Frequently asked questions about unclaimed property.

Unclaimed property is money or financial assets that have not had activity for a period of time (known as a dormancy period) and for which the owner cannot be reached. Banks, insurers, and other holders are then required to transfer those funds to a state unclaimed property program.

Common examples include dormant bank and credit union accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, investment accounts, stock dividends, and certain refunds or rebates. Real estate is generally not treated as unclaimed property.

Most state unclaimed property programs do not charge a fee to file a claim. You may choose to hire a private service or professional to help you, but that is optional and separate from the state itself.

Yes. Every U.S. state operates its own official unclaimed property website where you can search by name. Many states also participate in multi‑state search tools to make it easier to search in multiple jurisdictions.

Processing times vary by state and by the complexity of the claim. Some straightforward claims may be paid within a few weeks, while more complex cases or those involving estates can take several months.

States act as custodians of unclaimed property—they hold the funds on behalf of rightful owners and heirs. The goal is to protect consumers by making sure the money can still be claimed in the future.

Escheat.ai is an independent, private service that helps you understand where and how to search, interpret results, and organize information for claims. You always remain free to work directly with state programs without using our platform.

We limit the information we request through our intake and explain why it is needed. We do not ask for online banking passwords or card PINs, and we encourage you to review our Privacy & Security information before sharing sensitive details.

States typically require documentation proving identity and, when applicable, a legal relationship to the original owner. This makes it difficult for someone to claim your property without your knowledge, especially if you monitor your information and respond promptly to legitimate notices.

Treat any unsolicited call, text, or email promising large sums with caution. Verify information directly with your state unclaimed property office or contact us through the details on our Contact page before sharing personal or financial information.