Kentucky Unclaimed Money | StateRecords.org

What is Unclaimed Money in Kentucky?

Under Kentucky law, unclaimed money is defined as any money or property that has been abandoned or unclaimed by its rightful owner. This can include things like uncashed paychecks, refunds, deposits, and other types of financial assets.

The Kentucky Department of Treasury is responsible for handling all unclaimed money in the state. Pursuant to the provisions of Kentucky law, the money or property is deemed abandoned or unclaimed if it has been inactive for a period of five years or more.

Once money or property is deemed abandoned or unclaimed, the owner has two years to claim it before it becomes the property of the state. After that point, it is turned over to the Department of Treasury in a process known as escheatment.

Escheatment involves the state taking possession of the unclaimed money or property and holding it in trust for the rightful owner. The owner can then claim the money or property at any time by proving their identity and entitlement to it.

How to Find Unclaimed Money in Kentucky

There are a few different ways that someone can find out if they have unclaimed money in Kentucky. The first is to search the Department of Treasury’s online database. This database includes all unclaimed money that has been turned over to the state, as well as the names of the rightful owners. The search function on the Kentucky unclaimed property site allows users to input their last name, first name, and middle initial in order to see if any unclaimed money is owed to them. If a match is found, the user will be directed to a claim form which must be completed and submitted in order to receive the funds. To query the office via mail, requestors may address their enquires to:

Kentucky State Treasury
Unclaimed Property Division
1050 U.S. Hwy 127S,
Suite 100
Frankfort, KY 40601
Email: Unclaimed.property@ky.gov

Another way to obtain information about unclaimed money in Kentucky is to contact the county clerk in the county where the subject of the search is resident. The county clerk may have records of unclaimed money that has been turned over to the state.

The Kentucky Department of Treasury is responsible for holding onto unclaimed money and property. This includes money from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and unclaimed life insurance benefits. The department is also responsible for returning the money to the rightful owner.

How Do I Find Kentucky Unclaimed Money for Free?

The unclaimed money database maintained by the office of the Kentucky state treasurer may be accessed without payment. All claims for unclaimed property held by the state of Kentucky are also processed without charge. Typically, unclaimed assets are reported in the name and/or social security number of its owner, and if the claimant can prove ownership of said unclaimed funds or property, they are relinquished to them at no cost.

Kentucky state residents can also access unclaimed money through federal agencies and databases including:

How to Claim Unclaimed Money in Kentucky

Upon confirming ownership of an unclaimed property, claimants are required to visit and request a claim form from the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators website – Missing Money. On the form, the claimant must provide their personal information along with relevant, property-related information. It must also be accompanied by the requirements outlined in the State Treasurer’s Claim Instruction document, this includes:

A copy of a government-issued photo ID
Proof of the social security number (SSN)
Proof of the tax-id number (if claiming for a business or government agency)
Proof of mailing address reported
Proof of ownership of property or funds, or proof of the claimants relationship with the property owner

The claim may then be submitted through the secure link online or via mail to:

Kentucky State Treasurer
1050 US 127 South
Suite 100 Frankfort,
KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-4722
Fax: (502) 564-4200

How Long Does It Take to Get Unclaimed Money in Kentucky?

The length of time it takes to get unclaimed money in Kentucky depends on a few factors, including the type of property and the agency holding the funds.

Certain types of property, such as wages or utility deposits, may be returned to the rightful owner within a few weeks. Other types of property, such as insurance proceeds or tax refunds, may take longer to process along with bank accounts or stock dividends.

However, the best way to find out how long it will take to get unclaimed money is to contact the agency holding the funds.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Money From Deceased Relatives in Kentucky?

The following persons are eligible to claim unclaimed money from deceased relatives in Kentucky:

The surviving spouse of the deceased relative
Adult children of the deceased relative
Parents of the deceased relative
Siblings of the deceased relative
Any other heir of the deceased relative, as determined by Kentucky law

Also eligible are estate executors and court-appointed probate administrations.

The following documents are typically required if claiming on behalf of a decedent:

Proof of the Reported Owner’s SSN.
Copy of the Death Certificate.
If the Reported Owner’s name has changed, proof of the name change (ex. marriage certificate, divorce papers, other court documents).

If the claim is being made for a minor, their SSN and birth certificate will also be required. And if claiming for a trust, a copy of the Trust, Proof of Trust’s Tax-Id Number, and a copy of the trustee's Death Certificate.

What Happens to Kentucky Unclaimed Money if No One Claims It?

Under Kentucky law, unclaimed money must be turned over to the state treasurer's office. If no one claims the money or property, it remains in the custodian's custody until it is claimed.

The state treasurer's office is responsible for holding and safeguarding unclaimed money until it is claimed by its rightful owner. The office also works to locate owners of unclaimed money and reunite them with their funds.