State Unclaimed Property in Rhode Island: when someone dies
A 4-step process for Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer — Unclaimed Property after a death in Rhode Island.
OverviewWhen someone dies
Administering agency
Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer — Unclaimed Property
Phone401-462-7676
WebsiteVisit website →
Authority
R.I. Gen. Laws Title 33, Chapter 33-21.1 (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act)
Verified Jul 2026
Steps to take
- Search findrimoney.gov for the deceased's name (last name, or last and first) and narrow by city or ZIP code if there are too many results.
- Select the property, click CLAIM, and continue to file the claim; the claim form states the documentation the Division requires for that property.
- Upload the requested documentation through the Upload Claim Documentation page on findrimoney.gov, and check progress through Check the Status of a Claim.
- Call the Unclaimed Property Division at 401-462-7676 or email ups@treasury.ri.gov with questions about what a deceased owner's claim requires.
Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer — Unclaimed Property
Phone: 401-462-7676
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
Search the Office of the General Treasurer's official site, findrimoney.gov, select the property, and file the claim online. The claim form states the documentation the Unclaimed Property Division requires; supporting documents are submitted through the site's Upload Claim Documentation page. The Division answers questions at (401) 462-7676 or ups@treasury.ri.gov.
No. Treasury holds the property in trust until the rightful owner or a legitimate heir claims it, including after the original owner's death. By statute the Division must consider a filed claim within 90 days and give written notice if it is denied (R.I. Gen. Laws 33-21.1-24).
Rhode Island's small-estate route is voluntary administration. Under R.I. Gen. Laws 33-24-1, when a resident dies leaving only personal property (exclusive of tangible personal property) worth $15,000 or less and no petition for letters has been filed, a surviving spouse, child, grandchild, parent, sibling, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, or other interested party may file a sworn statement with the probate court 30 days after the death and receive a certification of appointment as voluntary administrator. Presenting that certification lets the voluntary administrator receive payment of debts and assets listed in the statement, in lieu of Letters Testamentary.
Sources
Data sourced from State Unclaimed Property in Rhode Island primary sources (7 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer — Unclaimed Property
Phone401-462-7676
WebsiteVisit website →
Authority
R.I. Gen. Laws Title 33, Chapter 33-21.1 (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act)
Verified Jul 2026