How to claim unclaimed money of a deceased parent or relative

Bank accounts, life insurance, uncashed checks, and stock left behind by someone who died often end up with the state. Who can claim, which documents you need (death certificate, letters testamentary, small estate affidavit), and how to search in every state they lived in.

Step 1: search in every relevant name and state

Use the state-by-state links and MissingMoney.com. Search:

• The deceased's full name, nicknames, and initials.
• Every state they lived, worked, or banked in, not just the last one.
• Your name and other heirs' names: when a company can't pay a beneficiary, it reports the property under the beneficiary's name.
• The name of any business they owned.

Write down each match: state, property ID, reporting company, amount or range.

Step 2: figure out who has the right to claim

States pay the person legally entitled to the property, in this order:

1. The estate's personal representative (executor or administrator) if a probate case was opened. You'll have "letters testamentary" or "letters of administration" from the court.
2. Heirs directly, if there was no probate and the total is below your state's small-estate threshold (commonly $25,000 to $184,000, varying widely). You sign a small estate affidavit (sometimes called an affidavit of heirship) declaring who the heirs are.
3. Named beneficiaries for life insurance and retirement accounts: those pass outside the estate, so the beneficiary claims directly with the death certificate and their own ID.
4. Trustees if the assets were in a trust.

If several heirs exist, most states will pay the claimant who files with the affidavit, and expect them to distribute; some states pay each heir their share separately.

Step 3: gather the documents

Typical list (check the state's claim instructions; they vary):

• Certified copy of the death certificate.
• Your photo ID and proof of your Social Security number.
• Proof of relationship: birth certificate, marriage certificate, or the will.
• Letters testamentary / of administration (if probate) or a small estate affidavit (notarized).
• Proof of the deceased's address on the record (an old bill, tax return, or the death certificate itself often works).
• If other heirs exist: their signed consent or an heirship affidavit listing them.

For claims over a few thousand dollars, expect the state to ask for notarization and originals by mail.

Step 4: file and wait

File online through the state's search results or by mailing the claim form. Estate claims take longer than personal ones: 2 to 6 months is typical, longer if documents are missing. The state pays by check to the estate or to the heirs as documented.

Life insurance: a separate search

Unclaimed life insurance is huge because beneficiaries often don't know a policy exists. Two free tools:

• NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator (naic.org): submit the deceased's details and every participating insurer checks its records; they contact you if a policy is found. Takes about 90 days.
• State unclaimed property: insurers turn unpaid benefits over to the state after a few years.

Many states also require insurers to check the Social Security death file and proactively find beneficiaries, so it's worth calling any insurer the person used.

Other places the money hides

• Savings bonds the person bought decades ago: claim through the state unclaimed property office or Treasury forms (see savings bonds and pensions).
• Pensions from old employers: PBGC's unclaimed pension search.
• Old 401(k)s: the Department of Labor's Retirement Savings Lost and Found.
• Final tax refund: the IRS pays refunds to the estate or surviving spouse (Form 1310).
• Bank accounts at failed banks: FDIC unclaimed funds search.
• Uncashed Social Security or VA checks: contact the agency directly.

FAQ

The person died 20 years ago. Is it too late?

No. States hold property indefinitely. Heirs of heirs can claim, with the chain of documents.

We never opened probate. Can we still claim?

Usually yes, with a small estate affidavit if the total estate is under your state's limit. Above it, the state may require you to open probate first.

Do we owe taxes on it?

The property itself isn't income. Any interest or gains paid with it may be, and the state issues a 1099 when applicable. Inheritance and estate taxes are separate questions that depend on the size of the estate and your state.

Can a "heir finder" company help?

They can, for a fee capped by state law (often 10%). You don't need them: everything they do, you can do for free with the steps above.