Unclaimed money in Maryland

What counts as unclaimed money in Maryland

Unclaimed property is money or valuables that a business or government agency has lost track of you. It stays with the state if no one claims it for a set time. In Maryland, unclaimed money may come from:

• Bank accounts you forgot about
• Utility deposits
• Insurance payouts
• Wages owed to you
• Tax refunds
• Stocks or dividends
• Safe deposit boxes

Searching is free, and only the state agency decides if the money is yours.

How to search for unclaimed money

Step 1: Go to the official search site

Visit the Maryland Unclaimed Property search. This is the only official place to search.

Step 2: Search by name

Enter your name as it appears (or appeared) on accounts. Try variations:

• Full legal name
• Nickname or shortened name
• Maiden name
• Former married names
• Variations in spelling

Step 3: Try old addresses

If your name search shows no results, search again using:

• Your current address
• Previous addresses where you lived
• A family member's address

Step 4: Search for deceased relatives

You can search for unclaimed money belonging to a family member who has passed away. Use their name and any addresses you know. If you find money, you may be able to claim it on their behalf (see "Claiming for someone who died" below).

Filing a claim

If you find unclaimed money in your name:

1. 1
   Step 1: Click on the item in the search results
2. 2
   Step 2: Note the name of the holder (the business or agency holding the money)
3. 3
   Step 3: Follow the instructions on the search result to file your claim
4. 4
   Step 4: You may need to mail documents or submit them online, depending on the holder

Applying is free. Never pay a fee to claim unclaimed money. Be cautious of third-party claim services that charge you a percentage of the money you recover.

What proof you usually need

The state or the holder may ask you to prove you're the rightful owner. Common proof includes:

• A government-issued ID (driver's license or passport)
• Recent bills showing your current address
• Bank statements
• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• Original documents from the account holder

Each claim is different. The holder will tell you exactly what they need.

Claiming for someone who died

If you find unclaimed money belonging to a deceased relative, you may be able to claim it as their heir. You will likely need:

• The death certificate
• Proof that you are a legal heir (such as a will or court order)
• A government-issued ID

Contact the holder directly or the Maryland Unclaimed Property program for exact steps.

Protect yourself from scams

Do not:

• Pay anyone a fee upfront to search or claim your money
• Click links in emails claiming you have unclaimed money
• Give personal information (Social Security number, bank account) to anyone claiming to be from the state unless you called them
• Trust third-party websites that charge a percentage of recovered money

Always search the official Maryland Unclaimed Property site yourself. It costs nothing.

Next steps

Start your search today at the official Maryland Unclaimed Property site. Once you find money in your name, the holder will guide you through claiming it. The process usually takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the holder.