How to Claim Unclaimed Money in North Carolina
Unclaimed money in North Carolina is money that businesses and companies escheat to the Department of State Treasurer within one to five years after the funds qualify as abandoned or forgotten. The most common forms of unclaimed money in North Carolina include account balances, cash, refunds, uncashed checks, insurance premium payouts, utility deposits, and security deposits.
Likewise, stock and bond certificates, gold, and the contents of safe deposit boxes are also considered unclaimed money when neglected. The rightful owners of unclaimed money, as well as heirs or legal representatives of these individuals, may find and claim unclaimed funds using state-provided resources.
How to Find Unclaimed Money in North Carolina
The Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasurer’s Office maintains NC Cash, an online system for finding unclaimed money and returning the funds to the rightful owner. Persons who wish to find unclaimed money on NC Cash must:
- Visit the claim search page
- Enter the owner’s full name
- Provide the owner’s address or city for accurate results
- Click “search”
A name-based search using this resource will provide the owner’s name, the name of known co-owners, and the owner’s last known address. The search will also show the company that reported the unclaimed money and the amount reported. Each search result has a property ID useful for claiming unclaimed money by mail.
How Do I Find Unclaimed Money for Free
The North Carolina unclaimed money database, NC Cash, is free to use. However, the search results are restricted to unclaimed money reported by businesses operating in North Carolina. Yet, it is common for North Carolina residents to have unclaimed money in other states and with federal agencies. These entities have resources for finding various unclaimed money for free, including the Wages and Hours Division, the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
How to Claim Unclaimed Money in North Carolina
Besides letting interested persons access the updated government list of unclaimed money, the NC Cash system also lets searchers file a claim online. To do this, the searcher must:
- Search for the unclaimed money and identify matching results
- Click the “claim” button on the left side of the screen, next to each result
- Upon selecting all matching results, click ‘Continue to claim”.
- On the next page, the claimant must show their relationship to each unclaimed money
- Click file claim to proceed to the contact information page
- Provide the requested biodata and contact details
- Submit the claim
Upon submitting the claim, the system will prompt the claimant to upload certain documents important to the claim review. The required documents depend on the claimant’s relationship to the unclaimed money.
Generally, all claimants must submit an identity document, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or an international passport. The claimant must also provide a valid document showing address, including an income tax form, bank statement, pay stub, or property records.
Meanwhile, individuals submitting a claim on the original owner’s behalf must provide other supporting documentation. For heirs and immediate family members, these include vital records (birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates). On the other hand, third parties like will executors and estate administrators must provide corresponding legal documents like a notarized will, court order, and power of attorney.
Upon receiving the claim request and supporting documentation, a claim administrator with the Unclaimed Property Division will review the information and documents provided. If the claim is accurate, the administrator shall approve the claim and process payment for the unclaimed money. However, suppose the claim is inaccurate or missing necessary details or documents. Then, the administrator shall deny the claim and notify the claimant of the outstanding requirements.
How to Claim Unclaimed Money by Mail in North Carolina
Filing a claim online is the fastest way to receive the funds. Still, persons who prefer to submit paper applications can call the Unclaimed Property Division and request a paper form. The agency will mail the claims form and instructions on completing and submitting the form to the address provided during the call.
Generally, the claimant must complete the form with their personal information, social security number, and contact details. Then, the individual must sign and notarize the form and attach supporting documentation. Finally, the claimant must mail the application packet to the Unclaimed Property Division using the mailing address below:
NC Department of State Treasurer
ATTN: Unclaimed Property Division
P.O. Box 20431
Raleigh, NC 27619-0431
Phone: (866) 622-2741
Email: unclaimed.property@nctreasurer.com
How Long Does It Take to Get Unclaimed Money in North Carolina
The Unclaimed Property Division takes an average of ninety (90) days to review and process complete claims. Mail-in requests take longer. In any case, claimants may track their claim status online using their claim ID. Alternatively, call the Unclaimed Property Division on (866) 622-2741 or send an email to unclaimed.property@nctreasurer.com to inquire about claim status.
Who Can Claim Unclaimed Money From Deceased Relatives
Heirs, persons named as beneficiaries or next of kin, and immediate family members are eligible persons who can claim unclaimed money on deceased relatives’ behalf. Despite this eligibility, the individual must submit a certified death certificate as well as identity documents and the necessary documents to support the claim.
What Happens to Unclaimed Money in North Carolina if No One Claims It?
Unclaimed money remains claimable at any time provided the claimant has the necessary documentation to process the claim. The North Carolina Unclaimed Property Act directs the State Treasurer to auction tangible unclaimed property and deposit the funds in a trust fund. The money gotten from this auction remains claimable at any time. However, the claimable money will not necessarily reflect the property’s current value at the time of filing a claim.
Can Someone in North Carolina Claim Unclaimed Money From Another State?
Yes. It is possible to claim unclaimed property or money in another state provided the claimant is eligible to claim the property. Furthermore, the claimant must follow specific instructions for claiming unclaimed money in that state. Interested persons may use available information and resources on StateRecords.org to find and claim unclaimed money.
Unclaimed money in the United States is public and can be accessed by anyone through official or non-governmental services. Third-party unclaimed money search engines are easy to use and deliver fast results not limited by geographic region. Users can typically search for unclaimed money through third-party search sites using just a full name or business name. However, because these sites are not government-sponsored, the availability and accuracy of results can vary.
