State Unclaimed Property in Maine

State Unclaimed Property in Maine: key facts

Administering office

Office of the Maine State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property.

Official search

maineunclaimedproperty.gov (free search and online claims).

Phone

Toll-free in Maine 1-888-283-2808; (207) 624-7470.

Heir claim documents

For a deceased owner, the claimant files the Treasurer's Estate Affidavit (a notarized form) with the claim. Checks are made payable to the estate of the deceased owner, not to the claimant. The Treasurer requests any further documents — probate documents, proof of relationship — in writing.

Small estate option

For an unprobated estate, the claimant may pair the Affidavit of a Small Estate in Maine (18-C M.R.S. §3-1201) with the Treasurer's Estate Affidavit and legal proof of relationship, and the check can then be made payable to the claimant rather than the estate, for claims up to $40,000. The statute requires that the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, not exceed $40,000 (adjusted for inflation under 18-C M.R.S. §1-108 and published annually by each county probate court); that 30 days have elapsed since death; and that no personal representative appointment is pending or granted in any jurisdiction. The claimant takes on the responsibility of a personal representative.

Claim decision deadline

Under 33 M.R.S. §2154, the administrator must approve or deny a claim within 90 days after the claim is filed and completed. A claim is complete when the claimant has provided all the information and documentation the administrator requested to prove legal ownership. If the administrator takes no action within the 90-day period, the claim is deemed denied. Once approved, the administrator must pay within 30 days (33 M.R.S. §2155).

Debts that reduce a payout

Under 33 M.R.S. §2155(2), property the administrator holds is subject to a claim for the owner's enforceable Maine debts: child support arrearages (including collection costs), a final court judgment, and state or federal taxes, penalties and interest determined to be delinquent.

Governing law: 33 M.R.S. Chapter 45 (Maine Revised Unclaimed Property Act); 33 M.R.S. 2153-2155

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Search maineunclaimedproperty.gov for the deceased's name and prior addresses, and run a multi-state search at missingmoney.com (the search the Treasurer itself points to for other states).
2. File the claim online, or mail the Mail-In Claim Form to Office of the State Treasurer, Attn: Unclaimed Property, 39 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0039, together with:
   • The Estate Affidavit, signed before a notary — the decedent's name, date of birth, date of death, and residence come from the death certificate
   • For an unprobated estate, the Affidavit of a Small Estate in Maine plus legal proof of relationship, if the claim is up to $40,000 and the check is to be payable to the claimant
   • Any further documents the Treasurer requests in writing
3. Upload any documents the Treasurer requests afterward at maineunclaimedproperty.gov/app/claim-doc-upload, or email up.claimstatus@maine.gov, rather than refiling the claim.
4. The Treasurer reviews the claim and verifies ownership before releasing the funds. Checks are made payable to the estate of the deceased owner unless the small-estate route is used.

Frequently asked questions