State Unclaimed Property in North Carolina

Official search

Search is free at nccash.gov, which also takes claims online; search before filing a claim.¹

Documents for an heir or estate claim

For a deceased owner, the heir or representative contacts the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the deceased lived to obtain documentation showing authority to claim on behalf of the estate.²

Depending on the circumstances, the Clerk can determine the most efficient documentation needed to show authority to claim the property on behalf of the estate.²

Claiming without a probate order

N.C.G.S. 28A-25-1 (intestate estates) and 28A-25-1.1 (testate estates) let an heir, an executor named in the will, or a creditor present a small-estate affidavit filed with the Clerk of Superior Court, rather than opening full probate.^{3, 4}

The affidavit covers personal property not exceeding $20,000 in value, or $30,000 when the surviving spouse is the sole heir (after reduction for any spousal allowance paid under G.S. 30-15), and may be used at any time after 30 days from the date of death.^{3, 4}

NCCash directs heirs to the Clerk of Superior Court to determine the most efficient route, which may include the small-estate affidavit procedure.²

Processing time

Claims are processed in the order they are received, and normal processing time is approximately 90 days.^{1, 2}

NCCash currently reports processing times greater than 90 days because of the unusually high volume of claims.¹

How an approved claim is paid

The Division notifies the claimant by email when the claim is approved for payment.¹

Deadline to claim

NCCash states there is no time limit for filing claims: the state maintains unclaimed assets for the rightful owners forever, so an owner or their heirs can claim at any time.²

Governing law: N.C.G.S. Chapter 116B (Escheats and Abandoned Property)

Clerk of Superior Court

Administers decedents' estates and determines the documentation that shows authority to claim for the estate²

1. 1.NCCash (North Carolina Department of State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division)
2. 2.Claims Frequently Asked Questions (NCCash)
3. 3.N.C.G.S. 28A-25-1, Collection of property by affidavit when decedent dies intestate
4. 4.N.C.G.S. 28A-25-1.1, Collection of property by affidavit when decedent dies testate