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How Do I Claim Unclaimed Money for a Deceased Parent?

Use the free tool — Unclaimed Money FL

Who Can Claim Money for a Deceased Parent?

It is the heir or the personal representative of the estate who claims — not just any relative. Florida asks for proof of death and proof of relationship before releasing any funds.

What You Will Need

• Proof of death.
• Proof of relationship to the person who died.
• Letters of administration for larger amounts.
• A small-estate process may apply, depending on the size of the estate.

This is general information, not probate advice. Check the claim instructions at Florida Treasury Hunt, and consider Florida legal aid or a probate attorney for your situation.

Where to Search — In Order

1. Florida: FLTreasuryHunt.gov — the official state search, run by the Florida CFO. Florida holds unclaimed money for anyone who lived or did business here.
2. Other states: MissingMoney.com — the multi-state search run by the state programs themselves. Search every state your parent ever lived in.
3. Pensions: PBGC — search for a pension from a company plan that ended or was taken over.
4. Savings bonds: TreasuryDirect Treasury Hunt — matured U.S. savings bonds that were never cashed.
5. Closed banks or credit unions: FDIC / NCUA — money left at a bank or credit union that closed.

Run each search in order. If a record appears, it will tell you how to start a claim. None of these searches cost anything.

Search Every Name, Every City

Search every version of your parent's name — maiden name, married name, middle initial, common misspellings, "Sr." or "Jr." Search every city and state they lived in, and any business name they used. New unclaimed property is turned over every year, so it is worth checking again later.

No Fee, Ever

Claiming is free. Florida law caps what a "finder" or "locator" may charge, and requires them to be registered (Fla. Stat. 717.1400). You do not need one. Never pay up front. Any email or call saying "we found money for you, pay a fee" is a scam.

What to Do Next

The free tool reads the names, cities and states you type — or a document you already have — and lists the official searches to run, in order, with what each one needs. It never searches a database itself and never knows whether money exists; it only points you to official, free sources. This is not legal or financial advice, and it can be wrong about which search fits your situation — confirm everything with the agency listed.

Unclaimed Money FL lists official, free search sites and explains claim steps in plain language; it can be wrong, and it is not legal or financial advice. It does not search any database itself and never knows whether money exists. For an estate claim, consider Florida legal aid or a probate attorney. Nothing you type is stored.