How Heirs Can Locate and Claim Unclaimed Property of a Deceased Relative in North Carolina
Why unclaimed property matters
Bank accounts, insurance checks, stock dividends, and even the contents of a safe-deposit box can slip through the cracks when a loved one passes away. After a set dormancy period, North Carolina law requires businesses holding that property to turn it over to the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Division (UPD). The Treasurer then safeguards the assets until the rightful owner—or that person’s heirs—files a claim. No time limit exists on when heirs may claim funds, but interest stops once the Treasurer receives the property.
The legal backdrop
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 116B-52 declares the State Treasurer the custodian of unclaimed property.
- § 116B-53 lists dormancy periods (generally 3–5 years) that trigger the transfer to the UPD.
- § 116B-73 outlines the claims process for owners and heirs.
Step-by-Step Guide for Heirs
1. Gather estate paperwork first
Collect the death certificate, Letters Testamentary/Letters of Administration, and any small-estate affidavit (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-25-1). These documents prove both death and your authority to act.
2. Search North Carolina’s NCCash.com database
Visit NCCash.com, the UPD’s free search tool. Enter every variation of the decedent’s name, previous married names, and common misspellings. Print or save the claim numbers you find.
3. Look beyond state lines
If your relative ever lived, worked, or opened accounts elsewhere, check the multistate database at MissingMoney.com (endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators).
4. Don’t forget federal sources
- IRS refunds: Where’s My Refund?
- U.S. Savings Bonds: TreasuryDirect.gov
- Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for lost pensions: PBGC search
5. File a proper heir claim with the Treasurer
- Download Form A-25 (Heir Claim) from NCCash.com.
- Attach the required proof:
- Certified death certificate
- Probate documents showing your authority (Letters or small-estate affidavit)
- Photo ID and Social Security number for each heir
- Notarize the form and mail the packet to the UPD address on the form. Keep copies.
The UPD typically processes complete claims within 90–120 days. If documents are missing, the Division will issue a written request for additional proof.
6. Resolve disputes or complex estates
If multiple heirs disagree on who should file, the probate court can appoint a personal representative to act. Under § 28A-13-3, that representative has statutory authority to collect property, including unclaimed funds.
Hypothetical example
Maria dies intestate in Wake County. Her adult children, John and Elena, qualify as co-administrators. While closing the estate, they check NCCash.com and find a $2,400 utility-deposit refund and a dormant bank account worth $3,100. They submit an Heir Claim with their Letters of Administration and Maria’s death certificate. The Treasurer pays the $5,500 to the estate, which they then distribute per North Carolina’s intestacy laws.
Helpful Hints
- Search early—unclaimed property can help pay estate debts before heirs divide assets.
- Check spelling variants and former addresses; one extra letter can hide a match.
- NCCash.com updates weekly; re-run your search periodically during probate.
- No fee is required to file a claim. Avoid third-party “finders” that demand up to 20%.
- Interest stops when the UPD receives the property, so waiting does not grow the balance.
- Out-of-state property must be claimed through that state’s program—not the NC Treasurer.
Take the Next Step
Locating and claiming unclaimed property can inject much-needed cash into an estate, but missing paperwork or heir disputes can stall payment. Our North Carolina probate attorneys have years of experience guiding families through every stage—from opening the estate to recovering assets under Chapter 116B. If you need help, call us today at (919) 341-7055. We are ready to make the process smooth and stress-free.
