State Unclaimed Property in Kentucky

State Unclaimed Property in Kentucky: key facts

Administering office

Kentucky State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division.

Official search

Search by name at missingmoney.com or through treasury.ky.gov (free search and claims).

Dormancy

Property is generally turned over to the State Treasury after about three years without owner contact.

Decedent claim documents

The claimant must be the executor, administrator, or next of kin. Every claim needs a government-issued photo ID and proof of the Social Security number of the person signing. For a decedent, add a copy of the death certificate and proof of the reported owner's Social Security number. If the estate is open, a current copy of the court appointment must reach the Treasury within 60 days of issuance; if it is closed, provide the appointment plus the final order of distribution; if there was no estate, claim staff determine what further documentation is needed.

Proving authority without a full appointment

Under 20 KAR 1:040, when the owner is deceased the Treasury accepts a copy of the death certificate plus any one of: a copy of the probate distribution; a court order appointing an administrator; a court order dispensing with administration; or a small estate affidavit. A claim form is not required at all for property worth less than $250, which the administrator may pay directly to the apparent owner (KRS 393A.510(3)).

Claim decision deadlines

The administrator must allow or deny a claim within 90 days of filing and notify the claimant of the decision; if no action is taken in that 90-day window, the claim is deemed denied. An allowed claim must be paid within 30 days of allowance. A denied claimant may file an amended claim, and may request an administrative hearing within one year of filing.

Governing law: KRS Chapter 393A (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act); KRS 393A.510, 393A.520, 393A.530, 393A.540; 20 KAR 1:040

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Search missingmoney.com and treasury.ky.gov for the deceased's name and prior addresses.
2. File a claim as the executor, administrator, or next of kin of the decedent:
   • A copy of the death certificate
   • Proof of the reported owner's Social Security number
   • A current copy of the executor's or administrator's court appointment, received by the Treasury within 60 days of issuance
3. Return the completed claim form with an original signature; Treasury claim staff reviews the documentation and requests anything further that is needed.

Frequently asked questions