State guide · 5 min read
New Jersey unclaimed property: how to search and claim
New Jersey's unclaimed money is held by the Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA) in the Department of the Treasury. The state says about 1 in 10 New Jersey residents has unclaimed property. Searching and claiming are free.
| Who runs it | New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Unclaimed Property Administration |
|---|---|
| Official search | unclaimedfunds.nj.gov |
| Cost | Free to search and claim |
| Proof of ownership | After you file, the UPA emails a list of any documents needed. Some claims are pre-approved with none |
| Is it taxable? | The UPA says the property itself is not income. Interest it pays over $10 is reported on a 1099-INT |
How to search and claim in New Jersey
- Search on the official New Jersey property search by name, or by the Property ID from a newspaper notice.
- If a listing shows an address where you lived, it is likely yours. File the claim online, which the state says is the fastest way.
- Watch your email. The UPA sends a list of documents to upload, such as photo ID and proof of the listed address.
- Check status any time with your claim ID.
Cannot find it online?
The UPA offers a Request a Property Search option for a manual search, and says to allow up to two weeks for a reply. Newly reported property can also take time to appear in the online search. Details are on the state's unclaimed property FAQ.
Search tips that actually find money
- Search your last name only first, then narrow by city. Typos in old records are common.
- Try maiden names, old married names, and the names of any business you ran.
- Search parents and grandparents who have died if you might be an heir.
- Search every state you have lived in. Use MissingMoney.com for a free multi-state search, and our list of all 50 state sites.
- Search again once or twice a year, since businesses report new property every year.
Do not pay a finder
Some companies mail letters offering to recover your money for a percentage. Claiming directly from the state is free. If someone texts you a link about "unclaimed funds," type the state's address yourself instead. More on spotting fakes in fake settlement texts and emails.
Money you can still claim before a deadline
Unclaimed property is money already paid out and waiting. Open class action settlements are money you can still file for:
- TED Foundation: Data Privacy $5 · by Oct 26
- Pork Prices Varies · by Oct 29
- FinWise Bank: Data Breach Up to $5,000 · by Oct 29
- Trans Union: Consumer Reports $100 - $1,000 · by Oct 30
- Bestway: Above-Ground Pools $40+ · by Oct 30
See also how to find unclaimed money in your name and what happens to an uncashed settlement check.
Frequently asked questions
Is New Jersey unclaimed property taxable?
According to the New Jersey Unclaimed Property Administration, the property itself is not income because it already belonged to you. The state pays interest while it holds it, and if that interest is more than $10 you get a 1099-INT. Ask a tax professional about the interest.
How do I know a New Jersey listing is mine?
If the listed address is one where you lived, it is likely yours. If it is not one of your past addresses, it probably belongs to someone else.
What documents does New Jersey ask for?
Usually proof of identity, such as a Social Security number and photo ID with a signature, plus an official document showing your name at the listed address. Claims for someone who has died need more, including a death certificate.
Is the New Jersey search free?
Yes. The state does not charge to search for or claim unclaimed property.