Unclaimed Money in Delaware
In Delaware, unclaimed money is defined as any financial asset that has been left inactive, lost, or has otherwise had no contact between the holder (such as a bank or corporation) and the rightful owner for a period typically ranging from one to five years. This category of funds includes, but is not limited to, a wide array of properties such as dormant bank and brokerage accounts, unclaimed life insurance policies, uncashed paychecks, traveler’s checks, and unredeemed gift cards.
Looking for Unclaimed
Check to see how you can claim lost cash and property.
Looking for Unclaimed
Check to see how you can claim lost cash and property.
Who's eligible?
Residents of the state who have lost track of their assets, such as dormant bank accounts, unpaid wages, or dividends, may have their money turned over to the state after a period of inactivity or no contact. However, it’s not just current residents who can claim these funds. Former residents who left behind assets before moving out of state are also entitled to claim their unclaimed property. In addition, heirs, executors, or legal representatives may file claims for unclaimed property owed to deceased relatives, provided they can establish their legal authority to do so.Non-residents may also find themselves eligible for unclaimed funds in Delaware. For example, if they previously worked in the state or had dealings with a Delaware-based company that may have resulted in uncashed checks or forgotten deposits, they can claim these assets.
Search for unclaimed money
To discover whether you have unclaimed money in Delaware, you can use MoneyBot5000, a simple digital tool. Here’s how to proceed:
- Visit the MoneyBot5000 website to search for unclaimed assets.
- Use the search function, which is easily accessible on the homepage. Input your details as required. Typically, you will need to enter your name and may also need to provide additional information like your address to refine the search results.
- Examine the search outcomes. The site will display any potential unclaimed properties linked to your details, including a description of each asset and its estimated value.
- If you identify any property that could be yours, follow the instructions provided on the MoneyBot5000 website to initiate a claim or learn more about the necessary steps to take.
Claiming unclaimed money in Delaware is a straightforward process. Here is the detailed step-by-step guide to help individuals through the process from the initial search to filing a claim:
The claiming process in Delaware
Select your claim: If you find property or funds that appear to be yours, select them and verify your connection to the claim. This may involve answering questions related to the address or other identifying information tied to the asset.
Fill out claim forms: After selecting the claim, you’ll be directed to fill out the necessary forms. Complete these with all the requested information to initiate the claim process.
Gather supporting documentation: Depending on the claim, you may need to provide documents that prove your identity and your right to the unclaimed property. This could include proof of address, an ID, or more specific documents related to the type of property (e.g., death certificates for estates, stock certificates for investments).
Required documents
When laying claim to unclaimed property in Delaware, providing the right documentation is crucial to proving that you are the rightful owner of the funds or assets in question. The types of documents required generally depend on the nature of the unclaimed property and your relationship to it. Below is a comprehensive but non-exhaustive list of documents that you may need to gather:
- Proof of identity: This will include a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. This helps establish your identity as the claimant.
- Social Security Number verification: You will need to provide documentation verifying your Social Security Number (SSN), such as a Social Security card, or, in the case of a business, a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
- Proof of last-known address: If the property was reported with an address associated with it, you must provide documentation that shows you resided at, or were associated with, that address. This could be a utility bill, a lease agreement, or similar documents.
- Documentation from the reporting company: If claiming items like dividends, stocks, or insurance products, you may need to provide evidence of doing business with the company that reported the property—such as account statements, stock certificates, or policy documents.
- Legal documentation for estates: In cases where the unclaimed property is part of an estate, ensure you have the proper documentation to prove your legal right to it.
Importance of claiming funds
With approximately 1 in 7 people having assets waiting to be claimed, the significance of searching for and claiming unclaimed funds can hardly be overstated. Incorporating a routine check for unclaimed property into your annual financial check-up can be beneficial as this habit could help ensure you are not leaving money on the table – money that can be used to bolster savings, invest, pay off debts, or simply enjoy. Remember, these funds remain idle until you, the rightful owner, step forward to claim them.
Need to learn more about finding unclaimed money in a neighboring state? See our guides for New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia!
Delaware Department of Revenue - Unclaimed Property Division
Address
Delaware Department of Finance, Office of Unclaimed Property, P.O. Box 8931, Wilmington DE 19899-8931
Phone Number
855-505-7520
Office Hours
8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday-Friday
Start Your Unclaimed Money Search
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Looking for Unclaimed Money?
Check to see how you can claim lost cash and property.