Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property: How to Search and Claim for Free

How to search for Pennsylvania unclaimed property

The official search is at searchandclaimpa.gov/app/claim-search.¹

Which names and places to try: how to search well.

Fast-track and automatic payments

• "Fast Track"/online approval when you enter your Social Security number on the online claim. Separately, Money Match pays eligible property automatically with no claim. No dollar limit for Fast Track is published.⁸

Pennsylvania's records can also be searched through MissingMoney.com.⁹

Property the state program does not hold

These official bodies keep their own records, searched separately:

• County sheriff or tax claim bureau: foreclosure and sheriff-sale funds are held at county level and are not part of the state program.⁶

How to claim unclaimed property in Pennsylvania, step by step

Claims are filed and documents uploaded on searchandclaimpa.gov; many online claims need no claim form.¹ Cost: Free: Treasury charges nothing to claim.⁶

1. Search the state database by last name or business name; add a first name, city or ZIP to narrow results.¹⁰
2. Select your properties, click CLAIM, then CONTINUE TO FILE CLAIM.¹⁰
3. Enter your claimant details, using your current mailing address.¹¹
4. Review and submit to get a Claim ID.¹¹
5. Check the email and claim form for what your claim needs, then upload documents (or mail them).¹²
6. Track the claim with your Claim ID.¹³

• Notary: Required only for claims of $5,000 or more.¹
• Interest: No statement that Treasury pays interest to claimants. By statute the owner gets only income or increments Treasury actually receives; for sold property, only the amount received.⁴
• If a claim is denied: Appeal to Commonwealth Court within 30 days of the Treasurer's decision. If no action within 90 days of filing, you may sue in Commonwealth Court within 120 days of filing (72 P.S. § 1301.21).⁴

The general process is in our how to claim guide.

Documents you need, by situation

These are the official requirements. The claim form for a specific property can ask for more.

Claiming your own property

• Individual: proof usually comes from address or SSN verification, or sometimes the original property.¹
• Individual, larger claims: photo ID for claims over $5,000.¹²
• Requirements vary and are listed on your own claim form.¹
• Originals are not required unless Treasury specifically asks.¹

A former address or a name change

• Former address not verifiable: Treasury helps; you may be asked for proof of address and, as a last step, a verification letter from the reporting company. Reviewed case by case.¹

The owner has died (estate)

• Heirs can use a Relationship Affidavit for property of $20,000 or less if the owner died a PA resident (20 Pa.C.S. § 3101(e)); otherwise a court-appointed personal representative claims with a short certificate.¹⁴
• Deceased owner, not eligible for the affidavit: short certificate from the Register of Wills.¹

You are an heir

• Deceased owner, heir under the Relationship Affidavit: certified death certificate and sworn affidavit.¹⁴

Securities, safe deposit boxes and other cases

• Power of attorney: fully executed personal POA with signed Notice and Acknowledgement.¹
• Claim through a finder: submit the finder contract with the claim forms.⁶

Not listed in the official sources we checked: a business or government agency. The claim form shows what to send.

See also: claiming for a deceased relative and the claim documents tool.

How long it takes, how you are paid and the deadline

Processing time

• No fixed timeline is published. Claims approved online are paid "in weeks instead of months".¹

How you are paid

Pennsylvania can pay electronically or by check.

• Check or direct deposit.²

Deadline

There is no deadline for owners and heirs in Pennsylvania.

• No time limit: Treasury holds the property in perpetuity.³

Contact the Pennsylvania unclaimed property office

When property becomes unclaimed: dormancy periods

In Pennsylvania most property is presumed abandoned after 3 years without owner contact.⁴ Wages move faster: 2 years.⁴ More on how this works: what happens after the dormancy period.

Other states: dormancy periods table.

• Minimum amounts: None: any amount is reportable.¹⁸
• Gift cards: Reportable after 2 years past the redemption period (or the federal minimum period, if later), or 3 years from issuance if none is stated.⁴
• Published lists of owners: Within 12 months of the report: notice in a legal newspaper and an English-language general-circulation newspaper in the owner's county, or the Pennsylvania Bulletin if no name or address or a non-PA owner; also on Treasury's website.⁴

Finder fees and heir finders in Pennsylvania

The legal limit in Pennsylvania: 15% of the value of the property.⁴ Among the flat caps in our finder-fee comparison, 17 are lower and 6 are higher. You never need a finder: claiming directly is free.⁶

• Are finders allowed? Yes, with a Treasury certificate of registration.⁶
• Contract rules: Finder agreements are valid only if they meet all six statutory conditions.⁴
• The law: 72 P.S. §§ 1301.11(g)-(j), 1301.11a, 1301.11b, 1301.11c, 1301.25(d)¹⁹ (read the text)

Before signing with a finder, read how finders work.

