State Unclaimed Property in District of Columbia: when someone dies
A 5-step process for DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer — Office of Finance and Treasury, Unclaimed Property Unit after a death in District of Columbia.
Administering agency
DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer — Office of Finance and Treasury, Unclaimed Property Unit
Authority
D.C. Code Title 41, Chapter 1A (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act of 2021); D.C. Code 41-159.03, 41-159.04
Steps to take
- Search unclaimedproperty.dc.gov for the deceased's name and prior DC addresses, and run a multi-state search at missingmoney.com.
- Contact the Unclaimed Property Unit at 202-442-8181 or through its online inquiry form to establish probable ownership. The unit mails the claim form.
- Complete and sign the claim form, have the signature notarized, and attach the documents that apply:
- Death certificate for the original owner
- Letters of Administration or small estate papers from the DC Superior Court Probate Division
- Copy of the photo ID of the person claiming the funds
- Proof of address or ownership connecting the owner to the funds
- Mail the signed claim form and documents to the DC Office of Finance and Treasury, Unclaimed Property Unit, 1101 4th Street SW, Suite W800-B, Washington, DC 20024.
- The Unclaimed Property Unit reviews the claim and, under D.C. Code 41-159.04, allows or denies it within 90 days of filing.
DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer — Office of Finance and Treasury, Unclaimed Property Unit
Phone: 202-442-8181
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
Search unclaimedproperty.dc.gov, then contact the Office of Finance and Treasury Unclaimed Property Unit at 202-442-8181 to establish probable ownership; the unit mails you a claim form. The District requires a court-appointed estate representative to submit the claim, supported by the death certificate, Letters of Administration or small estate papers, photo ID, and proof of the owner's address or ownership.
D.C. Code 41-159.04 requires the Administrator to allow or deny a filed claim and notify the claimant in writing within 90 days of the claim being filed. The Office of Finance and Treasury states that claims are generally processed and paid within 30 days of receipt of all requested evidence.
No. The District states that a claim can be made at any time — unclaimed property is held in a custodial capacity until the rightful owner, personal representative, or legal authorized representative can be found. DC's unclaimed property law is custodial, so there is no time limit on claiming.
Sources
Data sourced from State Unclaimed Property in District of Columbia primary sources (9 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer — Office of Finance and Treasury, Unclaimed Property Unit
Authority
D.C. Code Title 41, Chapter 1A (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act of 2021); D.C. Code 41-159.03, 41-159.04