Unclaimed money in Maine

What counts as unclaimed property in Maine

Unclaimed property is money or valuables the state is holding that belong to you. This includes:

• Money in old bank accounts or savings accounts you forgot about
• Uncashed checks from employers or government agencies
• Deposits or refunds you never picked up
• Insurance payouts
• Stock dividends or mutual fund payments
• Utility deposits
• Contents of safe deposit boxes

Businesses must turn this money over to the state if they can't reach you for a set period of time, usually three to five years. Maine holds this property until you claim it.

How to search for unclaimed money in Maine

Start at the official Maine Unclaimed Property search site. It's free to search.

Search tips:

• Try your full legal name as it appears on documents
• Also search using nicknames or variations of your name (like "Bob" if your legal name is "Robert")
• Search using old addresses where you lived when the account was active
• If you've been married, try maiden names or former married names
• Search for relatives who may have left you property

If you find a match, note the name of the institution holding the money and the amount listed.

How to file a claim

Once you find unclaimed property in your name, you'll need to file a claim with Maine's Unclaimed Property program. The search site will give you instructions specific to what you found.

Generally, you'll need to:

1. 1
   Step 1: Complete a claim form
2. 2
   Step 2: Provide proof of ownership or identity
3. 3
   Step 3: Submit supporting documents
4. 4
   Step 4: Send everything to the address Maine provides

Applying is free. Only Maine decides whether you qualify as the rightful owner.

What proof you'll usually need

Maine will ask for documents that show you own the unclaimed property. Common examples include:

• Government-issued ID (driver's license, passport)
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if your name changed)
• Bank statements or old account records
• Letters from the institution that held the money

Keep copies for yourself. The exact documents depend on what type of unclaimed property you're claiming.

Claiming for a deceased relative

You can claim unclaimed property that belonged to someone who has died. You'll likely need:

• The death certificate
• Proof that you're an heir (like a will or court documents)
• Your ID
• A completed claim form

Maine's search site has specific instructions for claims from estates or heirs.

Protect yourself from scams

Warning signs:

• Anyone claiming you have unclaimed money and asking you to pay a fee to claim it
• Requests for upfront payment or credit card information
• Pressure to act quickly
• Websites that look similar to the official Maine site but have a slightly different web address

The official search is always free. Maine will never ask you to pay money to get your own property back. If someone contacts you about unclaimed money, verify it yourself using the official Maine Unclaimed Property search site.

Next steps

If you don't find what you're looking for in Maine, check other states where you've lived or worked. Every state runs its own unclaimed property program.

For more information about how unclaimed money works or help figuring out which benefits you might qualify for, visit our main page about unclaimed money or use our benefits screener.