When a loved one passes away, they may leave behind assets like money, property, or investments. But what happens when no one comes forward to claim those assets? In the United States, these forgotten or unclaimed assets are often classified as unclaimed inheritance and held by the government until a rightful heir steps forward.
Every year, millions of dollars in inheritance go unclaimed. In some cases, the rightful heirs have no idea the inheritance even exists. If you’re wondering whether you or someone in your family may be entitled to a forgotten legacy, this guide will show you how to search for unclaimed inheritance and potentially recover what’s rightfully yours.
What Is Unclaimed Inheritance?
Unclaimed inheritance refers to money or property left by a deceased individual that has not been claimed by any heirs or beneficiaries. This can happen for several reasons:
- The deceased did not leave a will.
- The heirs were unaware of the assets.
- The beneficiary’s contact information was outdated.
- The estate was never fully processed in probate court.
Eventually, if no one claims the assets, they are turned over to the state’s unclaimed property office or escheated to the government.
Common Types of Unclaimed Inheritance
Unclaimed inheritance isn’t limited to a lump sum of money. It may include:
- Bank accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Real estate
- Life insurance benefits
- Retirement accounts (401(k), IRAs)
- Safe deposit box contents
- Royalties or mineral rights
Many of these assets are held temporarily by financial institutions and then passed on to the state if they remain unclaimed for a specific period (usually 1 to 5 years).
How to Search for Unclaimed Inheritance
Finding unclaimed inheritance in the U.S. is easier than many people think. Several official databases and free resources are available to help you search by name, state, or property type.
1. Start with MissingMoney.com
MissingMoney.com is the official national database endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). It allows you to search across multiple states using just your name or a family member’s name.
How to Use:
- Go to the website.
- Enter the first and last name.
- Narrow the search with a city or state if needed.
- Review any matching results and follow the instructions to file a claim.
This is the easiest and most comprehensive first step for anyone looking for unclaimed inheritance or other types of forgotten property.
2. Check Your State’s Unclaimed Property Office
Each U.S. state has its own unclaimed property program. If you know where the deceased lived or where assets may have been held, check directly with that state’s treasury or comptroller’s office.
Here are a few examples:
- California: sco.ca.gov/upd.html
- Texas: claimittexas.gov
- New York: osc.state.ny.us/unclaimed-funds
These websites also allow free searches and provide instructions on submitting claims.
3. Search Probate Court Records
If someone passed away and you believe there may be inheritance involved, you can search the probate court in the county where they lived. Probate records are public and may reveal:
- Wills
- Estate inventories
- Names of heirs or beneficiaries
Some probate records are searchable online, while others may require a visit to the courthouse or a formal request.
4. Look into the U.S. Department of the Treasury
For government-related benefits, such as matured savings bonds or VA life insurance, check with:
- Treasury Hunt (U.S. Savings Bonds): treasurydirect.gov
- Department of Veterans Affairs: va.gov for unclaimed life insurance policies
These are often overlooked sources of inheritance that can be claimed by rightful heirs.
What Information Do You Need to Make a Claim?
If you find unclaimed inheritance, you’ll likely need to prove your identity and relationship to the deceased. Common documents include:
- Valid ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Death certificate of the deceased
- Proof of address or Social Security number
- Legal documents showing heirship (e.g., will, probate court decision)
Some states may also require notarized forms or affidavits.
What If the Inheritance Is From a Distant Relative?
Many unclaimed estates come from distant relatives — even great-uncles or cousins — who had no children or immediate heirs. If you suspect a connection, you may want to work with a genealogical researcher or heir locator service. Just be cautious — some companies charge hefty fees for services that you can often perform yourself for free.
Beware of Scams
When dealing with unclaimed inheritance, always be alert for fraud. You should never pay upfront fees to claim money that’s rightfully yours. Legitimate state and federal agencies do not charge to search or file a claim.
If someone contacts you claiming you’re the heir to a fortune and requests sensitive information or money to release it — that’s likely a scam.
Final Thoughts
Unclaimed inheritance in the United States is surprisingly common, and billions of dollars remain waiting to be claimed by rightful heirs. With the right tools and some persistence, you can uncover forgotten assets and honor the legacy of those who came before you.
Whether you’re searching for your own possible inheritance or helping a loved one, taking the time to explore official resources like MissingMoney.com and your state’s unclaimed property database could result in a meaningful financial discovery.
Have you ever checked if you have unclaimed assets? You might be surprised at what you find. Start your search today — it’s free, secure, and could lead to a welcome windfall.
