Unclaimed money in Alaska

What counts as unclaimed property in Alaska

Unclaimed property is money or items that belong to you but a business or government agency has lost touch with you. In Alaska, this includes:

• Bank accounts and savings accounts you haven't used
• Paychecks you never cashed
• Refunds owed to you
• Security deposits from rentals
• Stocks and dividends
• Insurance payouts
• Money from court cases
• Utility deposits

Businesses must try to contact you. If they can't reach you for a certain time (usually years), they turn the money over to the Alaska Department of Revenue as unclaimed property.

How to search for your unclaimed money

The Alaska Department of Revenue holds unclaimed property. You can search for free using the official search site.

Step 1: Go to the search site

Visit the Alaska Unclaimed Property search on the state's official website.

Step 2: Try different name variations

Search using:

• Your full name
• Your first name and middle initial
• Nicknames you've used (like "Bob" for "Robert")
• Maiden name if you changed it
• Variations in spelling

Do multiple searches. Sometimes money is listed under a name variation.

Step 3: Search with old addresses

Try searching with:

• Your current address
• Previous addresses where you lived
• Business addresses if you owned a business
• Post office box numbers

Step 4: Note what you find

If you find property listed under your name, note:

• Who is holding it
• How much it is (or the description)
• The category (bank account, paycheck, etc.)
• Any reference number shown

How to claim your unclaimed money

Once you find property, you'll file a claim with the state.

What you'll need:

The state usually asks for:

• Proof of identity (driver's license or state ID)
• Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
• Documentation from the holder (like an old bank statement or letter about the account)

You may also need proof that you owned the account. For example, if it's a bank account, bring documentation showing the account number or the bank's records.

Filing your claim:

Follow the instructions on the state's unclaimed property website or contact the Alaska Department of Revenue. You can usually file online, by mail, or in person.

Applying is free. Only the state agency decides if you qualify to receive the money.

Claiming money for a deceased relative

If a family member passed away and left unclaimed property, you may be able to claim it. You'll likely need:

• A copy of the death certificate
• Proof of your relationship to the person
• Proof that you have the right to their property (like court documents showing you're the executor or heir)

Contact the Alaska Department of Revenue to ask what documents they need.

How long it takes

After you submit your claim, the state will review it. This takes time. The agency will contact you if they need more information.

Avoid scams

Be careful of scams about unclaimed property:

• Never pay a company to search for or claim your unclaimed money. The official search is free.
• Don't trust unsolicited emails, calls, or letters saying you have unclaimed money.
• Never give credit card information to claim unclaimed property.
• Scammers may charge high fees and disappear with your information.

If you find unclaimed property, work directly with the state agency, not a third party.

Learn more

For more information about unclaimed property nationwide, visit unclaimed.org. If you need help with the process, visit our help page.