Unclaimed Property in Minnesota After a Death

Who can claim for someone who has died

If the owner left a will or a court appointed a representative, that personal representative or administrator files the claim and the payment goes to the estate. If there was no will, heirs can claim by completing the Department’s Table of Heirship.

What you will typically need

• ✓A completed claim form with original, notarized signatures
• ✓A copy of the deceased owner’s death certificate
• ✓If there was a will or a court appointment: a copy of the will or the Letters of Administration showing you have authority to claim for the estate
• ✓If there was no will: a completed Table of Heirship, which the Department publishes on its website
• ✓If one person is claiming on behalf of all the heirs: a notarized release statement, with an original signature, from each other heir naming that person to claim the funds
• ✓Proof of any name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce papers, if the owner’s name changed

Requirements can vary with the type and amount of property. Follow the instructions on the official site.

What it costs

You do not need a paid service to file with the Department of Commerce. If you do hire a finder, the Department asks for a copy of your agreement with the claim.

Good to know

• •The Department says a complete claim, with original signatures, notarization and every required document, should be processed within 90 days. If you have not heard anything after 90 days, you can call 651-539-1545.
• •For life insurance and similar benefits, if the named beneficiary died before the insured, the Department asks for the insurance document showing all beneficiaries. If no other beneficiary is listed, the claim follows the insured’s estate process.
• •The Department safeguards the property for the owner or heirs. Minnesota’s program also holds the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes.

Search other states too

Property is reported to the state where the company is located, so check every state your loved one lived in. MissingMoney.com searches most participating states at once. You can also browse every state and DC in our unclaimed property guide.