How to Find Money a Late Family Member Left Behind: Free Steps You Can Start This Week

Why there may be money waiting for your family

When a loved one dies, they can leave behind more than belongings. Old bank accounts, forgotten paychecks, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and tax refunds can sit unclaimed for years.

States hold this money until the rightful owner or heir comes to claim it. There is no time limit on most of it. It stays yours, or your family's, until someone asks for it.

The important part: searching for this money is free. You do not need to pay anyone to find it or claim it. Be careful of companies that offer to track down money for a fee. You can do the same search yourself at no cost.

Step by step: search this week

1. Gather names and details. Write down your late family member's full legal name, any past names, and states where they lived or worked. This helps you search accurately.

2. Search the free national tool. Go to the official multi-state unclaimed property site backed by state treasurers. Type in the name and the states where they lived.

3. Check every state they lived in. Money is held by the state, not the country. Search each state's unclaimed property program separately, since a national search may not cover them all.

4. Look for tax refunds. If your relative was owed a federal tax refund, contact the IRS about claiming it on behalf of the estate.

Proving you are the rightful heir

Once you find money, the state will ask you to prove your connection. This usually means a death certificate and documents showing you are an heir or the estate representative.

Take your time. There is no rush and no fee to file a claim through the official state program. If a website asks you to pay upfront to release your money, that is a warning sign.

Only official state programs and the IRS can process these claims. OpenFinancial cannot claim money for you or speed anything up. We just point you to the free, official path.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost money to search for a deceased relative's unclaimed money?

No. Searching and claiming through official state programs and USA.gov is free. You never have to pay to find or release money that is rightfully yours.

What if my relative lived in more than one state?

Search each state separately. Unclaimed money is held by the state where the account or payment was located, so check every state where they lived or worked.

What documents will I need to claim the money?

States usually ask for a death certificate and proof that you are an heir or the estate's representative. Requirements vary by state and are listed on each state's official site.

Are companies that offer to find this money for a fee legitimate?

You can do the same search yourself for free. Be cautious of any service that asks for payment upfront to release money you are owed.