Yes, you can claim unclaimed money on behalf of another person — but the rules depend on your relationship to that person and whether they are alive or deceased. This guide covers each scenario.
Claiming for a Living Person Who Can't Act for Themselves
If the property owner is alive but unable to act (due to age, illness, disability, or being overseas), you can claim on their behalf with the right legal authority.
Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney (POA) authorising you to manage financial affairs allows you to file unclaimed property claims on the owner's behalf. Most state unclaimed property offices will accept a POA, but requirements vary:
- The POA must be signed and notarised
- Some states require specific language authorising unclaimed property claims
- You'll need to submit a copy of the POA with the claim
Guardianship or Conservatorship
If you're the court-appointed guardian or conservator of an incapacitated adult, you can claim unclaimed property on their behalf. Include a certified copy of the court order establishing guardianship.
Claiming for a Deceased Person
This is the most common third-party claim scenario. The approach depends on whether the estate went through probate.
If There Was a Will and Probate
The executor named in the will has authority to claim on behalf of the estate. You'll need:
- Certified copy of Letters Testamentary (issued by the probate court)
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Copy of your government-issued ID
If There Was No Will (Intestate)
Without a will, an administrator is appointed by the court. The administrator receives Letters of Administration, which serve the same purpose as Letters Testamentary. If no administrator has been appointed, heirs can often claim smaller amounts directly using an affidavit of heirship.
Small estate shortcut: Most US states have a small estate affidavit process for unclaimed property below a certain threshold (typically $10,000–$50,000) that allows heirs to claim without going through formal probate. The threshold varies by state — check your specific state's unclaimed property rules.
Proving Your Relationship as an Heir
Even with the right legal documents, you'll need to prove your relationship to the deceased. Typical documents:
- Child of the deceased: Birth certificate showing your name and the deceased's name as parent
- Spouse: Marriage certificate
- Sibling: Birth certificates for both you and the deceased showing shared parents
Claiming for a Minor Child
If unclaimed property belongs to a minor child (common with custodial accounts or trust accounts), the parent or legal guardian can claim on their behalf. You'll need to show proof of parentage or guardianship.
What About Using a Finders' Fee Company?
Third-party "heir finders" or "unclaimed property finders" sometimes contact heirs to offer to locate and claim property for a fee — typically 10–30% of the recovered amount. This is legal in most states but unnecessary. All official unclaimed property searches are free, and the claims process is straightforward enough to do yourself.
Note: Some states have laws capping the fees these companies can charge and requiring them to tell you that you can file the claim yourself for free. If you receive a letter from an heir finder, it may be legitimate — but search the databases yourself first before signing any fee agreement.
How to Start the Claim
- 1Search for the property at MissingMoney.com or your state's official unclaimed property database using the original owner's name
- 2Click "Claim" on any matching results and begin the claim form
- 3Indicate that you are claiming as a representative (heir, executor, POA, guardian)
- 4Upload or mail the required supporting documents
- 5Track the claim status through the state portal — processing times are typically 60–90 days
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