Can I claim unclaimed money for a relative who died?

The short answer

Yes, you may be able to claim unclaimed money that belonged to a relative who died. Most states let family members claim unclaimed property, but the rules vary. You'll need to prove your relationship to the person who died and show you have a legal right to their money.

How it works

Unclaimed money is held by states through their unclaimed property programs. This includes forgotten bank accounts, unpaid insurance claims, refunds, and other assets that companies couldn't return to their owners.

If your relative had unclaimed money in a state, it's now held by that state's treasurer or unclaimed property office. You can search for it for free on unclaimed.org.

Claiming money for someone who died

To claim unclaimed money that belonged to a deceased relative, you'll usually need to:

• Prove your relationship to the person (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court documents)
• Provide a death certificate
• Show you have a legal right to the money (as an heir, beneficiary, or executor of their estate)
• File a claim with the state where the money is held

Each state has different rules. Some states only let spouses and children claim. Others let any heir apply. A few states require you to go through probate (the court process for handling an estate) first.

What to do next

Start by searching unclaimed.org to see if your relative has unclaimed property in any state. When you find a match, the website will tell you how to file a claim in that state. You may need to mail documents or file online, depending on the state.

Searching and claiming is free. Only the state decides whether you qualify.