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Unclaimed money NJ refers to financial assets that have been inactive for a specific period and turned over to the state for safekeeping. The New Jersey Department of the Treasury currently safeguards billions of dollars in lost funds, waiting for rightful owners to step forward. Recovering these assets is a free, secure, and straightforward process if you know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- Record-Breaking Returns: In Fiscal Year 2024, the Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA) returned a historic $261.4 million to residents, surpassing previous records.
- Perpetual Custody: The state never takes ownership of your money; it acts as a custodian, meaning you or your heirs can claim the funds indefinitely.
- Interest Payments: Unlike many other states, New Jersey pays interest on claimed property for the time it was held, which is considered taxable income.
- Beware of Scams: You never need to pay a fee to access your money. Avoid third-party services charging upfront fees and ignore unsolicited text messages claiming you have funds waiting.
- Estate Claims: Retrieving funds for a deceased relative often requires coordination with the County Surrogate’s Court to obtain an Executor Certificate or Affidavit of Next of Kin.
When a business cannot locate a customer or employee after a set amount of time, they cannot simply keep the money. State law mandates that these "dormant" assets be transferred to the New Jersey Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA). This legal process, known as escheatment, ensures that the funds are centralized in a public database rather than absorbed by private corporations.
Common examples of unclaimed property include:
1. Search the Official Database
The safest and most direct way to find your assets is through the official state portal. Entering your name will generate a list of potential matches associated with your current or previous addresses. It is crucial to search for common misspellings of your name and to check for any maiden names if applicable.
2. Check National Records
If you have lived or worked outside of New Jersey, your money might be held in another jurisdiction. The state participates in MissingMoney.com, a national database endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). This allows you to search dozens of state records simultaneously to locate cross-border assets.
3. Submit Your Claim
Once you identify property, you can add it to your "claim cart" and submit a request online. Simple claims for small amounts where your current information matches state records are often approved automatically. Larger or more complex claims will require you to upload specific evidence to prove your identity and ownership.
To prevent fraud, the UPA requires strict proof before releasing funds. You should be prepared to provide digital copies of the following documents:
A significant portion of unclaimed money belongs to deceased individuals. To claim these funds, you must prove you are the legal heir. This process typically moves through the (https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/civil/new-jersey-surrogates) in the county where the person resided when they died.
The documents required depend on the estate's value and whether a will exists:
The "dormancy period" is the time an account must remain inactive before it is sent to the state.
| Asset Type | Inactivity Period |
| Wages & Payroll | 1 Year |
| Utility Deposits | 1 Year |
| Savings & Checking Accounts | 3 Years |
| Life Insurance Policies | 3 Years |
| Stocks & Dividends | 3 Years |
| Money Orders | 3 Years |
| Traveler's Checks | 15 Years |
Source: New Jersey Unclaimed Property Statute N.J.S.A. 46:30B
New Jersey is unique because it pays interest on the money it holds for you. The interest is calculated from the time the state receives the money until the claim is approved. The interest rate is based on the (https://www.nj.gov/treasury/doinvest/) portfolio returns.
Because this interest counts as new income, it is taxable.
The promise of "free money" attracts fraudsters. Be vigilant against scams that try to steal your personal information or charge you for free services.
The UPA also safeguards tangible items from abandoned safe deposit boxes. This can include jewelry, rare coins, and collectibles. These items may eventually be auctioned if they remain unclaimed for an extended period, with the cash proceeds held for the owner.
However, the state has a strict policy regarding military honors. Items such as Purple Hearts and other military decorations are never auctioned. The state retains these indefinitely and actively searches for the veteran or their family to return them.
You can conduct a free search for lost assets by visiting the official state portal at unclaimedfunds.nj.gov and entering your last name or business name. If you find a match, the website allows you to file a claim directly online without using a paid third-party service.
New Jersey generally holds unclaimed property in custody in perpetuity, meaning there is no deadline for rightful owners to file a claim. However, it is highly recommended to file immediately to ensure you can still easily access the old records or identification needed to prove your ownership.
Standard online claims typically take two to four weeks for the state to process and mail your payment. Claims requiring physical documentation, such as those for deceased relatives or complex estates, may take significantly longer to review and approve.
You must provide legal proof of your authority to act on behalf of the estate, such as a Surrogate’s Certificate or Executor/Administrator paperwork. The Unclaimed Property Administration requires these specific court-issued documents to ensure funds are only released to the rightful heirs.
The principal amount of your unclaimed property is generally not taxable because it is money that was already yours, such as a returned utility deposit or uncashed paycheck. However, the state pays interest on these funds, and you may receive a 1099-INT form for any interest earned, which must be reported on your tax return.
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