Can I claim my deceased grandmother's unclaimed money?

Asked by: Jayden Schimmel  |  Last update: August 25, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (36 votes)

The short answer is that yes, you can claim money from deceased relatives. If you believe that you're entitled to money left behind by a deceased relative, then you can make a legal claim to it under the inheritance laws of your state. The types of financial assets you may be able to claim include: Bank accounts.

Who can claim unclaimed money from deceased relatives?

If you are specifically named as a beneficiary in the deceased relative's will, the claim process can be relatively smooth. If not, you may still be able to claim that money but it will require supporting documentation or potentially a decision from a presiding probate court judge to ultimately verify the claim.

How to get money owed to a deceased person?

Once we have a personal representative appointed, we now have an individual who has the authority to collect a debt that is owed to the decedent. The personal representative who is once appointed is able to collect the debt the same as the decedent was able to collect the debt before they passed away.

How to find deceased unclaimed money?

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) is one such service, and NAUPA-endorsed MissingMoney.com is another unclaimed life insurance database worth checking out. State insurance department — You can also contact your state insurance department (insurance is regulated at the state level).

How do I claim my deceased parents money?

Approach the Master with a written request to access the Deceased's funds with quotes or invoices of the funeral costs. If the Master is satisfied with this request, they will issue a formal letter to the bank for them to permit you to release the specified amount.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property Of A Deceased Person? - CountyOffice.org

22 related questions found

Can you withdraw money from a deceased parents bank account?

An executor/administrator of an estate can only withdraw money from a deceased person's bank account if the account does not have a designated beneficiary or joint owner and is not being disposed of by the deceased person's trust.

How long does an heir have to claim their inheritance?

An heir can claim their inheritance anywhere from six months to three years after a decedent passes away, depending on where they live. Every state and county jurisdiction sets different rules about an heir's ability to claim their inheritance.

How do I find out if a deceased person owes money?

The spouse or executor of the estate may request the deceased person's credit report by mailing a request to each of the credit reporting companies. Send a letter along with the following information about the deceased: Legal name. Social Security Number.

How to claim inheritance money?

When you receive an inheritance, you must go through a process called probate to get the cash and other assets. During this process, the court will review the will, decide each asset's value and pay bills and taxes. After these steps, the court will distribute the inheritance to loved ones.

Do I have to pay my deceased mother's credit card debt?

When a loved one passes away, you'll have a lot to take care of, including their finances. It's important to remember that credit card debt does not automatically go away when someone dies. It must be paid by the estate or the co-signers on the account.

How do I claim money after death?

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: As a matter of general rule following documents are required in all cases of death claim: i. Death Certificate. ii. Application for Deceased claim(Annexure I) /Estate claim form (Annexure II) duly filled in by the legal heirs/claimants.

What not to do when someone dies?

What Not to Do When Someone Dies: 10 Common Mistakes
  1. Not Obtaining Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate.
  2. 2- Delaying Notification of Death.
  3. 3- Not Knowing About a Preplan for Funeral Expenses.
  4. 4- Not Understanding the Crucial Role a Funeral Director Plays.
  5. 5- Letting Others Pressure You Into Bad Decisions.

How do I find the hidden assets of a deceased person?

7 Steps to Finding a Deceased Person's Assets
  1. #1 Search Your Loved One's House. ...
  2. #2 Look Through Their Computer. ...
  3. #3 Ask the Decedent's Friends and Family Members. ...
  4. #4 Contact Financial Institutions. ...
  5. #5 Talk to Your Loved One's Employer. ...
  6. #6 Reach Out to the Local Probate Court. ...
  7. #7 Contact Their Estate Planning Attorney.

How to claim money from a deceased?

How to Claim Unclaimed Money From Deceased Relatives. If you're one of the lucky individuals who finds unclaimed money, and believe you're the rightful heir to it, it's time to file your claim. You can do so by filing a claim through the controller office of the state that holds the asset or property.

Who can bring a claim on behalf of deceased?

Where the deceased has made a will, the will would appoint one or more executors, also known as a personal representative. Anyone of those executors / personal representatives can bring and/or continue with the claim.

Can I claim my deceased parents unclaimed money?

Can You Claim Unclaimed Money From Deceased Relatives? The short answer is that yes, you can claim money from deceased relatives. If you believe that you're entitled to money left behind by a deceased relative, then you can make a legal claim to it under the inheritance laws of your state.

How do you know if you have unclaimed inheritance?

www.unclaimed.org is the website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. This is a legitimate site created by state officials to help people search for funds that may belong to you or your relatives. Searches are free.

How to find money left by a deceased relative?

The best place to begin your search is www.Unclaimed.org, the website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). This free website contains information about unclaimed property held by each state. You can search every state where your loved one lived or worked to see if anything shows up.

Can debt collectors go after family of deceased?

Collectors can contact relatives or other people connected to the deceased (who don't have the power to pay debts from the estate) to get the contact information of the deceased person's representatives.

Is it illegal to keep utilities in a deceased person's name?

Yes, that is fraud. Someone should file a probate case on the deceased person.

Why shouldn't you always tell your bank when someone dies?

If you contact the bank before consulting an attorney, you risk account freezes, which could severely delay auto-payments and direct deposits and most importantly mortgage payments. You should call Social Security right away to tell them about the death of your loved one.

Who is first in line for inheritance?

Writing a will and naming beneficiaries are best practices that give you control over your estate. If you don't have a will, however, it's essential to understand what happens to your estate. Generally, the decedent's next of kin, or closest family member related by blood, is first in line to inherit property.

How long can an executor withhold money from a beneficiary?

Q: Can an Executor Withhold Money From a Beneficiary in California? A: Executors do not have the authority to act outside the guidelines stipulated in the will. An executor cannot withhold money from a beneficiary unless they are directed to do so through a will or another court-enforceable document.

Who is not allowed to inherit?

Family members related by blood, marriage, or adoption can inherit your intestate estate. Intestate succession laws do not favor any family member not related biologically or with whom you have not signed a legal agreement. These people include: Stepfamily (stepchildren, stepparents, stepsiblings)