Search Massachusetts Unclaimed Money
Massachusetts is holding more than $3 billion in unclaimed money for people across the state. Lost bank accounts, uncashed checks, old insurance payouts, and forgotten deposits can all sit in the state database for years. About one in ten Massachusetts residents has unclaimed property waiting right now. You can search for Massachusetts unclaimed money at no cost using the official state portal. This guide covers how to find your name, file a claim, and get your funds returned to you.
Massachusetts Unclaimed Money at a Glance
What Is Unclaimed Money in Massachusetts
Unclaimed money in Massachusetts is any financial asset that has sat dormant after the owner lost contact with the company holding it. Banks, insurance carriers, employers, utility companies, and brokerages all report these assets to the state when they can no longer reach the owner. Under M.G.L. c. 200A, Section 3, most property types are presumed abandoned after three years of no activity. Once the holder turns the funds over to the state, the money does not expire. You or your heirs can file a claim at any time, no matter how long it has been.
The Massachusetts State Treasurer's Unclaimed Property Division safeguards these assets until they can be returned. The division has paid out more than $787 million to Massachusetts residents over the last five years alone. The average claim runs between $1,250 and $2,080, though many claims are far higher. About one third of all claims are approved automatically without requiring additional review.
What is NOT covered: real estate, vehicles, and most digital assets. The program only handles financial assets as defined under M.G.L. c. 200A, Section 5.
The Mass.gov unclaimed property how-to page gives a clear overview of the program and links you to the right tools. It also explains who can file and what to do when claiming on behalf of someone who has passed away.
The Mass.gov how-to page is a useful starting point for anyone new to the Massachusetts unclaimed money program, covering everything from who holds the funds to how you get paid.
How to Search for Massachusetts Unclaimed Money
The official place to look up Massachusetts unclaimed money is FindMassMoney.gov. This free portal is run by the State Treasurer's Office and covers all unclaimed property held by the state. No account is needed to search. Results show every property worth one dollar or more. The database is updated regularly as new reports come in from holders across the state. You can search by first name, last name, or business name. Narrowing by city or zip code helps when you have a common name and the results run long.
The system checks common nicknames when you enter a first name. Searching "Bob" may also return results for "Robert." If you think you have unclaimed money but nothing shows up online, call the Unclaimed Property Division at 888-344-MASS (6277). Some properties under one dollar and certain asset types are not shown in the web search but still exist in the full database. Staff can run a broader search for you by phone.
The FindMassMoney.gov homepage is the entry point for all Massachusetts unclaimed money searches. The site is maintained by the State Treasurer's Office and is always free to use.
The property search interface lets you look up unclaimed money by name, business name, Property ID, or location. Each result shows the type of property and the name of the original holder so you can verify it before you file.
How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Money
Once you find a property in the Massachusetts unclaimed money database, filing a claim takes just a few steps. Select each property you want to claim by clicking the "+" button next to it. Then click "File Your Claim." You will be asked to enter your current contact details: date of birth, email address, and mailing address. After you submit, you get an email with the next steps and a link to upload your documents.
The search instructions page walks you through finding the right property before you start a claim. The claim completion guide explains every document the division may need. At a minimum you need a photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and address verification. A driver's license, a pay stub with your SSN, and an old utility bill or deed work well. For estate claims on behalf of someone who died, you also need a death certificate and probate documents if the estate went through court.
The search instructions page shows you how to run a complete search and verify each property before starting the claim process.
The claim completion guide covers what to upload, how to send documents securely, and what to do if you need to mail anything to the division.
What to Expect After You File
Processing time for most Massachusetts unclaimed money claims runs about 180 days. That is roughly six months from the date you submit a complete claim with all required documents. About one third of claims are auto-approved and move faster. Those claimants get a check within 15 business days of approval. Claims that need a full manual review take six to eight weeks for a decision, then another 15 business days for payment to go out.
You can track your claim online at any time using your Claim ID. The system sends email updates as your case moves through review. If the division needs more documents, they reach out by email. You can upload additional files through the secure link in your email. Do not mail documents unless the division asks. The claiming FAQs page covers the most common questions about delays, status checks, and payment methods.
