Bridgeport Unclaimed Property Records
Bridgeport residents can search for unclaimed money through the Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer. The state holds over one billion dollars in unclaimed funds for people across Connecticut. Bridgeport has no local database for these records. All searches go through the official CT Big List at ctbiglist.gov. You can look up your name for free anytime. The database contains records from banks, insurance companies, and businesses that lost contact with their customers. Many people in Bridgeport have funds waiting. You can claim what belongs to you at no cost. Call 1-800-833-7318 for help with your search.
Bridgeport Unclaimed Property Quick Facts
Bridgeport Unclaimed Money Search Options
Bridgeport residents search the state database. The city does not keep unclaimed property records. The State Treasurer handles everything. Go to ctbiglist.gov to start your search. Enter your name and city. The system will show matches. Results display property type and amount.
The City Treasurer manages city funds. Terri Coward holds this office. Her number is 203-576-7089. She can answer city finance questions. But she cannot search for your unclaimed money. That requires the state website. Kenneth Flatto serves as Finance Director. He oversees city budgets. Kim Jack works as Financial Management Supervisor. The city team focuses on municipal accounts. Personal unclaimed funds stay with the state.
Fairfield County includes Bridgeport. The county has no separate database either. All Connecticut towns use the same system. This makes searching simple. One website covers every city and town.
Types of Unclaimed Property in Bridgeport
Many kinds of funds become unclaimed. Bridgeport residents may have lost bank accounts. Old checking accounts sit idle. Savings accounts go dormant. The bank sends the money to Hartford. Insurance companies hold proceeds too. You might have unclaimed life insurance. Refunds from stores count as well. Even utility deposits become unclaimed funds.
Stocks and bonds get forgotten. Dividend checks go uncashed. Safe deposit box contents await owners. Virtual currency now qualifies. Connecticut updated its laws. Digital assets must be reported. Property waits forever. No deadline exists.
Common sources of Bridgeport unclaimed money include:
- Old bank accounts from closed branches
- Uncashed payroll checks from former jobs
- Utility refunds from moved homes
- Insurance benefits from forgotten policies
- Stock dividends from past investments
Bridgeport Residents and CT Big Match
The state launched CT Big Match in 2025. This program helps Bridgeport residents. It returns small amounts automatically. Properties under $2,500 qualify. You do not file a claim. The state finds you. They verify your address. A check arrives in the mail. Wait six to eight weeks.
You get a notice first. It tells you about the match. Then the check follows. This saves time. It reduces paperwork. Money returns faster to owners. Bridgeport residents should watch their mail.
Not everyone qualifies for auto-return. Some claims need manual filing. Larger amounts need documents. Multiple owners need forms. The state reviews each case. Check your name online anyway. See what properties exist. File claims for anything over $2,500.
Note: CT Big Match only works for verified sole owners with current addresses on file.
How to Claim Unclaimed Money in Bridgeport
Filing a claim takes a few steps. Start at the official website. Search your full name. Add "Bridgeport" as the city. Review the results carefully. Click on property you own. Start the claim process online.
You need proof of identity. A driver's license works. So does a passport. You need your Social Security number. Bring a tax document or card. Proof of address helps. Use a bill or statement. Match the address on record.
Submit your claim online. This is fastest. Upload scans of documents. Keep originals safe. Or mail your claim. Send to PO Box 5065, Hartford, CT 06102. Include all required papers. The state has ninety days to review under Connecticut General Statutes Section 3-70a. Most finish sooner. Check status with your Claim ID.
Heirs can claim too. Bring a death certificate. Show you are the legal heir. A will or court order works. The state helps families recover funds.
Bridgeport Claim Documentation Requirements
Every claim needs documents. The state must verify you own the property. Start with a signed claim form. Add photo identification. Verify your Social Security number. Show proof of the address listed. These basics apply to all claims.
Some claims need more proof. Stocks may need brokerage records. Insurance claims may need policy numbers. Business claims need tax ID proof. Each situation differs. Read the instructions carefully. Provide what they ask.
Connecticut Laws Protecting Bridgeport Residents
Connecticut laws protect your rights. Chapter 32 of the General Statutes covers unclaimed property. These laws require holders to report funds. They give you a way to claim. Section 3-56 defines key terms. Section 3-57a sets time periods. Most property becomes unclaimed after three years.
Virtual currency has new rules. Section 3-57b covers digital assets. Holders must liquidate within thirty days. Wages have a one-year period per Section 3-60b. Utility deposits share this rule under Section 3-60c. Holders must notify owners before reporting. This happens between July and September.
Reports are due March 31. Late reports face penalties. The public database requirement is in Section 3-66a. You can always search for free.
Bridgeport Area Contact Information
The State Treasurer handles claims. Call toll-free at 1-800-833-7318. Staff answer weekdays. Hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. They can search for you. They answer questions. The service is free.
Email questions to Unclaimed.Property@ct.gov. Include your contact info. Describe what you need. Expect a response in a few days. You can also write. Mail claims to PO Box 5065, Hartford, CT 06102. Use certified mail for important items.
The main office is at 165 Capitol Avenue, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106. For Bridgeport city matters, contact City Hall at 45 Lyon Terrace, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Visit bridgeportct.gov for city services.
Note: Always use official state websites for unclaimed property searches to avoid scams.
Preventing Unclaimed Property in Bridgeport
You can keep your money safe. Cash all checks quickly. Do not let them sit. Update your address with every bank. Tell companies when you move. Check your accounts often. Look for statements.
Keep good records. Know where your money is. Tell family about your accounts. This helps if something happens. Active accounts never become unclaimed. A little work now saves time later.
Browse Unclaimed Money in Fairfield County
Bridgeport is one of many cities in Fairfield County. Neighbors may have funds waiting too. Check other cities in the region.