How to Claim Money a Loved One Left Behind, Step by Step

There may be money with your family's name on it

When someone passes away, they often leave behind money that never gets claimed. Old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, security deposits, and forgotten savings can all sit unclaimed for years.

States hold on to this money until the rightful owner or their heirs come forward. That could be you. There is no time limit in most states, so money left behind long ago may still be waiting.

The best part: searching for it and claiming it is free. You do not need to hire anyone to get money that already belongs to your family.

Watch out for finders who charge a fee

Some companies, sometimes called finders or asset locators, contact families and offer to recover unclaimed money for a cut. They may ask for a percentage or a flat fee.

You do not need them. The official state programs that hold this money let you search and claim it yourself at no cost.

If someone reaches out saying they found money for a relative, you can look it up yourself first. The same money is almost always searchable for free on your state's official site.

A note for Native American families and homeowners

If your loved one was a homeowner, be aware of program details that can affect estates and refinancing. For example, HUD runs the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program, which helps Native American and Alaska Native families buy or refinance homes.

HUD announced it is increasing the upfront loan guarantee fee for new Section 184 loans from 1.00 percent to 1.50 percent, effective October 1, 2026. If you are handling a relative's home loan or thinking about refinancing, that fee change is worth knowing.

This is a HUD program, and its official information is free to access. Every state also has its own program for unclaimed money left behind. Here is how to search yours for free.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay to claim money a relative left behind?

No. Searching and claiming through official state sites like MissingMoney.gov is free. You do not need a paid finder or middleman.

Is there a deadline to claim unclaimed money?

In most states there is no deadline. States hold the money until the rightful owner or their heirs come forward, so older accounts can still be claimed.

What documents do I need as an heir?

Usually proof of your identity and proof of your relationship to the person, such as a death certificate. The state's official claim page will list exactly what is needed.

What is the Section 184 fee change about?

HUD raised the upfront loan guarantee fee on new Section 184 loans from 1.00 percent to 1.50 percent, effective October 1, 2026. It matters if you are refinancing or handling a relative's home loan.