How to spot Pennsylvania unclaimed property scams

Pennsylvania's official search is on searchandclaimpa.gov, a .gov address.¹

What Pennsylvania warns about

• Treasury does not send unsolicited texts about unclaimed property.²⁰
• Ignore and delete phishing messages; do not click or reply.²⁰
• Fake emails can lead to a fake Treasury website asking for logins.²¹
• Treasury will not ask for personal information by unsolicited email or text.²¹
• Treasury never asks for gift-card payment, does not announce grants and does not collect taxes.²²
• Holders: a fake "certificate" email imitating Treasury after an unclaimed property event.²³
• Finder registration exists to protect consumers from predatory practices and fraud.²⁴
• A finder is never required; hiring one is voluntary.²⁵

Unsure about a letter, text or call? Try the scam check or read how to spot a fake notice.

Pennsylvania unclaimed property in numbers

For businesses: reporting unclaimed property to Pennsylvania

• Report due: April 15 of the year after the property became reportable.⁴
• Due diligence letters to owners: Notice to the owner 60 to 120 days before the report date.⁴
• Where to report: searchandclaimpa.gov/app/submit-a-report²⁸
• File format: Electronic, in official NAUPA format.¹⁷
• Penalties: 12% annual interest for failing to report or deliver without proper cause.⁴
• Voluntary disclosure: Voluntary Disclosure Agreement: penalties and interest waived for property reported under its terms.²⁹

New to this? See who must report. Other states' dates are in the holder reporting deadlines table.

Other rules specific to Pennsylvania

• Law: Disposition of Abandoned and Unclaimed Property Act (DAUPA): The Fiscal Code, Article XIII.1 (Act of Apr. 9, 1929, P.L. 343, No. 176), 72 P.S. § 1301.1 et seq.²⁹
• Money Match: Treasury pays eligible property automatically, with no claim, when a holder report names the person as sole owner and the value is under $500 (72 P.S. § 1301.19(b), Act 81 of 2024).⁴
• Money Match letter first, then a check about 45 days later; nothing to do. Questions: [email protected].³⁰
• Money Match returned about $50 million in its first year: "more than $50 million" (Mar. 27, 2026 release) vs. "nearly $50 million" (Feb. 18, 2026 release). Treasury's own releases differ.³¹
• Treasury also mails letters for property from $500.01 to $10,000; these recipients must file a claim.⁸
• Bots and AI are not accepted for claims or claim information.¹
• Stocks are sold on receipt, so claimants get cash, not shares, and Treasury is not liable for later price changes.⁴
• Tangible items are kept about three years, then auctioned; proceeds stay claimable forever.³²
• Treasury's vault holds military decorations with a separate online search; 831 returned since the database launched in 2018 (as of Dec. 2025). A separate Oct. 14, 2026 release says Treasurer Garrity has returned nearly 600 military decorations since taking office in 2021 (different start date).³³
• Auctions run online through Pook & Pook; the Oct. 2026 sale listed over 6,600 items.³⁴
• The Sept. 2026 system adds other claimable properties for the same owner automatically.¹⁶
• Search results can be shared with a friend or relative by email.¹⁶
• Unclaimed savings bonds can escheat to the Commonwealth by Commonwealth Court action; claims remain possible afterward.⁴
• Lost savings bonds not in Treasury's custody are a U.S. Treasury matter (Form 1048; (844) 284-2676).³⁵
• IRAs: Treasury accepts them only in two limited cases, to protect under-59½ owners from the 10% early-distribution tax.¹⁷
• Unclaimed restitution goes to the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund each year, with 5% set aside to pay rightful owners.⁴
• Rural electric cooperatives may keep unclaimed property for local energy assistance, educational or civic programs, while still reporting it.⁴
• Holders must report New Jersey residents' property directly to New Jersey.¹⁸
• Local governments can own unclaimed property; Treasury has returned funds to counties. Treasury's initiative had returned more than $18.9 million to 113 counties, municipalities and school districts (Feb. 18, 2026 release).³⁶
• County-level figures: OpenBookPA shows property available and returned for each of the 67 counties, as of quarter end.⁷
• Community events: Treasury's "Claim Your Unclaimed Property" outreach team helps residents search and claim in person; events are posted on its Facebook page.³⁷
• Life insurance: proceeds are reported three years after knowledge of the insured's death when beneficiaries cannot be found (2016 guidance).³⁸
• Estates with no will and no living heirs can pass to a local municipality, school or community foundation in the final county of residence, not the Commonwealth (Act 50 of 2025).³⁹
• The spring 2026 online auction (March 25) sold more than 4,000 items; Treasury expected to net over $450,000 from gross sales of $523,873.⁴⁰
• To keep accounts from going unclaimed: make a deposit or withdrawal, update contact details, or contact the institution at least every three years.⁴¹
• Money Match letters are real: keep the letter and watch for a check.⁴²
• Since the Sept. 2026 system launch, automatic same-owner matching has matched an additional $5 million to people who filed claims.¹⁶
• Treasury's outreach team took part in nearly 1,000 events in 2026 through late October; organizations can ask Treasury for events, webinars or training.⁴³
• Uncashed local-government bond money: under the Debt Act the paying agent returns it to the local government after two years; the agency holds it three more years, then reports it as unclaimed property.¹⁸

