How to Access and Review an Unclaimed Property Account on NCCash.com

Detailed Answer

NCCash.com is the official unclaimed-property portal operated by the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer. When businesses, banks, or insurers cannot locate the rightful owner of money or property for a statutory period (usually 1–5 years), they must transfer it to the State under the North Carolina Unclaimed Property Act, N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 116B-52 et seq.. A personal representative, heir, or individual owner can reclaim those funds at no cost. Follow the six steps below.

Step 1 – Search the Database

Visit NCCash.com and enter the owner’s name, city, or ZIP code. The site will list each property type, amount range, and the business that reported it.

Step 2 – Choose the Correct Claimant Type

• Individual Owner – You are the person named on the account.
• Estate Representative – You serve as Executor or Administrator. Have your Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration ready (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-14-1).
• Heir or Beneficiary – No personal representative has been appointed. You may qualify to use the Small-Estate Affidavit procedure for amounts ≤ $20,000 (≤ $30,000 if the surviving spouse is the sole heir) under § 28A-25-1.

Step 3 – Start an Online Claim

Click “Claim” beside the property and create or log into your NCCash account. Enter current contact information and answer ownership questions. The portal generates a Claim ID—save it.

Step 4 – Gather Supporting Documents

The Unclaimed Property Division will email or display a checklist. Typical items include:

• Government photo ID (driver’s license or passport).
• Proof of Social Security number or EIN (redact first five digits).
• Proof of last known address that matches the reported property (old tax return, utility bill, or bank statement).
• If claiming for an estate: certified death certificate, Letters Testamentary/Administration, or Small-Estate Affidavit + file-stamped copy of the will (if any).
• If multiple heirs: a signed Heir Assignment of Interest form from each co-heir, as required by § 116B-67.

Step 5 – Submit Documents

You may upload PDFs through your online account or mail originals/certified copies to:

Unclaimed Property Division
3200 Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27604

Write the Claim ID on each page. Mailed originals are returned after processing.

Step 6 – Track and Receive Payment

Use the “Check Claim Status” tool. If the examiner needs more proof, respond within 30 days to avoid denial. Approved claims are typically paid within 90 days via check or ACH, as required by § 116B-65.

Hypothetical Example

Assume your late aunt, Mary Smith, died without a will, and you find a $4,200 credit-union account in her name on NCCash.com. Because the amount is below $20,000, you file a Small-Estate Affidavit under § 28A-25-1 with the clerk of court, obtain a certified copy, and upload it with Mary’s death certificate and your ID. Thirty-five days later, the Division mails you a check payable to “John Smith, Affiant for the Estate of Mary Smith.” You deposit the funds into the estate account and distribute them under intestacy rules.

Helpful Hints

• File a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service before you start so mail from the Treasurer arrives promptly.
• Scan and save every document you upload. If the portal glitches, you can re-submit quickly.
• Use certified mail for original court documents; keep the receipt.
• If the claim remains pending more than 120 days, email UPD.claims@nctreasurer.com and attach your Claim ID.
• Beware of fee-based “locators.” You can reclaim property yourself for free.

Need Help Navigating the Process?

The unclaimed-property system looks simple, yet probate rules and document requests can derail a claim—especially when multiple heirs or unclear titles are involved. Our North Carolina probate attorneys routinely retrieve NCCash funds, finalize estates, and resolve heir disputes. Call us today at (919) 341-7055 for a free consultation.