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).

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