Pennsylvania unclaimed property: questions people ask

What is the dormancy period for unclaimed property in Pennsylvania?

3 years for most property;⁴ other types differ (see the table).

Where do I search for Pennsylvania unclaimed property?

On the official search at searchandclaimpa.gov.¹ Searching and claiming there is free.⁶

When is the Pennsylvania unclaimed property report due?

April 15 of the year after the property became reportable.⁴ Details above.

How do I claim a deceased relative's unclaimed property in Pennsylvania?

Heirs can use a Relationship Affidavit for property of $20,000 or less if the owner died a PA resident (20 Pa.C.S. § 3101(e)).¹⁴ Details above.

Where are the Pennsylvania unclaimed property claim forms?

searchandclaimpa.gov/app/forms (holder forms; claimant forms are generated during the online claim)¹

Which law governs unclaimed property in Pennsylvania?

Disposition of Abandoned and Unclaimed Property Act (DAUPA): The Fiscal Code, Article XIII.1 (Act of Apr. 9, 1929, P.L. 343, No. 176), 72 P.S. § 1301.1 et seq.²⁹

How do I claim unclaimed property in Pennsylvania?

Claims are filed and documents uploaded on searchandclaimpa.gov; many online claims need no claim form.¹ First step: Search the state database by last name or business name; add a first name, city or ZIP to narrow results.¹⁰ All the steps.

What is the Pennsylvania unclaimed property mailing address?

Bureau of Unclaimed Property, P.O. Box 1837, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1837¹

What is the Pennsylvania unclaimed property phone number?

(800) 222-2046 (claims).⁵ Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday (phone)¹

How long does a Pennsylvania unclaimed property claim take?

No fixed timeline is published.¹ Details above.

Is it free to claim unclaimed property in Pennsylvania?

Free: Treasury charges nothing to claim.⁶

Moved? Neighboring programs

• New York unclaimed property
• New Jersey unclaimed property
• Delaware unclaimed property
• Maryland unclaimed property
• West Virginia unclaimed property
• Ohio unclaimed property

See which state holds your property, or list every search with the multi-state checklist.

Sources

Footnote numbers point here. Open "Quoted text" for the exact words relied on ("[…]" marks words left out).

1. FAQs: Claims Process Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   You may search by name on our website at https://searchandclaimpa.gov/app/claim-search which displays specific amounts over $500.

   Many claims filed online do not require a completed claim form if they are eligible for our online approval process.

   This results in you receiving your check in weeks instead of months.

   claim forms and supporting documentation can also be mailed to Treasury's Bureau of Unclaimed Property at Bureau of Unclaimed Property, P.O. Box 1837, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1837.

   Notarization is only required for claims $5,000 or greater.

   Proof of ownership is usually established by address or Social Security number verification, or, in some cases, presentation of the original property.

   There will be instructions specific to your claim on your claim forms.

   We do not require original documents unless specifically requested.

   Originals are not required.

   When all efforts have been exhausted and ownership cannot be proven, you may be required to obtain a letter of verification from the company that reported the property.

   If the owner's estate is still open or the property is over $20,000, a short certificate is required.

   Therefore, each POA will need a Notice signed by the principal and Acknowledgement executed by the agent.

   You will know if a claim form is required if you are presented with a PDF claim form.

   Or contact us at 800.222.2046 from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.

