Losing a loved one is hard — and navigating their financial legacy can be even harder. Many people don’t think to search for unclaimed money owed to deceased relatives, but it’s a step that can return significant assets to their estate. In this guide, we walk you through the best practices for uncovering and claiming unclaimed property for someone who has passed away.
Why Deceased Relatives Often Have Unclaimed Money
Unclaimed money can accumulate for many reasons:
- Forgotten bank accounts
- Old paychecks
- Insurance payouts
- Safe deposit box contents
- Utility deposits or refunds
These assets may be held by state treasuries or government agencies — and they won’t automatically transfer to heirs unless claimed.
Step-by-Step: How to Search for a Deceased Person’s Unclaimed Money
1. Information You Need Before You Start Searching
Before you begin, collect:- Full legal name
- Known name variations or previous surnames
- Last address
- Dates of birth and death
- Social Security number (if available)
2. How to Search State Unclaimed Property Databases
Each U.S. state maintains its own unclaimed property list. You can search through:- State treasury or controller sites – Use our state pages as a starting point!
- MissingMoney.com — a national search tool covering most states at once
3. Searching Federal Unclaimed Money for Deceased Individuals
Some funds may not appear in state databases:- Federal government holdings (e.g., matured savings bonds, court-held funds)
- National programs associated with pension or insurance funds Treasury Direct
4. How to Claim Unclaimed Money as an Heir or Executor
Once you find unclaimed money, you typically must prove your right to claim it. Required documentation may include:- Death certificate
- Proof of relationship (e.g., will, trust document, or estate letters)
- Government-issued ID
- Probate court documents
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Claim
- Search for multiple states. If your relative lived or worked in more than one place, they could have unclaimed money in several states.
- Be patient. Probate and claims processing can take weeks or months.
- Avoid fees. Searching state and federal databases is free — skip third-party services that charge for basic searches.
Searching for unclaimed money for a deceased loved one can result in meaningful financial recovery for an estate or beneficiaries. By using official state and federal tools, gathering accurate documentation, and following each agency’s claim process, you can ensure no assets are left behind.