Unclaimed Property in New Jersey: $1.4 Billion Waiting to Be Claimed

Unclaimed property refers to assets that have been left inactive for a certain period of time, and whose owners cannot be located. This can include money, stocks, bonds, and other valuables. In New Jersey, there is an estimated $1.4 billion in unclaimed property waiting to be claimed by its rightful owners.

Who Owns Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property can come from a variety of sources, including:

• Dormant bank accounts
• Uncashed checks
• Unclaimed insurance policies
• Abandoned safe deposit boxes
• Overpayments on utility bills

How to Find Out if You Have Unclaimed Property

The New Jersey Department of the Treasury maintains a database of unclaimed property. You can search the database by name, address, or Social Security number to see if you have any unclaimed property waiting for you.

You can also contact the New Jersey Division of Unclaimed Property by phone at 609-292-5013 or by mail at:

New Jersey Division of Unclaimed Property
P.O. Box 304
Trenton, NJ 08625

How to Claim Unclaimed Property

If you find that you have unclaimed property, you can file a claim online or by mail. The claim form is available on the New Jersey Department of the Treasury website.

You will need to provide documentation to prove your identity and your ownership of the property. This documentation can include a driver's license, a birth certificate, or a passport.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When filing a claim for unclaimed property, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Filing a claim for property that is not yours.
• Failing to provide sufficient documentation to prove your identity and ownership.
• Filing a claim late. There is a statute of limitations on claims for unclaimed property, so it is important to file your claim as soon as possible.

Why Unclaimed Property Matters

Unclaimed property is a valuable resource that can be used to fund important programs and services. In New Jersey, unclaimed property is used to fund a variety of programs, including:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Social services
• Infrastructure

Benefits of Claiming Unclaimed Property

There are a number of benefits to claiming unclaimed property, including:

• You can get money that you didn't know you had.
• You can help fund important programs and services.
• You can feel good knowing that you have taken ownership of your property.

Conclusion

If you think you may have unclaimed property, it is worth taking the time to search the New Jersey Department of the Treasury database. You could be surprised at what you find.

Additional Resources

• New Jersey Department of the Treasury: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/unclaimedproperty/
• National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators: https://www.unclaimed.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much unclaimed property is there in New Jersey?

A: There is an estimated $1.4 billion in unclaimed property waiting to be claimed by its rightful owners in New Jersey.

Q: Who owns unclaimed property?

A: Unclaimed property can come from a variety of sources, including dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, unclaimed insurance policies, abandoned safe deposit boxes, and overpayments on utility bills.

Q: How do I find out if I have unclaimed property?

A: You can search the New Jersey Department of the Treasury database by name, address, or Social Security number to see if you have any unclaimed property waiting for you.

Q: How do I claim unclaimed property?

A: You can file a claim online or by mail. The claim form is available on the New Jersey Department of the Treasury website.

Q: What are the benefits of claiming unclaimed property?

A: Benefits of claiming unclaimed property include getting money that you didn't know you had, helping to fund important programs and services, and feeling good knowing that you have taken ownership of your property.

Tables

Table 1: Top 5 States with the Most Unclaimed Property

Table 2: Top 10 Types of Unclaimed Property

Table 3: Benefits of Claiming Unclaimed Property

Table 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Claim for Unclaimed Property