Claims FAQs
Information for individuals, businesses, governments, agents, and finders looking to file unclaimed property claims.
CLAIMS:
- How do funds become Unclaimed Property?
- How much money do I have and what is the source?
- How do I claim my funds?
- How can I check the status of my claim?
- Why am I being asked to submit information to Oregon State Treasury? I thought the Unclaimed Property Program was administered by the Oregon Department of State Lands.
- What if I can’t locate funds in my name, but I know it has been reported?
- What kind of documentation do you require?
- How do you protect my information?
- Is your information subject to public records requests?
- What if my claim involves securities or investments?
- How do I claim funds for a deceased relative?
- How do I claim funds as a business?
- How do I find a notary?
- How long does it take to receive lost funds?
CLAIMS:
How do funds become Unclaimed Property?
Property becomes unclaimed when the owner of the funds loses contact with the company holding the funds for an extended time, generally three years. If the owner’s last known address was in Oregon, state law requires the company to send the unclaimed funds to Oregon State Treasury to be held, forever, for the owner.
How much money do I have and what is the source?
To protect your privacy and prevent fraud, we do not list specific amounts and sources on our website, nor do we give that information out on the phone. The best way to work with us is to submit a claim. We process claims in the order we receive them. Depending on workload, that could take up to 10 months.
How do I claim my funds?
Claiming your funds is easy. You may file an electronic claim on our website and upload all your documents electronically. Here are instructions for each step of the claims filing process:
- Search for Property https://unclaimed.oregon.gov/app/claim/how-to-search
- Submit a Claim https://unclaimed.oregon.gov/app/claim/how-to-submit
- Complete a Claim https://unclaimed.oregon.gov/app/claim/how-to-complete
How can I check the status of my claim?
Once you submit your claim, you will receive a claim number and email confirmation. You can use it to check on the status of your claim here.
Why am I being asked to submit information to Oregon State Treasury? I thought the Unclaimed Property Program was administered by the Oregon Department of State Lands.
In 2019, the Oregon Legislature voted to move the Unclaimed Property Program from Department of State Lands to Oregon State Treasury. The move became official on July 1, 2021, and Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program and team are now part of Treasury. The processes for claiming and reporting property remain the same. Proceeds from interest earned on unclaimed property and from escheated estates continue to accrue to the Oregon Common School Fund, and twice-yearly distributions to Oregon schools will continue just as they have in the past.
What if I can’t locate funds in my name, but I know it has been reported?
That can happen, especially with recent property that hasn’t gone through the process that posts it to our website. But don’t worry; we can still help. You can complete a pending claim form and follow the directions provided. If you are unable to print this document, please contact us at claims@ost.state.or.us or 503-378-4000 and we will be happy to mail you one. After you’ve completed the Claim Form and compiled the necessary details, please mail them to our office or upload them here. Do not send any sensitive information via email.
What kind of documentation do you require?
We take your money very seriously. That’s why we need to verify that only you can claim your funds. To help us with this process, please be ready to provide documents that will prove your identity, residence, and connection with the property you are claiming. Here are examples of what we may ask for, depending on the complexity of each claim:
- Copy of a current, government-issued photo ID
- Proof of current mailing address
- Proof of address for the property you are claiming. That can be any correspondence with your name and that address on it. If it’s been too long, and you no longer have such documentation, write us a brief explanation regarding your knowledge of that address.
- Proof of social security number, such as a copy of your social security card, copy of a tax document with your social security number, or any other document that would have it. While we don’t require this information, providing it will help us validate your claim faster.
This is a good start. Just know that we may need a notary for some claims, and we may request additional documentation if necessary.
How do you protect my information?
Yes, we ask for a lot of sensitive information. That’s because we need it to return property to rightful owners. Here’s how we protect your information:
- Our website uses top-of-the line encryption to ensure your connection is secure.
- Only claims staff who need to approve and review claims can access claim records.
- We lock printed records when not in use, and we don’t remove sensitive information from the office.
- Our work area is secure, so no unauthorized eyes see your information.
- All data is encrypted and stored within a secure facility that meets the highest level of certification for handling sensitive information.
You can help us keep your information secure. Always upload your claim forms and supporting documentation to our website OR send them by mail to 867 Hawthorne Ave. SE Salem, OR 97301. Never email us your claim forms; forms have sensitive information, and email communication is not secure.
Is your information subject to public records requests?
Yes, our records are subject to public records requests. Most of our requests are for high-level information that is either public or not sensitive. Before we release any documents, we protect the data in our custody. First, we identify all information that could constitute an invasion of privacy, as defined by law. Then, we redact all the information we can, based on advice from our attorneys. We never release information that could put you at risk of identity theft, such as social security number, date of birth, state identification number, and financial account numbers.
What if my claim involves securities or investments?
The process to claim securities or investments is the same as claiming any other property. Just know that some stock and mutual funds are liquidated on a specific schedule. Depending on the timing of your claim, you may be able to claim the cash value only. If we still have your investments, you can request that we sell them, or you can have them reinstated. We may require the original stock certificates. If you can’t find them, we’ll accept a surety bond. This is rare, and if you need one, we’ll tell you how to get it.
How do I claim funds for a deceased relative?
You need to be one of the closest relatives or listed in court documents as entitled to the person’s estate. In addition to items outlined above, we may request the following:
- Death certificate or proof of death, such as an obituary
- Court-certified probate documents, including small estate affidavit
- Proof of your relationship with the owner of the funds
How do I claim funds as a business?
Specific requirements for claims submitted on behalf on businesses and government agencies can be found at OAR 170-140-0110. Be sure all power-of-attorney forms and other authorizations are dated within one year of the date of inquiry. To validate your claim, we may request the following information:
- Proof of FEIN
- Evidence linking the business to the property
- Photo ID of the person authorized to claim on behalf of the company
- Written proof that the person making the claim has authority to act on behalf of the company
How do I find a notary?
Many banks, law office, credit unions, and public agencies have public notaries who will notarize documents for free or a small fee. Some shipping stores and copy centers also have notaries, and some notaries can come to your location to notarize documents. Locate a notary near you.
https://www.nationalnotary.org/resources-for/public/find-a-notary
How long does it take to receive lost funds?
Our goal is to respond within 120 days, but actual timing depends on claim type and our overall workload. Our system will approve simple claims of less than $2,500 the day we receive them. For a quick approval, the information you provide must be complete and match what we have in our system. Approved claimants receive a confirmation email in 1-2 business days, followed by the mailed payment within a couple of weeks.
Many claims require a manual review. We work these claims in the order they are received. The timeline varies, depending on the number of claims pending processing. At our busiest, it may take us as long as 10 months to process a claim.
You can check the status of your claim online by using your claim number and looking for the “Check Claim Status” section. You may also send us an email. If your need is urgent, please let us know, and we will try to help.