   As a result, the Department will not respond to requests for claim information or claim submissions which are identified as having been made via a bot or AI.

2. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Many Unclaimed Property Claims Now Being Paid by Direct Deposit Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Nov. 16, 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Unclaimed property payments may still need to be issued as paper checks if Treasury determines a direct deposit cannot be made.

3. What is unclaimed property? Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Pennsylvania Treasury holds this unclaimed property in perpetuity for its rightful owner and works to return it.

4. The Fiscal Code, Act of Apr. 9, 1929, P.L. 343, No. 176, Article XIII.1 (72 P.S. § 1301.1 et seq.) Pennsylvania General Assembly · palegis.us · text displayed Nov. 3, 2026; latest Article XIII.1 amendment shown: July 17, 2024, P.L.910, No.81 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (42)

   clearly state the fee or compensation to be paid, which shall not exceed fifteen per centum of the value of the abandoned and unclaimed property;

   When property is paid or delivered to the State Treasurer under this article, the owner is entitled to receive income or other increments actually received by the State Treasurer.

   The State Treasurer shall be responsible to an owner only for the amount actually received by the State Treasurer upon the sale of any property pursuant to subsections (a), (b) and (c).

   Any person aggrieved by a decision of the State Treasurer may appeal to the Commonwealth Court. The appeal shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the decision of the State Treasurer.

   Any person as to whose claim the State Treasurer has failed to take action within ninety (90) days after the filing of the claim may commence an action in the Commonwealth Court to establish his claim within one hundred twenty (120) days from the filing of the claim.

   All property, not otherwise covered by this article, which is admitted in writing by the holder and adjudicated to be due, which is held or owing in the ordinary course of the holder's business, which has remained unclaimed by the owner for more than three (3) years after it became payable or distributable and in which the owner has not indicated an interest is presumed abandoned and unclaimed except for clause 2.

   Wages or other compensation for personal services that have remained unclaimed by the owner for more than two (2) years after the wages or other compensation for personal services become payable or are distributed are presumed abandoned and unclaimed.

   Any demand, saving or matured time deposit in a financial institution, or any funds paid toward the purchase of shares or other interest in a savings association, savings and loan or building and loan association, excluding any charges that may lawfully be withheld, unless within the preceding three (3) years the owner has:

   Any certificate of stock or participating right in a business association, for which a certificate has been issued or is issuable but has not been delivered three (3) years after the holder has lost contact with the owner, unless the owner has within that three (3) year period:

   Any sum due as a dividend, profit, distribution, payment or distributive share of principal held or owing by a business association three (3) years after the holder has lost contact with the owner, unless the owner has within that three (3) year period:

   Any sum due as principal or interest on the business association's bonds or debentures, or coupons attached thereto, whenever the owner has not claimed or indicated an interest in such sum within three (3) years after the date prescribed for payment.

   Any moneys held or owing by an insurer as established by its records under any contract of annuity or policy of life insurance including premiums returnable or dividends payable, unclaimed and unpaid for more than three (3) years after the moneys have or shall become due and payable under the provisions of such contract of annuity or policy of insurance.

   Property distributable in the course of a demutualization or related reorganization of an insurance company is deemed abandoned two (2) years after the date of the demutualization or reorganization if instruments or statements reflecting the distribution are either mailed to the owner and returned by the post office as undeliverable or not mailed to the owner because of a known bad address on the books and records of the holder.

   Any moneys held or owing by an insurer as established by its records under any contract of insurance other than annuity or life insurance, including premiums or deposits returnable or dividends payable to policy or contract holders or other persons entitled thereto, unclaimed and unpaid for more than three (3) years after the moneys have or shall become due and payable under the provisions of such contracts of insurance.

   The consideration paid for a gift certificate or gift card which has remained unredeemed for two (2) years or more after its redemption period has expired or after the minimum period specified in section 915(c) of the Consumer Credit Protection Act (Public Law 90-321, 15 U.S.C. § 1693l-1(c)), whichever occurs later, or for three (3) years or more from the date of issuance if no redemption period is specified. The provisions of this clause shall not apply to a qualified gift certificate.

   Any sum payable on checks or on written instruments including, but not limited to, drafts, money orders and travelers checks, on which a financial institution is directly liable, and (i) which have been outstanding for more than three (3) years, or in the case of travelers checks, fifteen (15) years, or in the case of money orders, six (6) years in calendar year 2003 and seven (7) years in calendar year 2004 and thereafter, from the date payable or from the date of issuance if payable on demand;

   Any customer advance, toll, deposit or collateral security or any other property held by any utility if under the terms of an agreement the advance, toll, deposit, collateral security or other property is due to or demandable by the owner and has remained unclaimed for three (3) years or more from the date when it first became due to or demandable by the owner under the agreement.

