Unclaimed money in Massachusetts: how to find and claim it

How to claim in Massachusetts

1. Search FindMassMoney.gov by name. Add a city or ZIP code to narrow the results.

2. Check CLAIM on your items and click FILE YOUR CLAIM. Pick your relationship to the owner: Owner, Heir or Estate Representative.

3. Enter your current mailing address and submit to get a claim number. Give your Social Security number so the claim can qualify for paperless Fast Track.

4. If Fast Track approves you, you get an email and you are done. If not, you get a claim form by email.

5. Sign the form by hand (electronic signatures are not accepted). Add the documents listed in Section C. Upload them on the site or mail them in.

6. If a co-owner is listed, both owners must sign. For an uncashed Massachusetts state check, call 617-367-0400 x3. Those claims can't be started online.

Yes. If you give your Social Security number and the state finds a match, your claim may be approved automatically through paperless Fast Track. You won't need to fill out forms or send proof.

Official instructions for claims

Documents you may need

• Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card, tax records or a pay stub showing it.
• Proof of a past address: old utility bill, a city or town hall record, an old deed or mortgage payment, or an old check showing that address.
• Any other documents listed in Section C of your claim form.
• For a deceased owner: death certificate, and certified court copies (with the court stamp) where required.

Money owed to a relative who died

Choose 'Heir' if the estate was not probated, or 'Estate Representative' if it was. Section C of the claim form lists the documents you need. A certified copy must show the court stamp.

Contact the program

Program

Massachusetts Office of the State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division

Phone

617-367-0400 (Mon-Fri, 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)

Claims by mail

Office of the State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division, One Ashburton Place, 12th Floor, Boston, MA 02108

Processing time

The site gives no general time. Stock and mutual fund claims can take up to 45 extra days after approval to transfer the shares into your name.

Finder fees in Massachusetts

A finder agreement made within 24 months after the property reached the state is unenforceable. After that, it is valid only if it is in writing, signed by you, says what the property is, its value and who holds it, and the fee is 10% or less. The Treasury says no extra legal or filing fees may be added on top. Heir finders must register with the Treasury. Their agreements must be notarized and sent in with the claim.

Law: M.G.L. c. 200A, § 13; 960 CMR 4.06

Good to know

• There is no time limit. The state holds the property forever in trust for the owner.
• Stocks and mutual funds are held for three years and may then be sold. If that happens, you get the full sale proceeds.
• Unclaimed safe deposit box items may be appraised and sold at auction. The proceeds are held for the owner or heirs with no end date.

Also check outside Massachusetts

Search every other state where you lived or worked. Some money, like old savings bonds and IRS refunds, is held by federal agencies.

Questions about Massachusetts

Other states