FAQ's:

GENERAL:

GENERAL:

What is “Unclaimed” or “Abandoned” property?

Unclaimed property is usually money and does not pertain to real estate of any kind, such as land or homes. Property is considered unclaimed if someone – other than the owner – holds the property and has not had any contact with the owner, usually for three to five years. Common sources of unclaimed property are:

  • Inactive savings and checking accounts;
  • Uncashed checks, such as payroll, refunds;
  • Forgotten telephone or utility deposits;
  • Inactive stocks and bonds;
  • Life insurance policy proceeds;
  • Virtual Currency.
How does property become unclaimed?

Funds are deemed unclaimed if there is no activity or contact with the rightful owner for a set period of time, generally 3 to 5 years. Before funds are transferred to the State Treasurer, banks and/or companies must contact the owner, usually by sending a letter and in some cases by email, to the owner at the last known address in their records. If the owner does not respond to the contact from the bank and/or company, the property is deemed unclaimed and sent to the Treasurer for safekeeping until it can be returned to the rightful owner.

If I have unclaimed property, how can I get it back?

If you discover that you have unclaimed property, you can file a claim through CTBiglist.gov. In addition, in some cases, as described in the question below on the “CT Big Match” section, the Treasurer sends smaller amounts automatically where a sole owner’s address is verifiable.

Why is unclaimed property at the State?

Unclaimed Property is sent to the state annually by various institutions, called “holders” under the law, such as banks, credit unions, insurance companies, utilities, and businesses in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes section 3-65a. The Treasurer is the custodian of this property until it can be returned to the rightful owner. Unclaimed Property is sent to the Treasurer to protect your funds, centralize your search efforts in locating property you lost contact with, and to prevent a windfall to the company or institution that initially held your funds. The State does not assume ownership of the unclaimed property.

How can rightful owners prevent money from becoming unclaimed property?
  • Keep accurate financial records in a safe and secure location;
  • Keep a list of all bank accounts, stock certificates, broker accounts, insurance policies, utility and other deposits, and your safe deposit box number in a safe secure location;
  • Correspond with all financial institutions and other account holders at least once a year;
  • Cash all checks for dividends, wages and insurance settlements;
  • Answer your email and mail from the institutions that hold your money;
  • If you move, notify all parties of your new address;
  • If you stop receiving dividends, contact the company immediately;
  • Notify a family member or trusted advisor of the location of your records.
What does the state do with escheated funds?

Unclaimed Property receipts are deposited in the Connecticut State General Fund, in accordance with state law. The State never assumes ownership of the unclaimed funds. The State Treasurer is the custodian of these funds until the rightful owners come forward to claim the funds. Owner information stays in the database in the owner’s name until the rightful owner (or heir) claims the funds or receives them through CT Big Match.

How can I find out if I have unclaimed property with the State?

You can use this website, CTBiglist.gov, to search for unclaimed property by going to the home page and entering your name in the search field.

In addition, the Treasurer’s Office is committed to letting people know when they have unclaimed property through direct mailing, outreach events, and through the CT Big Match Program.

What is the CT Big Match Program?

Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell is committed to reuniting Connecticut residents with money that is rightfully theirs. The Unclaimed Property Division has over $1 billion in assets that belong to Connecticut’s residents and that is waiting to be returned. CT Big Match, which was launched in 2025, speeds up the process of returning money to a rightful sole owner when that person has claim to less than $2500. We compare the State’s unclaimed property database with verified address information. When we find a match, we will send you a notification letter and, about 6-8 weeks later, a check will be issued. The owner doesn’t need to take any action to get their money.

Why did the state of Connecticut send me a check?

This money is yours; but you likely didn’t know it. Treasurer Russell is committed to returning unclaimed property to its rightful owners as quickly and easily as possible. With the launch of CT Big Match, we can use data matching tools to match rightful owners with their property. After we found that you matched property in our database, and the check was going to be less than $2500, we sent you a letter describing the property that we were holding for you and, about a month later, we sent you a check so you could be reunited with your money.

One of my family members or friends received a check. Why didn’t I?

Not all property can be automatically returned. Through CT Big Match, the Treasurer can return property that belongs to only one person, is worth less than $2500, and where the name and address information have been verified.

You can search our website and file a claim if you find that we have property in your name that does not qualify for this program.

How do I know the check I received isn’t a scam?

If you are concerned it is a scam, you can call our unclaimed property team at 1-800-833-7318.

Is there a fee for claiming unclaimed funds held by the State?

No, it is absolutely free! If at any time you can prove the unclaimed property is yours, the Treasurer will return it to you without charge. You do not need to hire someone to locate your unclaimed assets.