gas, water, internet, trash, phone, cable)
• Mortgage lenders or servicers you’ve had in Wyoming
• Landlords or property management companies where you paid a security deposit
• Any name changes (marriage, divorce, adoption, spelling changes)

This can help you:

• Recognize entries in the state’s unclaimed property search
• Claim funds that might appear under former names or old addresses

Step 2: Search the Wyoming Unclaimed Property System

Wyoming, like other states, maintains an official unclaimed property database where you can search for your name or business name.

A typical search process looks like this:

1. Go to the official Wyoming state unclaimed property website (you can find it by searching online for “Wyoming unclaimed property official site”).
2. Use the search tool to enter:
   • Your first and last name
   • Any previous last names
   • Any business name you owned
3. Look through the results for:
   • Your name or close variations
   • Old addresses that you recognize
   • Any listing showing a utility company, mortgage company, bank, property management company, or similar institution as the holder

If you cannot access the website or prefer not to use the internet, you can usually:

• Call the Wyoming unclaimed property office using the number listed on the state government’s main site, and
• Ask for help checking your name or requesting a mail-in claim form.

Step 3: Identify Which Claims Are Utility Deposits or Escrow Funds

In the Wyoming unclaimed property search results, each entry usually shows:

• The owner name (you or a relative)
• The holder name (company or agency that reported the funds)
• Sometimes a property type or general description

To spot utility deposits, look for:

• Electric companies
• Gas companies
• Water or sewer districts
• Phone, cable, or internet providers
• Trash or sanitation services

To spot escrow funds, look for:

• Mortgage lenders or servicers
• Banks or credit unions with descriptions like “escrow,” “mortgage,” or “impound account”
• Property management companies or landlords

If the description is unclear, the state unclaimed property office may be able to give general information about the type of account, but they often do not see your complete transaction history.

Step 4: Gather the Documents You’ll Likely Need

To claim unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds in Wyoming, you usually must show:

1. Proof of identity

Common documents:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Social Security number (may be requested on the claim form)

2. Proof that you are the owner listed

Examples:

• The address shown in the unclaimed property listing matches your ID or a past address you can prove
• Old utility bills
• Old mortgage statements
• Lease agreements or rental receipts showing the address
• Bank statements or letters from the relevant company

3. Proof of name changes (if any)

If the claim is under a former name, you may need:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for legal name change

4. For business claims

If the money belongs to a business you own or represent, you may be asked for:

• Business registration documents
• Proof of authority to act for the business (e.g., corporate officer status, LLC manager, power of attorney, or similar)

5. For heirs or estates

If the original owner has died, typical documents may include:

• Death certificate
• Proof of your relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Estate documents, such as letters testamentary, letters of administration, or small-estate affidavits, depending on the situation and Wyoming law

Always check the official Wyoming instructions, because exact document requirements can change and may vary by claim type or dollar amount.

Step 5: Submit a Claim Through Official Wyoming Channels

Once you identify a claim that appears to be your utility deposit or escrow fund, the general steps to claim it are:

1. Start the claim

   • On the official Wyoming unclaimed property website, there is typically a way to add claims to a cart or select them.
   • You then complete an online claim form or request a printable form.

2. Provide required information
   You may be asked for:

   • Your current contact information
   • Identification details (such as last four digits of your Social Security number)
   • Information connecting you to the address or account in question

3. Upload or mail documents

   • Some claims can be completed by uploading scans of your documents.
   • Others require you to print and sign a form and mail copies of your documents.

4. Sign any required certifications

   • Typically, you must certify that you are the rightful owner and that the information you provided is true.
   • For some claims, your signature may need to be notarized, especially for larger dollar amounts or estate-related claims.

5. Keep copies

   • Make copies of all documents and forms you submit for your own records.

You cannot submit claims through HowToGetAssistance.org. All claims must be filed using Wyoming’s official unclaimed property contact methods.

Step 6: What Happens After You File a Claim?

After you submit your claim with all required documents, a typical process in Wyoming (and many states) looks like this:

1. Initial review
   The unclaimed property office checks that your claim form is complete and that required documents are attached.

2. Verification
   Staff compare the information you provided to what they have on file from the company that reported the unclaimed funds. They may look at:

   • Names and aliases
   • Current and former addresses
   • Account numbers (when available)

3. Follow-up requests
   If something is missing or unclear, they may:

   • Send you a letter or email
   • Call you using the contact information you provided
   • Ask for additional documentation or clarification

4. Approval or denial

   • If approved, the state typically issues a check or sometimes a direct deposit, depending on its procedures.
   • If denied, they may notify you in writing and explain the reason.

