State Unclaimed Property in New Hampshire

Official search

Search and file claims online for free at findnhmoney.gov, the division's official portal.^{1, 2}

Dormancy period

Under RSA 471-C:2, I, most intangible property that has remained unclaimed by the owner for more than 5 years after it became payable or distributable is presumed abandoned and reported to the state.³

Shorter periods apply to some types: unpaid wages after 1 year (RSA 471-C:17), and stock and dividends after 3 years (RSA 471-C:10).³

Who may claim for a deceased owner

Outside the small-estate route, RSA 471-C:26, I(c)(4) requires a probate estate to be opened for any other claim for a deceased owner.⁴

Documents for an heir or estate claim

An heir or estate claim needs proof of death and proof of authority to act for the estate, such as probate court documents (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration).¹

Claiming without a probate order

Under RSA 471-C:26, I(c)(3), where no estate is open, property valued at less than $10,000 that does not include securities in share form may be claimed by the surviving spouse or, if there is none, the next of kin under RSA 561:1, without opening probate.⁴

Where the estate is already closed, the same under-$10,000 property is released according to the probate court's approved final distribution. In both cases the administrator first ensures the Department of Health and Human Services has no claim for assistance paid for the owner.⁴

Processing time

Under RSA 471-C:26, II, the administrator considers each claim within 90 days after it is filed.⁴

If a claim is denied

The administrator gives the claimant written notice if the claim is denied in whole or in part (RSA 471-C:26, II).⁴

Deadline to claim

The Treasury states there is no time limit to claim property: its office is only a custodian until the rightful owners or heirs come forward.⁵

Even after funds escheat to the state or a county, RSA 471-C:31-a lets an owner petition for payment.³

Governing law: RSA 471-C (Custody and Escheat of Unclaimed and Abandoned Property); RSA 471-C:26 (filing of claim)

The administrator considers the claim

within 90 days of the claim is filed; written notice goes to the claimant if the claim is denied in whole or in part⁴

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Any claim for medical or financial assistance paid for the owner, checked before a small-estate release⁴

Probate court

The approved final distribution that governs release of property from a closed estate⁴

1. 1.FindNHmoney.gov (New Hampshire State Treasury, Abandoned Property Division)
2. 2.Unclaimed Property (New Hampshire State Treasury)
3. 3.RSA 471-C, Custody and Escheat of Unclaimed and Abandoned Property
4. 4.RSA 471-C:26, Filing of Claim
5. 5.Claim FAQ (FindNHmoney.gov)