Cheshire Connecticut Unclaimed Property Records
Cheshire residents can search for unclaimed money through the Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer. This New Haven County town has more than thirty thousand residents and many have unclaimed property waiting. The state holds funds from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, and forgotten insurance proceeds. You can search these records for free using the CT Big List database. The database contains records for all towns in Connecticut. There is no deadline to claim what belongs to you.
Cheshire Unclaimed Property Quick Facts
Where to Find Cheshire Unclaimed Money Records
Cheshire residents search the same database as all Connecticut towns. The Office of the State Treasurer runs the CT Big List. Go to ctbiglist.gov to start. You can search by name. You can search by town. You can search by property ID.
The database lists all unclaimed property reported to the state. Banks send funds here. Insurance companies send funds here. Utility companies send funds here. Any business with unclaimed assets must report them. The state acts as custodian. Your money stays safe.
Note: Always use the official state website. Do not pay third parties to search for you.
What Is Unclaimed Property in Cheshire
Unclaimed property is not real estate. It is money that sits unused. It comes from many sources. Bank accounts go dormant. Checks go uncashed. Utility deposits get forgotten. Insurance policies pay out to no one. All this money ends up with the state.
Cheshire has a council-manager form of government. The town works with state laws. Chapter 32 of Connecticut General Statutes governs unclaimed property. These laws protect you. They ensure holders report funds. They give you a way to claim what is yours.
Common types of unclaimed property include:
- Inactive bank accounts and safe deposit boxes
- Uncashed payroll checks and refunds
- Forgotten utility and rental deposits
- Insurance policy proceeds and dividends
- Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
The town of Cheshire may also hold funds. Contact the Finance Department for local records. James J. Jaskot serves as Director of Finance. Call 203-271-6610 or email jjaskot@cheshirect.gov. Gina Deflio works as Deputy Finance Director. Reach her at 203-271-6669 or gdefilio@cheshirect.org.
Cheshire Residents and CT Big Match Returns
Connecticut now returns small amounts of money automatically. This is the CT Big Match program. It started in 2025. You do not need to file a claim. The state matches property under $2,500 to sole owners. You get a letter first. Then a check arrives.
The process is simple. The Treasurer verifies your identity. They use state records to confirm your address. If you qualify, you wait for mail. The check comes in six to eight weeks. This saves time. It cuts paperwork. It gets money back faster.
Watch your mail for checks from the Connecticut Treasurer. Do not throw them away. Some people think they are junk mail. They are real. Call 1-800-833-7318 if you have questions. Staff can verify the check. This service is free. The state wants to return your money.
How to Claim Unclaimed Money in Cheshire
Filing a claim takes a few steps. Start at ctbiglist.gov. Type your name in the search box. Look for properties that belong to you. Click on each one. Follow the prompts to start a claim. You will need proof of who you are.
The fastest way is online. Upload your documents through the secure portal. You can also mail your claim. Send it to PO Box 5065, Hartford, CT 06102. Include the claim form. Include copies of your ID. Keep the originals for yourself.
The Treasurer reviews claims within ninety days under Section 3-70a. Most finish sooner. You can check status online. Use your Claim ID from the form. Enter it on the Check Claim Status page. You will see updates as your claim moves along.
There are no fees to claim. The state never charges. Do not pay any company that offers to find your money. You can do this work yourself.
Documents Needed for Cheshire Unclaimed Property Claims
You must prove the property is yours. The state needs certain papers. A signed claim form starts the process. Bring a photo ID. This can be a driver's license or passport. You need to show your Social Security number. A Social Security card works. A tax document works too.
Proof of address helps your claim. Bring a utility bill or bank statement. The address should match the records. If you moved, bring proof of your old address. This links you to the funds. Some claims need extra proof. You might need a tax return. You might need the original check.
Heirs can claim property as well. You need proof the owner died. A death certificate serves this purpose. You need proof you are the heir. A will can show this. A court order can show this. The state works with heirs to return family funds.
Note: Keep copies of all papers you submit. The state may ask for more. Answer quickly to avoid delays.
Connecticut Laws on Cheshire Unclaimed Funds
Connecticut laws protect your right to claim. Section 3-56 defines key terms. Section 3-57a sets dormancy periods. Bank accounts have three years. Safe deposit boxes have five years.
Holders must try to reach you. Section 3-65a requires notice between July and September. They send letters to your last known address. If you do not respond, funds go to the state.
Wages become unclaimed after one year. Utility deposits share this rule. Virtual currency is now covered too. Holders must liquidate it within thirty days. Reports are due March 31 each year. Late reports face penalties. The state must keep a public database per Section 3-66a.
Contact Help for Cheshire Unclaimed Money
The Unclaimed Property Division helps all Connecticut residents. Call toll-free at 1-800-833-7318. Staff answer calls Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. They can search for you. They can answer claim questions.
Email works for questions too. Send to Unclaimed.Property@ct.gov. Include your name and phone. Explain what you need. Staff reply within a few days.
Write to the office at Office of the State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division, PO Box 5065, Hartford, CT 06102. Send claim forms here. Use certified mail for important items.
Preventing Unclaimed Property in Cheshire
You can stop your money from becoming lost. Keep good records. Know where your accounts are. Cash checks right away. Do not let them sit.
Stay in touch with your banks. Call or visit once a year. Update your address when you move. Tell every company you use. Check your accounts often. Look for statements.
Tell family about your accounts. They should know where your records are. This helps if you cannot manage things. Planning keeps money from getting lost.
Browse Unclaimed Money in Nearby Areas
Cheshire sits in New Haven County. Other towns in this county may have records too. Explore nearby locations to find more unclaimed property.