   Any sum which a utility has been ordered to refund, less any lawful deductions, and which has remained unclaimed by the person appearing on the records of the utility entitled thereto for two (2) years or more after the date it became payable in accordance with the final order providing for the refund.

   Any funds or other personal property, tangible or intangible, removed from a safe deposit box or any other safekeeping repository in the Commonwealth on which the lease or rental period has expired due to nonpayment of rental charges or other reason, or any surplus amounts arising from the sale thereof pursuant to law, if the same has not been claimed by the owner for more than three (3) years from the date on which the rental period expired.

   Any property distributable in the course of dissolution of a business association, financial institution, insurer or utility organized under the laws of or created in the Commonwealth, unclaimed by the owner within two (2) years after the date for final distribution.

   All property held by an agent-in-fact or in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of another person, three (3) years after the holder has lost contact with the owner, unless the owner has, within that three (3) year period:

   An individual retirement account, a retirement plan for self-employed individuals or similar account or a retirement plan created pursuant to Federal law or the laws of this Commonwealth, three (3) years after the holder has lost contact with the owner, unless the owner has, within that three (3) year period:

   Except as provided in clauses 2 and 2.1 or clause 6, all property held for the owner by any court, public corporation, public authority or instrumentality of the United States, the Commonwealth, or any other state, or by a public officer or political subdivision thereof, unclaimed by the owner for more than three (3) years from the date it first became demandable or distributable.

   All property held by or subject to the control of any court, public corporation, public authority or instrumentality of the Commonwealth or by a public officer or political subdivision thereof, which is without a rightful or lawful owner, to the extent not otherwise provided for by law, held for more than one year.

   Restitution held for the owner by any court, public corporation, public authority or instrumentality of the Commonwealth, or by a public officer or political subdivision thereof, unclaimed by the owner for more than three (3) years from the date it first became demandable or distributable.

   Bicycles held for the owner by a municipality unclaimed by the owner for more than ninety (90) days from the date it first became demandable or distributable.

   All tangible property, other than bicycles, held for the owner by a municipality unclaimed by the owner for more than three (3) years from the date it first became demandable or distributable.

   Any sum or certificate or participating right due by a cooperative to a participating patron, whenever the owner has not claimed or indicated an interest in such property within three (3) years after the date prescribed for payment or delivery.

   Any sum due as principal or interest on a United States savings bond or debenture, or coupons attached thereto, whenever the bond has remained unclaimed and unredeemed by the owner for more than three (3) years after its date of final maturity and in which the owner has not indicated an interest, shall be presumed abandoned and unclaimed.

   The consideration paid for a gift certificate or gift card which has remained unredeemed for two (2) years or more after its redemption period has expired or after the minimum period specified in section 915(c) of the Consumer Credit Protection Act (Public Law 90-321, 15 U.S.C. § 1693l-1(c)), whichever occurs later, or for three (3) years or more from the date of issuance if no redemption period is specified.

   Within twelve (12) months from the filing of the report required by section 1301.11, the State Treasurer shall cause notice to be published at least once in a legal newspaper as well as an English language newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the owner of the property had a last known address appearing from the verified report filed by the holder or, if there is no name or address or the owner is not a Pennsylvania resident, then at least one time in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Notice shall also be posted on the Internet website of the Treasury Department.

   All agreements or powers of attorney to recover or collect abandoned and unclaimed property contained in the reports filed under this article shall be valid and enforceable only if the agreements:

   The report shall be filed on or before April 15 of the year following the year in which the property first became subject to custody and control of the Commonwealth under this article.

   The holder of property presumed abandoned shall send notice to the owner, not more than one hundred twenty (120) days nor less than sixty (60) days prior to the date in which the corresponding report is to be submitted to the State Treasurer, stating that the holder is in possession of property subject to this article, if:

   If any holder fails, without proper cause, (i) to report or (ii) to pay and deliver to the State Treasurer property subject to custody and control of the Commonwealth under this article, such holder shall be liable to pay to the State Treasurer interest at the rate of twelve per centum per annum from the time such report should have been filed, to be computed on the value of such property as established in an action by the State Treasurer under subsection (a), and such interest shall be recoverable in the same action.

