When a Loved One Dies, Here Is How to Claim the Money They Left Behind

Where does the money go when someone passes away?

When someone dies, the things they owned (their bank accounts, savings, life insurance, unclaimed property, and sometimes a home or trust) do not just disappear. That money and property is called their estate. It passes to the people or trusts they named, or to their closest family under state law.

This is your money now, or your family's money. You do not have to pay anyone to find it. The official ways to search and claim are free.

How do I find money my loved one may have left?

Start with the accounts you already know about: bank accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance policies. Contact each company directly and ask what steps a surviving family member needs to take.

Next, search for unclaimed property. States hold billions of dollars in forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and deposits. You can search your state's official unclaimed property site for free. Many states are searchable through the national database run by state treasurers.

If your loved one was married to a noncitizen spouse, the estate may involve a qualified domestic trust (a QDOT). The IRS updated the rules for these trusts in a correction published in the Federal Register on July 24, 2026. If a trust is involved, an estate attorney or the trust's executor can explain your rights.

Do I need to go through probate, and does it cost money?

Probate is the court process that sorts out who gets what when there is a will (or no will). Not every estate needs full probate. Many states offer a simpler process for smaller estates.

Some money skips probate entirely. Life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts with a named beneficiary or a payable on death setup usually go straight to the person named.

You can ask the probate court in your loved one's county what forms you need. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but they can point you to the right paperwork. This official path does not require a paid middleman.

Watch out for people who charge to find your money

After a death, some companies offer to track down unclaimed money for a fee, often taking a percentage. You do not need them. The same searches are free through your state and through official sites.

Every state runs its own unclaimed property program, and the rules differ. Here is how to search yours for free: start at your state treasurer or comptroller's official website, or use the national search run by state treasurers, then follow the claim steps for surviving family members.

Frequently asked questions

Is it really free to search for money a relative left behind?

Yes. Searching your state's unclaimed property site and USA.gov is free. Any company that charges a fee to find this money is offering something you can do yourself for nothing.

What if my loved one did not leave a will?

State law decides who inherits when there is no will, usually the closest family members. Ask the probate court in your loved one's county what steps and forms apply to your situation.

What is a QDOT and does it affect me?

A qualified domestic trust (QDOT) is a special trust used when property passes to a noncitizen spouse. The IRS updated these rules in July 2026. If a trust like this is involved, ask the executor or an estate attorney about your rights.

How long do I have to claim unclaimed property?

Rules vary by state, and in many states there is no deadline to claim your own or your family's money. Check your state's official unclaimed property site for its specific rules.