What is Unclaimed Money in Connecticut?
According to the Connecticut Unclaimed Property Law, unclaimed money refers to any financial asset that has been abandoned by its owner. This can include things like uncashed paychecks, forgotten bank accounts, unredeemed gift certificates, and more.
The statutes outline the process for how such assets are to be turned over to the state, and how owners can claim them. Essentially, if an asset has been inactive for a certain period of time (usually three years), it is considered abandoned and must be turned over to the state. The state then attempts to locate the owner and notify them of their unclaimed money. If the owner does not claim their money within a certain timeframe (usually one year), it becomes property of the state through a process known as escheatment.
Escheatment refers to the legal process by which unclaimed property is transferred to the state. This process protects both the owner and the holder of the property, as it ensures that the owner will eventually get their money back if they claim it, and that the holder will not be liable for holding onto someone else's money indefinitely.
Owners can claim their unclaimed money at any time by contacting the Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer. They will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a canceled check or bank statement, and may be required to pay a small processing fee. Once the claim is approved, the owner will receive their money in the form of a check or direct deposit.
How to Find Unclaimed Money in Connecticut
Interested members of the public can find unclaimed money in Connecticut by visiting the state's official website or contacting the state treasurer's office. The state of Connecticut is required to hold onto unclaimed money and property for the benefit of the rightful owners, and there are a number of ways to search for and claim this money.
The Connecticut Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Website contains a searchable database of unclaimed money, which can be filtered by name, city, or county. The database includes information on how to claim the money. For example, some claims may require that a notarized form be submitted, while others can be claimed online.
Those who prefer to contact the state treasurer's office directly can do so by phone or mail. The office will need some basic information about the potential claimant, such as their name and address, in order to conduct a search. The office can also provide assistance with filling out claim forms. Queries may be mailed to the following address:
Office of the State Treasurer
165 Capitol Ave.,
2nd Floor
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 702-3000
Toll-Free: (800) 618-3404
Email: state.treasurer@ct.gov
Those who are due unclaimed money should be aware that there may be a waiting period before the funds are released.
Since the state is required to hold onto this money for the benefit of the rightful owners, there is no time limit for claiming unclaimed money in Connecticut.
How Do I Find Connecticut Unclaimed Money for Free?
Interested members of the public may use the Connecticut Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Website to search for unclaimed money at no cost. The office of the State Treasurer may also be queried regarding unclaimed money in-person, via mail or email for free.
Unclaimed money can also be searched through federal agencies such as:
Treasury Hunt: Interested persons can search for unclaimed money through Treasury Hunt, the Financial Management Service's (FMS) portal for unclaimed money.
The FMS is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury that provides financial services to federal agencies. To search using the database, users must provide their name, address, and Social Security number. The FMS will then conduct a search of its records to see if there is any unclaimed money that belongs to the person.
If the FMS finds any unclaimed money, it will send a letter to the individual informing them of the amount of money and how to claim it. The individual will then have to complete a claim form and submit it to the FMS. Once the claim is approved, the FMS will issue a check for the amount of money owed to the individual.
The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators: The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) is an organization that helps people search for and claim unclaimed money. Interested persons may search for unclaimed money for free on the NAUPA website.
To search for unclaimed money, go to the NAUPA website and enter the information required into the search form. Requestors will need to provide their first and last name, as well as their state of residence. The results of the search will show any unclaimed money that may be owed to them.
U.S Courts: There are a few ways to search for unclaimed money through the Connecticut courts system. The first is to go to the official website of the Connecticut Judicial Branch and use the online search tool. This may provide court-related information or judgments relating to unclaimed money proceedings.
Another way to search for unclaimed money is to visit the Probate Court in person and request a list of all unclaimed funds.
Interested persons may also search using the U.S. Courts Unclaimed Funds Locator tool. This website provides a national database of unclaimed money from federal court cases. The user will need to input their first and last name, as well as their state of residence, in order to use the search tool. If there is any unclaimed money associated with the user's name, it will be listed on the website.
Users can then follow the instructions on the website in order to claim their money.
How to Claim Unclaimed Money in Connecticut
Interested and eligible members of the public may follow the steps below in order to claim their unclaimed money in the state of Connecticut:
- Visit the official website of the Connecticut Treasurer’s Office.
- Click on the “Unclaimed Property” link located under the “I want to…” section on the homepage.
- On the next page, the user may enter their name or the name of their business in the search bar and click on the “Search” button.
- The results of the search will be displayed on the next page. If they see their name listed, click on it to view more details about the unclaimed property.
- Upon reviewing the details of the unclaimed property, click on the “Claim Property” button.
- On the next page, the user will be required to provide some personal information in order to verify your identity.
- After providing all of the necessary information, click on the “Submit Claim” button.
- The claim will be processed and the requestor will receive a notification regarding the status of their claim within 30 days.
To claim Connecticut unclaimed money via mail, the requesting party must download and complete the Unclaimed Property Claim Form, or send a written request containing the aforementioned information, and submit it to the address below:
Office of the State Treasurer
165 Capitol Ave.,
2nd Floor
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 702-3000
Toll-Free: (800) 618-3404
Email: state.treasurer@ct.gov
How Long Does It Take to Get Unclaimed Money in Connecticut?
The length of time it takes to get unclaimed money in Connecticut depends on a few factors, including how much money is owed and the process the state uses to distribute the funds.
It may also depend on the claims process used by the state. Some states have a simple online process that can be completed in just a few minutes, while others require paper forms to be mailed in and processed manually.
Regardless of the amount of money owed or the claims process, claimants should receive their money within a few months of filing their claim. Persons who have not received their money after this time frame may need to contact the state office handling their claim to inquire about the status.
Who Can Claim Unclaimed Money From Deceased Relatives in Connecticut?
Relatives of deceased unclaimed property owners, estate executors or court-appointed probate administrators may access the unclaimed funds belonging to a deceased person. To be eligible to claim unclaimed money from deceased relatives in Connecticut, the claimant’s name is typically required to appear on the State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property list. They may also be required to provide information that proves their biological relationship to the deceased and proof that they are the nearest living relation of the deceased property owner.
In addition, requestors are often directed to get a probate certificate in order to have the asset transferred to the owner. The probate court will direct the administration of the unclaimed funds or property to eligible recipients, especially where the deceased did not prepare a will before their demise.
What Happens to Connecticut Unclaimed Money if No One Claims It?
In Connecticut, all unclaimed money remains in the custody of the State Treasurer until its owner comes to claim it. There is no deadline for claiming this money, and it will likely remain in the state's custody indefinitely until someone claims it.
