State Unclaimed Property in New York: when someone dies
A 3-step process for New York State Office of the State Comptroller — Office of Unclaimed Funds after a death in New York.
Administering agency
New York State Office of the State Comptroller — Office of Unclaimed Funds
Authority
N.Y. Abandoned Property Law
Steps to take
- 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 Office of Unclaimed Funds holds property until it is claimed, so there is generally no deadline for an owner or heir to file a claim.
Sources
Data sourced from State Unclaimed Property in New York primary sources (5 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