Unclaimed Property in Oregon After a Death

Oregon’s State Treasury took over the unclaimed property program from the Department of State Lands in 2021. Heir claims have value tiers: an affidavit in lieu of probate works for $1,000 to $10,000, and probate evidence is required above $10,000.

Who can claim for someone who has died

An heir, devisee or other successor of the deceased owner, or the personal representative of the estate, can file a claim. You file with the State Treasury, which took over the program from the Department of State Lands in 2021.

What you will typically need

• ✓A completed Property Claim Form, filed online or on paper, signed with a declaration under penalty of perjury
• ✓A notarized signature on the claim form if the property you are claiming is worth more than $2,500
• ✓Your current photo identification and proof of your current mailing address
• ✓A description of your relationship to the deceased owner, and evidence that the owner was legally entitled to the property
• ✓Evidence of the owner’s death and your right to claim, such as a death certificate, will, letters testamentary, a final decree of distribution or a small estate affidavit
• ✓For property worth $1,000 to $10,000: an Affidavit in Lieu of Probate, or evidence that a probate was filed
• ✓For property worth more than $10,000: evidence of probate, or of a probate filing

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

What it costs

Free. You can file directly with the State Treasury. If you hire a finder, Oregon requires them to hold an investigator license and to give the Treasury a notarized authorization and the signed contract.

Good to know

• •Payment for an heir claim of $10,000 or less is issued for the benefit of the heirs. Above $10,000 it is paid under the probate terms.
• •The Treasury can close a claim if you do not provide the form or requested documents within 90 days, so respond quickly to any request for more evidence.
• •Matching a name is not enough. You must show by a preponderance of the evidence that you are entitled to the property.
• •If you disagree with the Treasury’s decision, you can request a contested case hearing in writing within 60 days.
• •If someone died in Oregon without a will or known heirs, the separate Estates Administration Program handles it: 503-566-9440 or [email protected]. Heirs can claim those assets within ten years of the date of death, or eight years after a court issues an escheat order.

Common questions about unclaimed property in Oregon

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.