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, a copy of the original court appointment — the Probate and Family Court's Letters of Authority for Personal Representative (MPC 751). If the estate was not probated, the Treasurer's Affidavit of Heirs form, which the Division limits to claims under $1,000.

Small estate option

For estates that were not probated and claims under $1,000: the Treasurer's Affidavit of Heirs form (findmassmoney.gov/docs/MA_Affidavit_of_%20Heirs.pdf), notarized, listing all beneficiaries per intestate law. Separately, for an estate consisting entirely of personal property of $25,000 or less (excluding the value of a car) with no real estate, voluntary administration under M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-1201 can substitute for full probate — filed at least 30 days after death, if no petition for appointment of a personal representative has been filed. It results in no court appointment and no Letters of Authority; the Register of Probate issues an attested copy of the Voluntary Administration Statement (MPC 170), which the voluntary personal representative presents to the holder.

Claim processing time

Allow up to 180 days once the Unclaimed Property Division has received all required documentation. Some claims are approved automatically; most need additional information to verify the claimant is the rightful owner or heir. Claim status can be checked online at findmassmoney.gov.

Governing law: M.G.L. c. 200A

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Search findmassmoney.gov for the deceased's name and prior addresses, and run a multi-state search at missingmoney.com.
2. File a claim as the estate representative or heir:
   • Letters of Authority (MPC 751) if the estate was probated — a copy of the original court appointment
   • The Treasurer's Affidavit of Heirs form if the estate was not probated and the claim is under $1,000
   • Proof of death and identification
3. The Treasurer reviews the claim; allow up to 180 days after the Division has all required documentation.

Frequently asked questions