   (b) Regardless of whether a claim is filed under subsection (a), the State Treasurer may pay or deliver any property paid or delivered to the Commonwealth under this article, or the proceeds from the sale of the property, to a person if the State Treasurer finds that a report filed under section 1301.11 identifies the person as the sole owner of the property and the value of the property or proceeds is less than five hundred dollars ($500).

   The State Treasurer shall be required to sell all stocks, bonds and other negotiable financial instruments upon receipt of such items. The State Treasurer shall not be held liable for any loss or gain in the value that the financial instrument would have obtained had the financial instrument been held instead of being sold.

   Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person making a claim for United States savings bonds escheated to the Commonwealth under this section, or for the proceeds from the bonds, may file a claim with the State Treasurer.

   Within one hundred eighty (180) days after becoming reportable as unclaimed property pursuant to section 1301.10(1), if no claim has been filed in accordance with the provisions of section 1301.19 for a United States savings bond, the State Treasurer may commence a civil action in Commonwealth Court for a determination that the United States savings bond shall escheat to the Commonwealth.

   On or before the thirtieth day of June, all of the funds received under clause 6 of section 1301.9 shall forthwith be deposited annually by the State Treasurer in the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund.

   Of these funds, the State Treasurer shall transfer five per centum in a special fund hereby established in the State Treasury to be designated the Rightful Owners' Claims Payment Fund from which the State Treasurer shall make reimbursements and prompt payments of claims for funds received under clause 6 of section 1301.9 duly allowed as provided by this act.

   Any property presumed to be abandoned and unclaimed under this article that is held by a rural electric cooperative organized or qualified to do business in this Commonwealth under 15 Pa.C.S. Ch. 73 (relating to electric cooperative corporations) may, at the discretion of the rural electric cooperative, be retained and used by the rural electric cooperative if the property is used within the rural electric cooperative's service territory for energy assistance, educational or civic purposes under a program adopted by the board of directors of the rural electric cooperative.

5. Contact Us Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   Claims alternate_email [email protected] phone 800-222-2046

6. FAQs: Finders Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (4)

   No, you can claim your funds on your own, directly with the Bureau of Unclaimed Property, free of charge.

   For foreclosure or sheriff sale properties held at the county level, you would need to contact the county sheriff's office or the county tax claim bureau, as these departments typically manage such properties.

   Additionally, if a finder is assisting you, you must submit with your claim forms a copy of the agreement or contract between you and the finder and the agreement must comply with the following guidelines as required by Pennsylvania law:

   Under Pennsylvania law, no person may assist in the recovery of unclaimed property and receive compensation therefor unless the person has applied for and received a certificate of registration from the Treasurer.

7. OpenBookPA: Unclaimed Property in Pennsylvania, county-level data Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Quarter end 3/31/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (4)

   $5 Billion Value of Properties Waiting To Be Claimed

   23.69 Million Available Properties

   $1.26 Billion Value Returned 1/1/21 to 3/31/2026

   Note: The totals for the 67 counties do not equal the overall totals as some properties are reported to Treasury with incomplete or out-of-state addresses.

8. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Check Your Mailbox to Claim Your Cash! Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Aug. 11, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   Many of these claims are eligible for Treasury’s Fast Track process, which can speed up processing time if a claimant’s Social Security number is entered when filing a claim.

   The average value of a claim is more than $1,000.

   Recipients of these letters must initiate a claim for their money online at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property or by reaching out to Treasury directly at 800-222-2046.

9. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Record-Breaking Unclaimed Property Returns Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Feb. 18, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Joining MissingMoney.com , a national effort to reunite people with unclaimed property that is rightfully theirs;

   To search for property held by other states, visit MissingMoney.com

   Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department returned more unclaimed property in 2025 than ever before – $334.1 million, surpassing the previous record of $272.2 million which was set in 2024.

10. How to Claim: Search For Property Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Type your name (last or last, first) into the “Last or Business Name” field and click SEARCH. If you receive too many results, try to narrow down the search by entering a city or ZIP code.

    Once you’ve found the properties that may belong to you, click the CLAIM button, and then click the CONTINUE TO FILE CLAIM button to begin the claims process.

11. How to Claim: Submit a Claim Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Complete your information as the claimant. This should include your current mailing address as it will be the address where the funds are mailed.

    You will now preview all properties being claimed and verify your current information. If correct, click SUBMIT to officially create your claim and generate your Claim ID number.

12. How to Claim: Complete Your Claim Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    To determine specific requirements of your claim, please review the email sent to you. The items required will be listed on the claim form attachment.

