The Pennsylvania Treasury Department is currently safeguarding over $4.5 billion in unclaimed assets. This staggering sum belongs to millions of residents, businesses, and organizations. Roughly one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed money, with the average claim value exceeding $1,500.

Unclaimed property is not just about forgotten bank accounts. It includes uncashed payroll checks, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, and even physical items from abandoned safe deposit boxes. The state acts as a custodian, meaning this money never "expires." It remains available for you or your heirs to claim in perpetuity.

Key Takeaways

• Massive Holdings: The PA Treasury holds billions in lost assets; 1 in 10 residents has a claim waiting.
• Automated Returns: The "Money Match" program automatically mails checks for amounts under $500 without requiring a claim form.
• Heirship Updates: Act 65 now allows grandchildren, nieces, and nephews to claim via affidavit. Act 50 raises the affidavit limit to $20,000 (effective May 25, 2026).
• Dormancy Rules: Most accounts are turned over to the state after 3 years of inactivity. Wages are turned over after just 2 years.
• Finder Fees: Third-party finders are legally capped at charging a 15% fee.

What Is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property consists of financial assets that have gone "dormant." This happens when there has been no customer-initiated activity for a specific period of time. When this period expires, the business holding the money (such as a bank or insurance company) must report and remit it to the Pennsylvania Treasury.

Common examples include:

• Dormant Bank Accounts: Savings and checking accounts with no withdrawals or deposits.
• Uncashed Checks: Payroll checks, cashier's checks, and dividend checks.
• Insurance Policies: Matured life insurance policies or uncashed death benefit checks.
• Utility Deposits: Refunds or deposits left behind after moving.
• Tangible Items: Jewelry, coins, and documents from abandoned safe deposit boxes.

The Dormancy "Clock"

Different assets have different timeframes before they are sent to the state. Knowing these can help you track down missing funds.

Note: For wages, the timeline is shorter (2 years) to help workers who may have changed jobs and moved without receiving their final pay.

The "Money Match" Program: Automatic Returns

Pennsylvania has modernized its system to return money proactively. The Pennsylvania Money Match program leverages state data to find you, rather than waiting for you to find your money.

How It Works

• Automatic Matching: The Treasury cross-references unclaimed property records with verified address data from other state departments.
• No Claim Needed: If a match is confirmed for a single-owner claim under $500, the Treasury simply mails a check to your current address.
• Processing Time: Once a match is identified and a notification letter is sent, the check typically arrives in about 45 days.

If you receive a letter from the Treasury about Money Match, it is likely legitimate. However, you should always verify by visiting the official search portal rather than clicking links in texts or emails.

How to Search and File a Claim Manually

For amounts over $500, or for claims involving complex ownership (like estates), you must file a claim manually. The process is free and fully digital.

Step 1: Search the Database

Visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Enter your last name or business name. For better results, try searching with:

• Maiden names.
• Common misspellings.
• Previous addresses or cities where you have lived.   

Step 2: Initiate the Claim

Once you find a property, click "Claim." You will be asked to create a profile to track your claim status. The system prevents fraud by redacting the exact dollar amount until your identity is verified; you may see ranges like "Over $100".

Step 3: Upload Documentation

You must prove that you are the rightful owner. Standard documents include:

• Photo ID: A driver's license or state ID.
• Social Security Number: Proof of SSN is required to match financial records.
• Proof of Address: A document linking you to the address where the money was reported (e.g., an old utility bill, tax return, or credit report).

Claiming Money for Deceased Relatives

Recovering assets for a deceased family member is common. Recent legislative changes have significantly simplified this process, reducing the need for expensive legal procedures.

Expanded Eligibility (Act 65 of 2024)

Previously, only immediate family (spouse, child, parent, sibling) could use a simplified "affidavit" to claim funds. Act 65 expanded this list. Now, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and grandparents can also use the notarized affidavit process if they are the closest surviving relatives.  

Increased Dollar Limits (Act 50 of 2025)

The limit for using an affidavit (avoiding probate court) is increasing.

• Current Limit: $11,000.
• New Limit: $20,000 (Effective May 25, 2026).

If the claim is under these limits and you are the eligible heir, you do not need to open a formal estate. You can simply file the Relationship by Entitlement to Decedent Owner Affidavit along with a certified death certificate.

Estates Over the Limit

For claims exceeding the affidavit threshold ($11,000 currently / $20,000 after May 2026), you must provide a Short Certificate. This is a legal document issued by the Register of Wills appointing you as the Executor or Administrator of the estate.

Tangible Property: The Vault

Pennsylvania is unique in that it maintains a physical vault for items recovered from abandoned safe deposit boxes. These items are auctioned if they remain unclaimed for three years.

• Auction Proceeds: If your grandmother's jewelry was sold, the cash proceeds are kept in your name forever. You can claim the money, but the item is gone.
• Military Medals: The Treasury never sells military decorations. Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, and other service medals are held indefinitely while the Treasury actively searches for the veteran's family.

Federal and National Sources

The state treasury does not hold all unclaimed funds. You should also search these federal databases:

1. Life Insurance: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) holds unclaimed insurance funds for veterans.
2. Pension Benefits: The (https://www.pbgc.gov/workers-retirees/learn/find-your-retirement-benefits) holds retirement benefits for workers whose pension plans were terminated.
3. Tax Refunds: The IRS holds unclaimed tax refunds, though these usually expire after three years.   
4. Savings Bonds: Billions in matured U.S. Savings Bonds are held by the federal government. Visit (https://www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/) to search for these.
5. Multi-State Search: If you have lived outside Pennsylvania, search MissingMoney.com, a national database endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

The promise of "free money" attracts fraudsters. Be vigilant and follow these guidelines:

• Official Sources Only: The Pennsylvania Treasury will never ask for sensitive info via text message. Text alerts about unclaimed property are almost always scams.
• Finder Fees: You do not need to pay anyone to find your money. You can search for free. If you do hire a "finder," Pennsylvania law strictly prohibits them from charging a fee higher than 15%.
• Upfront Costs: Legitimate finders take their fee from the recovered money after it is paid. Never pay an "upfront fee" for taxes or processing.

Frequently Asked Questions