Unclaimed Money in Georgia

Unclaimed money, also known as unclaimed property, refers to financial assets that have been forgotten or left behind by their rightful owners. In Georgia, as in other states, these unclaimed funds can take numerous forms, ranging from bank accounts, uncashed checks, and insurance policy proceeds to unclaimed wages and security deposits. Even contents from safe deposit boxes can become unclaimed property if they’ve been abandoned or forgotten.

The journey of financial assets to becoming ‘unclaimed’ typically begins when a financial institution or company holding the funds is unable to contact the owner for a while, generally due to the owner not updating personal information or not responding to communication attempts. After a specific dormancy period, which varies depending on the type of property, the holders of these assets are legally required to turn them over to the state through a process known as escheatment.

In the state of Georgia, such funds are safeguarded under the Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act, which endeavors to reunite forgotten assets with their rightful owners while protecting those owners’ rights. Over the last year, approximately $3 billion in unclaimed property claims was reported, with an average claim value of around $2,080 per claim. In 2023 alone, there were close to 33,121 claims for unclaimed property.

Unclaimed money

Looking for Unclaimed

Money?

Check to see how you can claim lost cash and property.

Looking for Unclaimed

Money?

Check to see how you can claim lost cash and property.

Searching for unclaimed property in Georgia

In this section, we will explain how to effortlessly search for and identify any unclaimed property you may have waiting in Georgia’s official databases. To get started, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit the website: Go to MoneyBot5000.
  2. Run the search: Enter your name and address in the search bar to look for unclaimed property.
  3. Browse the results: Look through the search results to find a potential match.

Tips and best practices

Managing unclaimed property and ensuring it doesn’t fall through the cracks requires a blend of proactive strategies and a keen eye for potential scams. Here are some crucial tips and best practices to bear in mind:

Keep your financial records updated

Update your contact information with all financial institutions with which you have an account. Whenever you move or change your contact details, ensure that banks, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and employers have your current address and phone number. It’s also helpful to have a record of all accounts, safe deposit boxes, and other potential sources of unclaimed property.

Stay active with your accounts

Periodic activity in your bank accounts and investments is necessary to help prevent them from being considered dormant. Make small deposits or withdrawals occasionally to maintain an active status, and read all correspondence from financial institutions to catch any issues early.

Cash checks promptly

Do not leave checks unattended, as they can expire or be forgotten—cash or deposit them as soon as possible. These can include paychecks, insurance settlements, utility refunds, and dividends.

Record and secure important documents

Maintaining accurate, well-organized records for all your financial and legal documents can make it easier to track your assets. Store them securely and inform a trusted family member or advisor about their location.

Submitting a claim in Georgia

Initiate the claim -Once you select the property, initiate the claim process by following the instructions on the screen.

Complete the claim form -Fill out the claim form with accurate information. MoneyBot5000 will specify what documentation is needed, which commonly includes a government-issued ID and possibly additional documents such as proof of relationship to the property (e.g., account statements, proof of previous addresses).

Submit documentation -Upload or send the required documents as directed to validate your claim.

Wait for processing -After submitting your claim and all necessary documents, the processing period begins. It’s important to remain patient as they verify the details of your claim.

Follow-up -Stay in touch with the state for updates regarding your claim status. They will communicate through the contact details provided during your claim submission.

Reporting unclaimed property

In Georgia, entities such as corporations, financial institutions, government bodies, insurance companies, and transfer agents are considered “holders” of unclaimed property. These holders are legally obligated to report any unclaimed property that remains unclaimed for a stipulated period, usually five years. It is the holder’s responsibility to ensure that they report these assets to the Georgia Department of Revenue as required under the Georgia Code Sections 44-12-190 through 44-12-207.

Holders are mandated to perform due diligence by attempting to locate the rightful owners of the unclaimed property. This typically involves sending a written notice to the owner’s last known address, a process known as due diligence letters. Such notifications are required for property valued above a customary threshold, usually $50. Holders must keep documentation of these efforts on file to demonstrate their attempts at reuniting the property with its owner.

The state of Georgia safeguards these lost funds until they can be reunited with their rightful owners. While it might require some documentation and patience, the rewards can be worth the effort.

Need to learn more about finding unclaimed money in a neighboring state? See our guides for North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee!

Georgia Department of Revenue - Unclaimed Property Division

Unclaimed money

Address

Georgia Department of Revenue, 4125 Welcome All Rd. STE 701, Atlanta GA 30349

Unclaimed money

Phone Number

855-329-9863

Unclaimed money

Office Hours

8:00am - 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday

Unclaimed money

Start Your Unclaimed Money Search

You may qualify to claim missing money. Search now.

Looking for Unclaimed Money?

Check to see how you can claim lost cash and property.