How to Claim Money a Late Relative Left Behind, for Free

Yes, unclaimed money can belong to your family

When a relative dies, they sometimes leave money that never reaches the family. This can include old bank accounts, forgotten paychecks, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and tax refunds.

States hold onto this money until the rightful owner or heir comes forward. There is no deadline that makes it disappear. It waits for you.

Searching for this money is free. You never have to pay a company to find money that already belongs to your family.

Where does this money come from

Money becomes 'unclaimed' when a business or agency loses track of the person it belongs to. After a set time, they turn it over to the state.

For someone who has passed away, that could be a final paycheck, a refund, a savings account, or a life insurance benefit that the family did not know about.

If your relative had health coverage through Medicare or Medicaid, those are federal programs run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Questions about a deceased person's Medicare or Medicaid should go straight to those official offices, which are free to contact.

How do I start looking

Start with the official unclaimed property search for each state where your relative lived or worked. Many states share a free national search tool.

You can search by your relative's name. If you find a match, the state will explain what proof you need to claim it as an heir.

You do not need to pay a 'finder' or middleman. The official state process is free, even for money left by someone who has died.

What if a company offers to find it for me

Some private companies charge a fee to reunite people with unclaimed money. They may take a percentage of what you get.

You never need them. The same searches they run are free to the public through official state programs.

Every state runs its own unclaimed property program. You can search yours for free by starting at the official directory below.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a deadline to claim a late relative's money?

In most states, unclaimed property does not expire. The money waits until the rightful owner or heir comes forward. Check your state's official program for its rules.

Do I have to pay to find or claim the money?

No. Official state unclaimed property searches are free. You never need to pay a finder or middleman to claim money that belongs to your family.

What proof do I need to claim money as an heir?

States usually ask for a death certificate and documents showing you are the rightful heir. Each state lists exactly what it needs on its official site.

Who do I contact about a deceased relative's Medicare or Medicaid?

Contact Medicare directly at Medicare.gov, or your state Medicaid office. These official channels are free to use.