State Unclaimed Property in Massachusetts

State Unclaimed Property in Massachusetts: key facts

Administering office

Massachusetts State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division.

Official search

findmassmoney.gov (free search and online claims).

Dormancy period

Property is generally turned over to the Treasurer after three years of no owner contact.

Heir claim documents

If the estate was probated, Letters of Authority (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration). If the estate was not probated, the Treasurer's Affidavit of Heirs form. Claims take roughly 180 days to process.

Small estate option

For estates that were not probated: use the Treasurer's Affidavit of Heirs form (findmassmoney.gov/docs/MA_Affidavit_of_Heirs.pdf), notarized, listing all beneficiaries per intestate law. The same form applies when the estate has been closed and the claim value is under $1,000. For estates with personal property of $25,000 or less and no real estate, voluntary administration under M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-1201 can substitute for full probate; a court-issued Voluntary Administration Statement then serves as the Letters of Authority.

Claim processing time

Approximately 180 days from the date the Unclaimed Property Division receives all required documentation. Some claims are approved automatically; most require additional verification. Claim status can be checked online at findmassmoney.gov.