State Unclaimed Property in New York
The New York State Comptroller's Office of Unclaimed Funds holds unclaimed property — dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and similar assets — until the owner or their heirs claim it. Heirs of a deceased owner file a claim with proof of death and proof of authority to act for the estate.
Administering agency
New York State Office of the State Comptroller — Office of Unclaimed Funds
Authority
N.Y. Abandoned Property Law 1406; N.Y. SCPA 1301
State Unclaimed Property in New York: key facts
- Administering office
- Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), Office of Unclaimed Funds.
- Official search
- ouf.osc.ny.gov (free search and online claims); phone 1-800-221-9311 or (518) 270-2200.
- Heir / estate documents
- A death certificate plus proof of authority — a Certificate of Appointment (Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or a Certificate of Voluntary Administration) from Surrogate's Court, dated within six months of when the claim is submitted, or a Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs where no representative is appointed.
- Court-appointed representative threshold
- Claims of $1,000 or more must be completed by a court-appointed representative; for funds under $1,000 an heir may claim using the small-estate forms, and must distribute the funds under New York's intestacy laws. The heir route is limited to the closest living family member — spouse, then biological or legally adopted children, then parents, then siblings; if none survive, only a court-appointed representative may claim.
- Small estate option
- A SCPA Article 13 Voluntary Administration covers an estate leaving personal property with a gross value of $50,000 or less (N.Y. SCPA 1301); the OSC's estate chart routes estates with less than $50,000 of personal property and no real property to a Voluntary Administrator. Where no representative has been appointed at all, an heir may claim with the Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs — but only for funds under $1,000.
- Funeral-expense reimbursement
- Where no representative has been appointed, whoever paid the funeral expenses may claim reimbursement of up to $5,000 with the death certificate, a Small Estates Affidavit, and proof of the expenses paid.
- Claim processing time
- If no additional documents are needed, claims are processed within 30 days. If OSC requests additional documentation, allow up to 90 days. Payment by check is mailed within 30 days of approval.
Governing law: N.Y. Abandoned Property Law 1406; N.Y. SCPA 1301
Steps to take when someone dies
- Search ouf.osc.ny.gov for the deceased's name and prior addresses, and run a multi-state search at missingmoney.com.
- File a claim as the estate representative or heir:
- A copy of the death certificate
- A Certificate of Appointment from Surrogate's Court (Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or a Certificate of Voluntary Administration), dated within six months of submission, for claims of $1,000 or more
- A Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs where no representative is appointed
- Proof of the deceased's ownership and your relationship
- Submit the claim and supporting documents to the Office of Unclaimed Funds for review.
New York State Office of the State Comptroller — Office of Unclaimed Funds
Phone: 1-800-221-9311
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
Search ouf.osc.ny.gov, then file a claim with a copy of the death certificate and proof of authority — a Certificate of Appointment (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration) from Surrogate's Court, or a Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs where no representative is appointed.
For unclaimed funds of $1,000 or more, only a court-appointed representative may complete the claim. For smaller amounts, an heir may claim using the Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs.
No. The Comptroller's Office holds the property until it is claimed, and states there is no fee or time limit to claim it.
Sources
Data sourced from State Unclaimed Property in New York primary sources (6 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
New York State Office of the State Comptroller — Office of Unclaimed Funds
Authority
N.Y. Abandoned Property Law 1406; N.Y. SCPA 1301