How to Find and Claim Unclaimed Funds in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to billions of dollars in unclaimed funds, waiting for the rightful owners to claim them. Whether you’ve moved out of a home and left behind a utility deposit, forgotten about an old bank account, or are an heir to property from a deceased relative, there’s a chance you could be entitled to money that has been sitting in state coffers for years.

This article will guide you through the process of finding and claiming unclaimed funds in New Jersey, highlighting the importance of checking regularly and how the state makes it easy for residents to recover their lost assets.

Understanding Unclaimed Property in New Jersey

Unclaimed property refers to any financial assets or physical items that have been abandoned or forgotten by individuals or businesses. In New Jersey, this includes:

Utility deposits
Insurance payouts
Dividends
Forgotten bank accounts
Stock certificates
Safe deposit box contents
Estate property

These assets are turned over to the New Jersey Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA) after three years of inactivity or abandonment. The UPA ensures these funds remain safe until they are claimed by the rightful owner or heir.

According to the UPA, fiscal year 2024 was a record year, with $261.4 million returned to more than 100,000 claimants. Since the program began, over $2.7 billion has been distributed to New Jersey residents.

Why You Might Have Unclaimed Funds

There are several reasons why someone might have unclaimed funds:

Mistakenly leaving behind a utility deposit when moving out.
Forgetting about an old bank account or investment.
Not receiving dividends as a shareholder.
Being an heir to property from a deceased relative who never passed on the information.

The UPA encourages people to check every three to six months, especially if they’ve changed addresses or names. Even if you don’t remember having any such assets, it’s worth searching.

How to Search for Unclaimed Funds in New Jersey

Checking for unclaimed funds in New Jersey is simple and free. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to www.nj.gov/upa to search for unclaimed property. This is the only official source for New Jersey’s unclaimed funds.

Step 2: Use Your Social Security Number

You’ll need your Social Security number to begin the search. If you’re searching for a deceased relative, you’ll also need documents like a death certificate and proof of relationship.

Step 3: Review the Results

Once you enter your details, the system will show you any unclaimed funds associated with your name. These may include money from utility deposits, insurance, or even forgotten investments.

Step 4: Submit a Claim

If you find something, you can submit a claim online or by mail. The UPA will verify your identity and send the funds directly to you, along with interest accrued since the property was turned over.

What to Expect When Claiming Funds

No fees: The UPA does not charge any fees for searching or claiming funds.
Interest paid: If the property was held for more than a year, you may be eligible for interest.
Quick processing: Most claims are processed within a few weeks, and many people receive their funds within a month.

Steve Harris, the Unclaimed Property Administrator, emphasized that “we pay interest from the time we receive the property until the time we pay it.” This means your money could grow while it’s being held by the state.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the process is straightforward, there are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Using third-party services: Some companies offer to help you find unclaimed funds for a fee, but these are often scams. Always use the official UPA site.
Missing name changes: If you’ve changed your name, make sure to search under your maiden name or any previous legal names.
Ignoring former addresses: If you’ve moved, check for funds tied to your old address.

What If You’re an Heir?

If you’re an heir to property from a deceased relative, you may still be able to claim the funds. To do so, you’ll typically need:

A death certificate
Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage license)
Legal documents related to the estate

The UPA provides guidance on how to proceed with these types of claims, ensuring that heirs can access the funds they’re entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get my money?

A: Most claims are processed within a few weeks, and many people receive their funds within a month.

Q: Is there a limit on how much I can claim?

A: No — the amount depends on what was left unclaimed.

Q: Can I claim money from multiple states?

A: Yes, if you’ve lived in other states, you should check those as well.

Q: What if I don’t find anything?

A: That’s okay! Many people don’t have unclaimed funds, but it’s still worth checking periodically.

Conclusion

New Jersey’s unclaimed property program offers a valuable opportunity for residents to recover lost money and assets. With billions of dollars in unclaimed funds, it’s likely that at least some of it belongs to you — whether you know it or not.

By using the official UPA website and following the steps outlined above, you can easily search for and claim your share of the money that’s rightfully yours. Don’t let your hard-earned assets go unnoticed — take action today.

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How to Find & Claim Unclaimed Funds in NJ

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Discover how to find and claim unclaimed funds in New Jersey. Learn the process, requirements, and tips for recovering lost money. Free and easy!

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Author: Emily Johnson

Title/Role: Financial Research Analyst

Credentials: Emily has over a decade of experience in financial research and policy analysis, focusing on unclaimed property programs across the United States. She has contributed to multiple publications on personal finance and government transparency.

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New Jersey holds billions in unclaimed funds. Check the official UPA website to search for utility deposits, bank accounts, or inheritance. No fees, quick processing, and interest paid. Start today to reclaim your money.

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Stay updated with the latest news and opportunities in New Jersey. Explore the UPA website and discover if you’re owed money. Take action now — your future self will thank you!