    For claims greater than $5,000, provide a photo identification.

13. How to Claim: Track Your Claim Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Enter your claim ID number at any time via our Status Page to receive the most recent status.

14. 20 Pa.C.S. Chapter 31, including § 3101 Pennsylvania General Assembly · palegis.us · text displayed Nov. 3, 2026; incorporates Act 50 of 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    (i) The amount of the funds or the value of the property is $20,000 or less.

    (i) A certified death certificate of the owner.

15. Military Decorations Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    - Stacy Garrity, State Treasurer

16. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Launches New, Improved Unclaimed Property Site: searchandclaimpa.gov Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Sept. 23, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the launch of Treasury’s new unclaimed property website – searchandclaimpa.gov .

    Automatic matching for the same owner – if a claimant starts a claim for specific properties, the system will automatically add associated properties it finds that qualify along with those selected by the claimant;

    Sharing property with friends – if you search and find something for a loved one or friend you can easily share these properties via email with the individual; and

    Since the new system has been launched, an additional $5 million has been matched with those who have filed claims.

17. Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property Annual Reporting, 2026 Report Year Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · 2026 report year · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Money orders - 7 years (issued by financial and non-financial institutions)

    Travelers cheques - 15 years

    Burial accounts - 3 years after death of the account owner

    Tangible property with an unknown owner (police depts/government entities only) - 1 year

    The dormancy period for most property types is three years, meaning no contact has been made with the owner for a period of three years or there has been no interest indicated by the customer on the account for three years.

    Reports must adhere to the official NAUPA formats.

    Treasury will neither demand nor accept any retirement account that is presumed abandoned and unclaimed, except as follows:

    This Guidance protects an account owner under the age of 59 1/2, by preventing the reporting/ distribution of certain retirement accounts which may otherwise be subjected to the Internal Revenue Code’s 10-percent additional tax for early distributions.

    An individual retirement account (including a retirement plan for self-employed individuals) of which the beneficiary cannot be located for a period of three (3) years following the death of the owner and that is not subject to a mandatory distribution requirement; or

    An individual retirement account (including a retirement plan for self-employed individuals) of which the owner has attained seventy and one-half years of age and is not subject to a mandatory distribution requirement.

18. FAQs: Reporting Property Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    There are no de minimis amounts. Any amount is reportable to Treasury.

    Note: Property for New Jersey residents must be reported directly to New Jersey.

    According to The Debt Act, the paying agent must turn any funds that remain from uncashed bonds back to the local government agency after two years.

    The agency must hold the funds for an additional three years and then report the monies as unclaimed property if not reunited with the bond holder.

19. Changes Important to Finders of Unclaimed Property Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Effective January 6, 2015, the Act added Sections 1301.11a and 1301.11b to the Fiscal Code, allowing for the regulating of "finders” who are now required to apply for registration, be approved, receive registration numbers, and remain subject to Treasury oversight to ensure compliance with the Act.

20. Treasurer Garrity Warns of Unclaimed Property Texting Scams Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · April 27, 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The Pennsylvania Treasury Department never reaches out to people in regard to any program, including unclaimed property, via unsolicited text messages.

    I urge anyone who receives a phishing message about unclaimed property to ignore it and promptly delete it. Do not click on any links, and do not respond to these messages.

21. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Warns of Malicious Emails Claiming to be from Pennsylvania Treasury Department Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · June 16, 2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The scammers’ phishing emails are designed to look like they have been sent from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and include a link that leads to a fake version of Treasury’s website.

    Treasury will never use unsolicited emails or texts to request personal information for any if its programs.

22. Scam Alert! Treasurer Stacy Garrity Warns of New Scam Targeting Pennsylvanians Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Dec. 11, 2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Treasury does not announce grant awards, and it does not collect taxes. In addition, Treasury will never request that a payment be made with a gift card – and neither will any other legitimate government agency.

23. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Warns Holders of Unclaimed Property of Phishing Scam Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · May 18, 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The suspect email thanks the recipient for attending an event about unclaimed property and indicates that a “certificate” is ready for download.

24. Finder Registration Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Like much of the unclaimed property law, this process is designed to protect consumers from predatory practices and fraud.

25. Registered Property Finders Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · Updated September 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Contracting with one of these individuals is strictly voluntary.

26. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Don't Let Unclaimed Property Haunt You This Halloween Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Oct. 30, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The average claim is worth over $1,000, and it’s owed to more than one in 10 Pennsylvanians.

27. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Returns More than $23,000 in Unclaimed Property to Beaver County Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Nov. 2, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Since taking office in 2021, Treasurer Garrity has returned more than $1.2 billion in unclaimed property, including a record of over $334 million last year.

28. Submit a Holder Report Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    If you have already created your NAUPA report and simply need to submit it, click the button below.

29. Voluntary Disclosure Agreement for Reporting Unclaimed Property Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    To waive all applicable penalties and interest, as permitted under § 1301.24 and 1301.25 of the PA Unclaimed Property Law, for the reported property, if the property is reported within the terms of this agreement.

    According to the Pennsylvania Disposition of Abandoned and Unclaimed Property Act (DAUPA), 72 P.S. § 1301.1 et. seq., all holders are required to file an unclaimed property report each year by April 15.

30. Money Match flyer Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Now that you’ve received this letter, we’ll send a check to you at this address in about 45 days.

31. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: First Batch of 2026 Money Match Checks to Hit Mailboxes! Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · March 27, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Last year we returned more than $50 million in the program’s first year and we continue to build on that momentum to return even more unclaimed property.

    In the program’s first year, nearly $50 million was returned via Money Match;

32. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Encourages Pennsylvanians to Make Financial Resolutions for the New Year Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Jan. 2, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Treasury keeps tangible property for about three years before it is auctioned. Auction proceeds are kept in perpetuity for owners to claim. Military decorations and memorabilia are never auctioned.

33. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Military Decoration Returns Inspire Other States Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Dec. 29, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Treasury launched its online military decoration database in 2018 and since that time, 831 military decorations and memorabilia have been returned.

    Treasurer Garrity has also returned nearly 600 military decorations, including 13 Purple Hearts, four Bronze Stars and a Gold Star medal.

34. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Treasury's Largest Auction of Unclaimed Property is this Week Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Oct. 26, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that this week’s auction of unclaimed property will be Treasury’s largest ever, featuring over 6,600 items previously safeguarded in Treasury’s vault, including jewelry, currency and collectibles.

    To participate in the online auction, bidders must register at live.pookandpook.com .

35. Useful Links Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Savings Bonds are issued and redeemed through the US Treasury only.

    If you have any questions regarding the form or documentation to submit, please call 1-844-284-2676 and they will be happy to assist you.

36. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Returns More Than $50,000 to County Governments During America250PA Kickoff Events Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · March 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Unclaimed property can belong to individuals, businesses, nonprofits and local governments – and when we reunite Pennsylvanians with their unclaimed property, we strengthen communities across the state.

    Launching an initiative to return unclaimed property to counties, municipalities and school districts, resulting in more than $18.9 million returned to 113 entities;

37. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: More than $660,000 Returned During "Claim Your Unclaimed Property" Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · July 15, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Since the inaugural kickoff at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in June, Treasury’s outreach team has helped residents search for and claim money owed to them in their communities.

    To find an event nearest to you, head to Pennsylvania Treasury’s Facebook page (PA Treasury) .

38. Policy Guidance: Reporting Standards for Fiduciary Accounts; Reporting of Life Insurance Proceeds Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · 2016 guidance · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The new amendment directs that the proceeds of the policy are to be reported as unclaimed property three (3) years following knowledge of the death of the insured, when the beneficiaries of a deceased insured cannot be found.

39. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Commends General Assembly for Improving Unclaimed Property Program Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Nov. 24, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The final change included in HB 1176 allows for the estate of those who die without a will and no living heirs to be passed to a local municipality, school or community foundation in their final county of residence.

40. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: More Than $450,000 Generated During Spring Unclaimed Property Auction Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · June 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Treasury expects to net over $450,000 from total gross auction sales of $523,873.

    More than 4,000 items were sold during the online auction on March 25.

41. FAQs: General Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    To prevent your accounts from becoming unclaimed or abandoned, keep accounts active and make sure that you make a deposit or withdrawal, update your contact information, or contact your financial institution at least every three years.

42. Pennsylvania Money Match Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    If you receive a letter from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department indicating that you have money coming thanks to Money Match, hold on to it!

43. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Treasury Participates in Record Number of Events Across Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Oct. 28, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that Treasury’s outreach team has participated in nearly 1,000 events across Pennsylvania so far this year – helping more Pennsylvanians learn about Treasury’s consumer programs – PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars, the PA ABLE Savings Program and unclaimed property.

    Organizations can contact Treasury to coordinate in-person connections, events, webinars and training opportunities about Treasury’s programs, including Keystone Scholars, PA 529, PA ABLE and unclaimed property.