State Unclaimed Property in Michigan

Official search

unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov offers a free search with secure online document upload.¹

Fees

There is never a charge to search or file a claim.¹

Who may claim for a deceased owner

If the owner is deceased, Treasury accepts a claim from a biological heir or devisee of the original owner, a beneficiary, or the personal representative if the estate is currently in probate.²

A biological heir, devisee, or beneficiary claims a deceased owner's property directly. Treasury does not require Letters of Authority from an heir or devisee; they are needed only where a personal representative is claiming for an estate in probate.²

Documents for an heir or estate claim

The claimant uploads proof of death and the requested supporting documentation through the portal.²

As applicable, the claimant provides proof of relationship to the owner or proof of authority to act for the estate.²

Claiming without a probate order

MCL 700.3983 lets heirs use a sworn statement on SCAO form PC 598 when the estate includes no real property, its value net of liens is within the adjusted limit, at least 28 days have passed since death, and no personal representative has been appointed or applied for.^{3, 4}

For a decedent who died in 2026 the limit is $53,000: the statutory $50,000 adjusted for inflation under MCL 700.1210, as certified annually by the Department of Treasury.^{5, 6}

Processing time

MCL 567.245 requires the administrator to consider each claim within 90 days after it is filed.⁷

Treasury asks claimants to allow 90 days for processing.²

How an approved claim is paid

Treasury asks claimants to allow approximately 6 weeks from the time the claim begins the approval process to receive payment. Allowed claims are paid to the verified claimant.²

If a claim is denied

MCL 567.245 requires the administrator to give written notice to the claimant if the claim is denied in whole or in part.⁷

Deadline to claim

There is no time limit for filing a claim. Treasury serves as custodian and holds the funds until the rightful owner or their heirs come forward.²

Governing law: MCL 567.221 et seq. (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Act 29 of 1995)

Administrator's decision on a claim

within 90 days of the date the claim is filed; the administrator gives written notice to the claimant if the claim is denied in whole or in part⁷

Earliest use of the small-estate sworn statement on SCAO form PC 598

at least 28 days after the date of death³

1. 1.Michigan Unclaimed Property (Michigan Department of Treasury)
2. 2.Michigan Unclaimed Property Frequently Asked Questions: Claims
3. 3.MCL 700.3983, Collection of personal property by affidavit
4. 4.SCAO form PC 598, Affidavit of Decedent's Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent
5. 5.Notice of cost-of-living adjustments, Estates and Protected Individuals Code (Michigan State Treasurer), January 30, 2026
6. 6.MCL 700.1210, Cost-of-living adjustment of dollar amounts
7. 7.MCL 567.245, Consideration of claims