The claiming FAQs page answers questions about claim status, payment timelines, and what to do if something changes during the review process.
Note: Keep your Claim ID in a safe place after you file so you can track your Massachusetts unclaimed money claim at any time without calling the division.
Types of Massachusetts Unclaimed Property
The kinds of assets that end up as unclaimed money in Massachusetts are wider than most people expect. Checking and savings accounts are the most common. Certificates of deposit, money market accounts, and safe deposit box contents all qualify. Stocks, bonds, and unpaid stock dividends are another major category. Life insurance policy proceeds and annuity payouts frequently go unclaimed when beneficiaries do not know a policy existed. Uncashed payroll checks, expense checks, and vendor payments from businesses also make up a significant share of what the state holds. Credit balances from stores, utility refunds, and security deposit returns round out the list.
Safe deposit box contents are treated as tangible property rather than cash. They go through a separate process after the bank turns them over to the state. The tangible property page at FindMassMoney.gov explains how to search for and claim physical items held by the state.
The tangible property page covers the process for claiming physical items turned over to the state, including the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes.
Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Law
The legal framework for unclaimed money in Massachusetts is M.G.L. Chapter 200A. This statute sets out what counts as unclaimed property, when it must be reported, and how people can recover it. Under Section 7, every holder of unclaimed funds must review its records each year and file a report with the Treasurer's Office. The report must include the owner's name, last known address, account numbers, and the date of last activity. Under Section 7A, holders must also send a due diligence notice by first-class mail to the owner's last known address at least 60 days before turning the funds over to the state.
Heir finder companies sometimes contact people with offers to help recover unclaimed funds for a fee. Under M.G.L. c. 200A, Section 13, these companies must be registered with the state. Their fees are capped at 10% of the amount recovered. They also cannot contact you within the first 24 months after property has been turned over to the state. You never have to hire one. You can always search and file yourself at no cost through FindMassMoney.gov.
Violations of the reporting rules under Section 12 can result in penalties of up to $500 per violation, plus interest charges. The Treasurer can examine a holder's records at any reasonable time to verify compliance.
The Unclaimed Property Division page at Mass.gov describes the division's structure, mission, and contact options for both claimants and holders.
Common Questions About Massachusetts Unclaimed Money
A lot of people wonder if there is a deadline to claim their funds. There is not. Massachusetts holds unclaimed property indefinitely. You or your heirs can file at any time. There is also no fee to search or file. The process is completely free through the official portal. The general FAQs page at FindMassMoney.gov covers dozens of questions about how the program works, what types of property are eligible, and what happens to funds that are never claimed.
Another common question involves business names. If a company you owned or worked for has closed, there may be unclaimed funds tied to that business. You can search by business name at FindMassMoney.gov. The division's mailing address for all correspondence is One Ashburton Place, 12th Floor, Boston, MA 02108. Phone is (617) 367-0400. The toll-free line is 888-344-MASS (6277).
The general FAQs page is updated regularly and is the best resource if you have a specific question about whether your situation qualifies for a claim.
Search Across Multiple States
If you have lived or worked in other states, you may have unclaimed property there too. MissingMoney.com is the official multi-state search tool endorsed by NAUPA, the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. It covers most participating states and lets you run one search across several databases at once. Results from the national site may not be as complete as a direct search on each state's own portal. For Massachusetts unclaimed money, always check FindMassMoney.gov directly for the most accurate and complete results.
MissingMoney.com is a good starting point if you have lived in several states and want to run a broad search before going state by state through each official portal.
Note: National search tools like MissingMoney.com may not show all Massachusetts unclaimed money results, so always run a separate search at FindMassMoney.gov for the most complete list.
Browse Massachusetts Unclaimed Money by County
Every county in Massachusetts connects to the same state database at FindMassMoney.gov. County pages on this site list local Registry of Deeds offices, city contacts, and other resources specific to each area. Pick a county below to find information for your region.
View All 14 Massachusetts Counties
Find Unclaimed Money in Major Massachusetts Cities
Residents of major cities use the same state portal to search for unclaimed money. City pages on this site include local treasurer and clerk contact info and other city-specific resources. Pick a city below to get started.