Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced SearchAndClaimPA.gov as Treasury's upgraded unclaimed-property site, according to GantNews in its upgraded site announcement. Visitors search the state database by name at any time and start a claim online.
Unclaimed property means money and items held after an owner loses contact, such as dormant bank accounts and uncashed checks. The amount at stake is large. PA Treasury via EINNews reports the program affects more than one in ten Pennsylvanians, with over $5 billion sought and an average claim above $1,000, in its Treasury return report.
Table of Contents
- What counts as unclaimed money?
- How do you search and start a claim?
- What is different on the new site?
- What still needs a documented claim?
What counts as unclaimed money?
PA Treasury describes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stocks and bonds, and insurance policies as common types. Safe-deposit-box contents can also transfer to Treasury custody. Those contents include coins, jewelry, and savings bonds.
Such property often results from moves, name changes, closed accounts, or missed mail. A small check from an old job can sit unclaimed for years. A relative's insurance benefit can also go unclaimed.
How do you search and start a claim?
Anyone can search the online database at any time and start a claim online, according to PA Treasury in its Leap Year claim guidance. The same guidance lists free help at 800-222-2046 and [email protected].
Filing directly with Treasury is free. Use this basic sequence:.
- Search SearchAndClaimPA.gov for your current and prior names
- Open each possible match and check the details
- Follow the online claim prompts and submit proof
- Ask Treasury for free help if a record is unclear
What is different on the new site?
Garrity describes the replacement as a better and faster way to return money, according to PennWatch. The system offers additional details and enhanced features. PSATS notes that users can easily share a property listing to notify someone else.
Payment is also more flexible than before. PA Treasury notes many claims can be paid by direct deposit rather than mailed check. That option can shorten the wait after approval.
What still needs a documented claim?
Pennsylvania Money Match automatically returns only single-owner property valued up to $500 after verification, according to PA Treasury in its Money Match details. Larger amounts and multi-owner property still need a search and documented claim. Automatic payment does not cover every record.
Tioga Publishing and PA Treasury add two practical points. Many direct filings qualify for Fast Track when the claimant enters a Social Security number. People who lived outside Pennsylvania should also check MissingMoney.com.
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