Unclaimed Money in Michigan
Search Michigan unclaimed property — also called missing money — for free. Michigan holds it indefinitely until you or your heirs claim it.
How Michigan's unclaimed property works
When a business in Michigan can't reach you to return money — an uncashed paycheck, a forgotten checking account, a security deposit — state law requires them to turn it over to the state's unclaimed property division after a dormancy period. The money sits there indefinitely, waiting for you (or your heirs) to claim it.
What makes Michigan different
Michigan's roll is dominated by the auto industry — decades of UAW retirement, severance, and stock-plan items from Detroit Three contractions, plus supplier-base payroll across the state. Detroit's protracted municipal bankruptcy and the wave of corporate restructurings that followed the 2008–2009 auto rescue pushed unusually large volumes of stock, dividend, and wage items into the Treasurer's pot. The Treasurer's office maintains a high-profile cross-match program with state tax records.
Michigan's law and holding agency
- Holding agency
- Michigan Department of Treasury, Unclaimed Property Division
- General dormancy period
- 3 years for most property; 1 year for wages
- Wages: 1 year
- Utility deposits: 1 year
- Money orders: 7 years
What gets reported in Michigan
- Uncashed paychecks from Michigan employers
- Dormant bank and credit-union accounts
- Insurance policy proceeds (life, auto, health refunds)
- Utility deposits when you moved out of Michigan
- Security deposits from rentals
- Stocks, dividends, and brokerage account proceeds
- Court-ordered restitution and refunds
How to file your claim
- Search. Use our free search above, or go directly to the Michigan database: missingmoney.com.
- File the claim form. Most Michiganclaims are filed online with name, address, and proof of identity (driver's license or passport).
- Provide proof of ownership. For accounts at old addresses, you may need utility bills, lease records, or pay stubs from the matching period.
- Notarize if required. Some Michigan claims need a notarized signature. Online notaries run $5–$25.
- Wait for review. Michigan typically takes 30–180 days to review and pay valid claims. Payment is by check or ACH directly from the state.
Frequently asked questions about Michigan unclaimed property
Yes. Michigan returns your money directly. There is no fee to file or claim through the official portal.
Indefinitely. Michigan, like most states, does not extinguish valid claims — the money waits for you or your heirs as long as it takes.
Yes. You'll need a death certificate, proof of relationship, and (often) probate documents from Michigan or the state of residence. Heir claims are higher-value but more paperwork — consider a state-licensed recovery service for complex cases.
Frequently yes. Pension supplements, stock plan distributions, severance, and final wage adjustments from auto-industry restructurings are a major source. Search by every name and address you've used since starting work.
Use the Michigan Department of Treasury's portal at michigan.gov/unclaimedproperty, or MissingMoney.com.