5. Timeline
   Processing times vary, but many claims are resolved in several weeks to a few months, depending on:

   • Volume of claims
   • Complexity of your claim (for example, simple individual claims vs. multi-heir estate claims)
   • Whether additional documents are needed

If you have not heard anything after a reasonable time, you can contact the Wyoming unclaimed property office directly and provide your claim number for a status update.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding typical issues can help you avoid delays when claiming utility deposits and escrow funds:

• Name mismatch

  • The name on your ID does not match the name on the claim, and no proof of name change is supplied.

• Insufficient address proof

  • You cannot show that you lived or received mail at the address tied to the claim (especially for older claims).

• Missing or unclear documents

  • Required items (ID, death certificate, business documents) are missing, expired, unreadable, or inconsistent.

• Heir/estate confusion

  • Multiple heirs claim the same property, or there is no clear documentation showing who the legal successor is.

• Incomplete forms

  • Signature lines are left blank, or not notarized where required.

If your claim is denied, you can ask the Wyoming unclaimed property office what additional proof they would need. In some cases, you may be able to submit a new claim with more complete information.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

Wyoming’s specific processes can differ, but in general:

• If you disagree with a denial, you can:

  • Reach out to the unclaimed property office to clarify the reason
  • Provide additional documents or explanation
  • Ask whether there is a formal review or appeal process for disputed decisions

• Document everything:

  • Keep copies of letters, forms, and notes from any phone conversations (with dates and who you spoke with).

If the issue involves complex estate matters or large amounts of money, some people choose to consult an attorney licensed in Wyoming for legal guidance. That is a personal decision and not required for most routine claims.

When to Contact the Original Utility or Escrow Holder Directly

Not all unclaimed money will appear immediately in the state database. Depending on the timing, it may still be held by:

• A utility company
• A mortgage lender or servicer
• A landlord or property manager

It can be worthwhile to:

1. Contact the company’s customer service

   • Ask if they show any credit balance, deposit, or refund connected to your old account.
   • Provide the old service address, approximate dates of service, and your current contact information.

2. Ask whether any funds were sent to the state

   • If the company no longer holds your money, ask whether they have reported funds to Wyoming’s unclaimed property program and under which name and address.

3. Follow up with the state

   • If the company confirms they reported funds as unclaimed property, this can help you match the entry in the state system and strengthen your claim.

Quick Reference: Who to Contact for Different Situations

Below is a simple summary of who typically handles what. Use it as a starting point to figure out your next move.

Note: Names and contact details for these offices should be obtained from official state or company websites or verified phone directories.

How to Tell If You’re Using an Official Wyoming Channel

Because unclaimed property and refunds involve money, scammers may try to take advantage of people searching for funds. To protect yourself:

• Look for .gov domains

  • The official Wyoming state unclaimed property site will be part of a .gov website associated with Wyoming government.

• Be cautious with fees

  • Wyoming’s official unclaimed property program typically allows you to search and file claims at no charge.
  • Some private “locator” services charge a fee to help you; using them is optional. If you use one, understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

• Do not share full Social Security numbers or banking details over email or with anyone who contacted you first, unless you have confirmed they are part of an official state office or known company.

• Verify phone numbers

  • Instead of calling a number in an unexpected email or text, independently look up the Wyoming unclaimed property office or the utility/mortgage company using known official sources.

• Beware of pressure tactics

  • Be skeptical of anyone who claims you must pay upfront or decide immediately to claim your money.

If you are uncertain whether a site or caller is legitimate, you can:

• Call the general Wyoming state government information line and ask to be transferred to the unclaimed property office, or
• Contact your local consumer protection office or state attorney general’s office to ask how to verify.

If You Don’t Find Anything in Wyoming’s System

If a search in the Wyoming unclaimed property database shows no results, you still have options:

• Check other states

  • If you have ever lived, worked, or held accounts in other states, search their official unclaimed property websites as well.

• Check under all names

  • Try maiden names, former married names, and common misspellings of your name.

• Review your own records

  • Look through old bills, mortgage documents, or leases to see if they mention a deposit or escrow balance that was never refunded.
  • Contact those companies directly with your old account numbers, if you still have them.

• Check again later

  • Companies may turn over unclaimed funds to Wyoming on a set schedule (often annually). It can be useful to check again periodically, especially if you recently closed utility accounts or a mortgage.

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are handled in Wyoming and following the steps above through official state and company channels, you can give yourself the best chance of recovering money that may still be owed to you.