How Long Does It Take to Get Unclaimed Money in PA?
Understand the full process and typical timeframe for successfully claiming your unclaimed money in Pennsylvania.
Unclaimed property laws ensure financial assets are protected and eventually returned to their rightful owners or their heirs. In Pennsylvania, unclaimed property refers to money or other assets that have been dormant or forgotten. This includes old bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stock certificates, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes.
The state acts as a custodian for these funds, holding them in trust indefinitely until the legitimate owner comes forward. The Pennsylvania Treasury Department is responsible for safeguarding these assets and facilitating their return. Unclaimed property laws exist to prevent businesses and organizations from absorbing these forgotten funds into their profits, instead mandating their transfer to the state for safekeeping.
Locating Unclaimed Property
To locate unclaimed property, search the official Pennsylvania Treasury website. This online portal requires specific identifying details to narrow down matches.
Typically, a search begins with a full legal name; also try common misspellings or variations. If the property might belong to a business, the business name should be used in the search. Providing a last known address or previous addresses associated with the property can further refine the search.
Beyond searching for one’s own name, search for family members, both living and deceased, as unclaimed property may be held in their names. For individuals who have resided in multiple states, national databases like MissingMoney.com offer a broader search capability across participating states. However, for property specifically located in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Treasury’s direct search tool is the primary resource.
Preparing Your Claim
After identifying unclaimed property, gather specific information and documentation to establish identity and ownership. The claim requires your full legal name, current mailing address, telephone number, email, and a Social Security Number for faster processing and verification.
Provide any previous addresses associated with the property to connect to the original record. If the claim is for property belonging to someone else, such as a deceased relative, details of the original owner and the claimant’s relationship to them are necessary. Mandatory proof of identity includes a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) and proof of current address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).
To prove ownership, relevant documents might include old bank statements, uncashed checks, or stock certificates. For deceased owners, a death certificate and probate documents (e.g., Letters Testamentary) are needed to establish the legal right to claim. Marriage certificates may be required if a name change affects ownership. The official claim forms can typically be downloaded from the Pennsylvania Treasury website. Complete these forms accurately to prevent processing delays.
Submitting Your Claim and Processing Timeline
Submit your claim to the Pennsylvania Treasury. Submission methods include online or mail, depending on the claim’s nature and complexity. For online submissions, upload forms and documents on the Treasury website. For mail, send completed forms and documentation to the provided address, keeping copies for your records.
Processing times for unclaimed property claims in Pennsylvania can vary, typically ranging from several weeks to a few months. Factors influencing this include the claim’s completeness and accuracy; errors or missing information will cause delays. The complexity of the claim, such as large monetary amounts, multiple owners, or claims involving estates, can also prolong the review process. The Treasury Department’s claim volume can also impact processing speed.
The review process involves assessment, verification, and sometimes requests for additional documentation. Providing a Social Security Number can lead to faster processing. Check your claim status through the Pennsylvania Treasury’s online portal using your claim ID and zip code, or by contacting the Bureau of Unclaimed Property. Once approved, funds are disbursed via direct deposit or check, usually within a few weeks.