LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Every year, Kentucky and Indiana officials return millions of dollars to residents who have unclaimed property in their name.
Unclaimed property is any financial asset that has been left inactive by its owner for an extended period of time – usually about three years. These assets can include: closed bank accounts, court deposits, insurance checks, utility refunds, old paychecks, or closed estates.
After multiple failed attempts to contact the owner, the company with the individual's assets will report unclaimed property to state governments each year.
It's free to search for unclaimed property on state websites or nationally on Missing Money.
If an agency tries to offer a fee to make a claim on your behalf, officials advise trying to do it yourself first.
Kentucky
To check if you have unclaimed property in Kentucky, visit the state treasurer's website.
Once a claim is filed, you will need to verify the address listed on the unclaimed property as your current or former address and will be required to provide documentation. Only the owner, heir or court-appointed representative can file a claim for unclaimed property.
Depending on how many claims there are before yours will determine how long it takes to receive a check for the unclaimed property.
In Kentucky, there is no time limit for when a person can claim unclaimed property.
Indiana
To check if you have unclaimed property in Indiana, visit the state's unclaimed property website.
Similar to Kentucky, only the owner or heir can claim unclaimed property and will be required to provide documentation and proof that the address listed for the unclaimed property is their current or former address.
Claims could take up to 90 days to process, officials said.
In Indiana, residents have 25 years to claim their unclaimed property before it's turned over to the state and can no longer be claimed.
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