Note: Official + free Use the official NAUPA MissingMoney portal. Searching is free, and state claims are free in most states. Avoid fee-based “finders” who take a cut—you can file directly with the state. If you’re using Sunset, see how routing proceeds to an FDIC‑insured estate account works: https://www.hellosunset.com/how-it-works

Introduction

This one‑page guide explains how an executor or personal representative can use the official MissingMoney portal (operated with NAUPA, the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators) to locate and claim unclaimed property for a decedent’s estate, and how to route proceeds into a dedicated estate bank account. See the official MissingMoney portal and NAUPA’s state directory for authoritative references.

Last updated: November 6, 2025

When to use Missing

Money Use MissingMoney when any of the following are true:

• You suspect the decedent had dormant accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, dividends, utility refunds, or safe‑deposit contents that were turned over to a state unclaimed property program.

• Mail was returned undeliverable for financial institutions, or you find references to old accounts in tax returns, email, or statements.

• You are administering an estate and want a fast, multi‑state sweep before closing the estate.

MissingMoney is free to search. Claims are filed with state unclaimed property offices and, in most states, are free to complete. If a state is not fully represented on MissingMoney or returns are incomplete, go directly to that state’s unclaimed property website via NAUPA’s directory.

What you need before you start

Gather these common items (requirements vary by state and claim type):

• Death certificate (certified copy).

• Your government‑issued photo ID.

• Proof of authority for the estate (e.g., Letters Testamentary/Administration, or court appointment showing you as executor/personal representative).

• Proof of last known address for the decedent (old statement, tax return, utility bill) if requested.

• Estate EIN and an estate bank account to receive funds. For a guided, FDIC‑insured estate account, see Sunset’s process and Terms of Use on their website.

Step‑by‑step: Claiming unclaimed property for an estate

1) Search the official portal

• Go to the MissingMoney portal.

• Enter the decedent’s legal name and relevant states. Use prior names and addresses as needed.

2) Review potential matches

• Filter by state and address. Open each record to review holder name, amount range (if shown), and property type.

3) Start a claim and choose claimant type

• Select “Estate,” “Executor,” “Personal Representative,” or the closest estate‑related option presented by the state’s site. You’ll be redirected to the state program to complete the claim.

4) Provide documentation

• Upload the death certificate, your ID, and proof of authority (Letters Testamentary/Administration). Some states may request proof of the decedent’s address at the time the property was reported.

5) Identity and fraud checks

• Complete any identity verification steps (knowledge‑based questions, notary, or e‑notary if requested by the state). Requirements vary by state.

6) Payment method

• Choose direct deposit or check. To simplify accounting, direct all proceeds to the estate’s dedicated bank account. If you are using Sunset, select the estate account created during onboarding; refer to their instructions for details.

7) Track status and respond to follow‑ups

• States may take from several days to weeks to review documents. Monitor email/portals for requests (e.g., additional proof or affidavits). Provide responses promptly to avoid resets or closure of the claim.

8) Recordkeeping

• Save claim confirmations, correspondence, and deposit records to the estate file. Retain documents for the estate’s accounting and final distributions.

Quick reference: Claim scenarios and typical documents

Note: States set their own evidentiary rules. Always follow the instructions on the specific state portal reached via MissingMoney or NAUPA.

Routing proceeds to the estate account (recommended)

To keep accounting clean and preserve audit trails, route all unclaimed property proceeds to the estate bank account, not to a personal account. Sunset can establish an FDIC‑insured estate account, consolidate funds, and maintain records; refer to their instructions for how this works. Sunset’s Terms of Use describe its authority to assist an estate with discovery and transfers upon your approval.

Practical tips and guardrails

• Free and official: Searching via MissingMoney and filing with state unclaimed property programs is free. Be cautious of third‑party “finders” who charge fees.

• Multi‑state coverage: People move; search all states where the decedent lived, worked, or held accounts. If a state isn’t represented or returns are thin, use NAUPA’s directory to reach the state site directly.

• Documentation quality matters: Upload clear scans. Match names and addresses exactly; add explanations for name changes (e.g., marriage) if prompted.

• Timing and follow‑ups: Processing times vary by state and claim complexity. Respond quickly to requests to avoid claim expiration.

• Estate accounting: Log gross proceeds, any state‑withheld amounts, and final net deposits to the estate account to streamline reconciliation and distributions.

Compliance, privacy, and security

• State programs may require notarization or identity verification for estate claims.

• Sunset is SOC 2 Type II certified and operates nationwide with no fees to families; funds flow to an FDIC‑insured estate account you control. See their website for details on process and Privacy Policy.

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