Unclaimed Property Massachusetts – Find Your Forgotten Money

Did you know the state of Massachusetts might be holding money that belongs to you? Thousands of residents have unclaimed property in Massachusetts sitting in a government database and they don’t even know it. This guide will show you exactly what unclaimed property is, how much the state holds, how to search for free, and how to claim what’s rightfully yours.

What is Unclaimed Property in Massachusetts?

Unclaimed property in Massachusetts refers to financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their original owners. When a business or financial institution cannot reach the owner of an account or asset for a set period of time, they are required by law to transfer that property to the state for safekeeping.

The Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Division part of the Office of the State Treasurer acts as a custodian. It holds this property indefinitely until the rightful owner or their heirs come forward to claim it.

Common types of unclaimed property include:

• Bank accounts and savings accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, insurance, refund, etc.)
• Stocks, dividends, and mutual funds
• Life insurance policy proceeds
• Contents of safe deposit boxes
• Security deposits and utility refunds

Important: Unclaimed property does NOT include real estate or vehicles. It covers financial and personal property assets only.

The dormancy period in Massachusetts is 3 years. That means if a financial institution cannot contact you for 3 years, your property will be reported to the state as unclaimed.

How Much Unclaimed Property Does Massachusetts Hold?

Massachusetts is holding over $2.4 billion in unclaimed funds for the citizens and businesses of the Commonwealth. That’s a staggering amount and it belongs to real people like you.

Here are some key facts from the state’s most recent data:

• $2.4 billion+ currently held by the Unclaimed Property Division
• Over 107,000 claims processed in a single year
• $172 million returned to rightful owners in cash and securities in one year
• Nearly 30,000 holder reports received annually from banks and businesses
• More than 1.5 million visits to the state’s search website each year

Statistics from a 2024/2025 report also noted that the state fast-tracked over 58,000 claims totaling nearly $4.8 million. These numbers show just how active the program is and how much unclaimed money Massachusetts residents are successfully recovering every year.

The bottom line: 1 in 10 people in Massachusetts has unclaimed property they don’t know about. It takes just a few minutes to search.

How to Search for Unclaimed Property in Massachusetts Free

Searching for unclaimed property in Massachusetts is completely free. You do not need to pay anyone or hire a third-party company to search on your behalf. The state provides an easy-to-use online database where you can search yourself in minutes.

The official search website is: www.findmassmoney.gov

This site is operated by the Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Division and is the only official database you need. You can also find information through the division’s main page at mass.gov/orgs/unclaimed-property-division.

How to search online:

1. Go to www.findmassmoney.gov
2. Enter your first and last name in the search form
3. Optionally add your address to narrow results
4. Click Search
5. Review the list of results that match your information
6. If you find a match, click on the property listing to view details
7. Click “Start Claim” to begin the claim process

Tips for a better search:

• Try different versions of your name (maiden name, nicknames, abbreviations)
• Search for deceased relatives’ names if you think you may be an heir
• Try old addresses if you’ve moved recently
• Search for your business name if you own or owned a company

You can also search by phone by calling (617) 367-0400, Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

How to File a Claim – Step by Step

Once you find unclaimed money in Massachusetts that belongs to you, filing a claim is straightforward. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Search the database at www.findmassmoney.gov and locate your property
2. Click “Start Claim” on the property listing that matches your information
3. Create an account or log in if you already have one on the portal
4. Fill out the claim form with your personal details name, address, date of birth, and Social Security Number
5. Answer verification questions about the property, such as where the original account or check came from
6. Upload supporting documents to prove your identity and ownership (see next section)
7. Submit your claim through the secure online portal
8. Check your email you will receive a confirmation and instructions for next steps from the Unclaimed Property Division
9. Monitor your claim status at any time by visiting www.findmassmoney.gov and clicking “Check Claim Status”

Some simple claims may be approved quickly without additional documentation. However, most claims will require you to provide documents to verify your identity and your right to the property.

Documents You Need to Claim Unclaimed Property in Massachusetts

To successfully claim your unclaimed money in Massachusetts, you will need to provide documents proving two things: who you are and your right to the property.

To prove your identity, you may need:

1. A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
2. Your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
3. Proof of your current address (a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement)

To prove ownership of the property, you may need:

1. Old bank statements, account numbers, or financial records connected to the property
2. A prior address that matches the property record
3. Evidence of your relationship to the original holder (such as an employer or insurance company)

If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased relative, you may also need:

1. The deceased’s death certificate
2. A copy of the will or probate documents
3. Letters testamentary or letters of administration from a court
4. Proof of your legal relationship to the deceased (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)

The division will notify you by email after you submit your claim and let you know exactly which documents they need for your specific case.

How Long Does Massachusetts Take to Process Claims?

According to the official Massachusetts state website, it takes approximately 180 days (about 6 months) to process a claim.

This processing time allows the Unclaimed Property Division to:

• Verify your identity thoroughly
• Confirm your ownership of the property
• Coordinate with the original holder if needed
• Approve and issue payment securely

Good news for smaller claims: The state operates a Fast Track program for lower-value claims with straightforward documentation. These can be approved much faster than the standard 180-day timeline.

You can check your claim status at any time online at www.findmassmoney.gov. You do not need to call or email to check the status portal is available 24/7.

If you have questions about your claim, you can also contact the division directly:

• Phone: (617) 367-0400 (Mon–Fri, 8:45 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)
• Email: UnclaimedProperty@tre.state.ma.us
• Address: 1 Ashburton Place, 12th Floor, Boston, MA 02108

Unclaimed Property for Deceased Relatives in Massachusetts

If a family member has passed away and you believe they had unclaimed property, you may be eligible to claim it as their legal heir. Massachusetts law allows heirs to claim unclaimed property that belonged to a deceased person.

Here’s how to claim on behalf of a deceased relative:

1. Search the database at www.findmassmoney.gov using the deceased’s full name
2. Try previous addresses and maiden names if applicable
3. Click “Start Claim” on any matching property
4. Indicate that you are an heir, not the original owner
5. Gather estate and relationship documents you will need to prove you are the legal heir
6. Submit the claim with all required documentation

Documents typically required for heir claims include:

• The deceased’s death certificate
• Probate court documents (will, letters testamentary, or letters of administration)
• Your personal ID and proof of your relationship to the deceased
• Any financial records that tie the deceased to the property

If there is no will and the estate has not gone through probate, the process may be more complex. In those cases, it’s a good idea to speak with a legal professional who can advise you on how to establish your rights as an heir.

There is no deadline to claim unclaimed property in Massachusetts. The state holds the property indefinitely, so even if a relative passed away years ago, you can still file a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Millions of dollars in unclaimed property in Massachusetts go unclaimed every year simply because people don’t know it exists. The state is holding over $2.4 billion belonging to residents and businesses, and the process to reclaim it is free, straightforward, and fully online.

Whether it’s a forgotten bank account, an uncashed paycheck, an old insurance policy, or a deceased relative’s assets your money is waiting for you. The official Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Division keeps it safe until you’re ready to claim it. There’s no deadline and no cost to search.

Don’t wait. Take five minutes today to check if the state is holding something that belongs to you or your family.

Search for unclaimed property in Massachusetts for free at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/unclaimed-property-division