Unclaimed money in New Jersey

What is unclaimed property?

Unclaimed property is money or items that businesses or government agencies owe you but can't find you to deliver. In New Jersey, unclaimed property includes:

• Uncashed checks from employers, insurance companies, or utilities
• Money in old bank accounts that haven't been touched
• Security deposits from rentals or utilities
• Stocks or bonds you forgot about
• Refunds owed by retailers
• Payouts from life insurance policies

If an account or payment goes untouched for a set period (usually 3 to 5 years depending on the type), the company must turn it over to New Jersey's unclaimed property program.

How to search for unclaimed money

Use the official New Jersey Unclaimed Property search site at https://www.unclaimedproperty.nj.gov/.

Search tips:

• Start with your current legal name
• Try variations: maiden names, nicknames, or different name spellings
• Search with old addresses where you lived when the account was active
• Search for a deceased relative if you think they had unclaimed property (see below)
• Search any businesses you owned

The search is free. You do not have to pay anyone to search for you.

How to file a claim

If you find property in your name:

1. 1
   Step 1: Click on the item or holder name to see details
2. 2
   Step 2: Follow the instructions on the site to submit your claim
3. 3
   Step 3: Provide proof of ownership (see below)
4. 4
   Step 4: Sign and submit your forms

Claiming is free. Only New Jersey decides if you qualify.

What proof you usually need

Common documents that prove your claim:

• Government-issued ID (driver's license or passport)
• Social Security number
• Birth certificate
• Old statements or correspondence from the bank, employer, or company that held the money
• Proof of your current address

New Jersey may ask for different proof depending on the type of property and how long ago the account was active. They will tell you exactly what they need.

Claiming for a deceased relative

You can claim unclaimed property for someone who has died. You usually need:

• A death certificate
• Proof that you have the legal right to claim (such as being named in the will, being the executor, or having a court order)
• Your relationship to the deceased person

Contact New Jersey's unclaimed property office to learn what documents they need for your specific situation.

Avoid scams

Never pay anyone to help you claim your unclaimed property. Scams often use:

• Pressure to act fast
• Guarantees that you will get money
• Requests to pay an upfront fee
• Promises to do the search "for you"

The official search is free and simple. If someone contacts you about unclaimed property you didn't search for, be cautious. New Jersey does not contact people out of the blue.

What happens next

After you file a claim, New Jersey will review it. This can take weeks or months. They will contact you if they need more information. If your claim is approved, they will send your money by check or electronic transfer.

Keep copies of everything you submit. If your claim takes a long time, you can contact New Jersey's unclaimed property office for a status update.

More help

For questions about the process, visit the unclaimed money section of this site or learn more about New Jersey benefits and programs.