Waterbury Unclaimed Money and Property Records
Waterbury 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. Waterbury 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 Waterbury have funds waiting. You can claim what belongs to you at no cost. Call 1-800-833-7318 for help with your search.
Waterbury Quick Facts
Where to Find Waterbury Unclaimed Money
Waterbury unclaimed money is held by the state. The Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer runs the CT Big List. This is the main database. You can search it at ctbiglist.gov. The site lists all unclaimed property reported by holders. You can search by name, city, or property ID.
The state holds over one billion dollars in unclaimed funds. Some of this money belongs to Waterbury residents. Property comes from banks that lost contact with owners. Insurance firms report unpaid claims. Utility companies send deposits they cannot return. All of this ends up with the Treasurer.
Waterbury is in New Haven County. The city has a mayor-council form of government. City Hall is at 235 Grand Street on the second floor. The main phone is 203-597-3444. You can visit the city website at waterburyct.org. But for unclaimed money, you must use the state database.
Note: Always use the official state database. Do not pay third parties to search for you.
What Is Waterbury Unclaimed Property
Unclaimed property is not real estate. It is money that owners forgot. It includes bank accounts that sit idle. It covers uncashed checks and refunds. Stocks and bonds can become unclaimed. So can utility deposits. Even virtual currency counts now.
Property becomes unclaimed when contact stops. Banks must try to reach you first. They send letters to your last known address. If you do not respond, funds go to the state. The Treasurer holds them as custodian. The state never owns your money. You can claim it anytime.
Common types of Waterbury unclaimed property include:
- Inactive bank accounts and safe deposit boxes
- Uncashed payroll and refund checks
- Forgotten utility and rental deposits
- Insurance policy proceeds and dividends
- Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
- Gift cards and stored value cards
Connecticut law requires holders to report these assets. The dormancy period is three to five years for most property. Wages and utility deposits have a one-year period. Once reported, the funds stay in the state database forever. You lose nothing by waiting.
CT Big Match Program for Waterbury Residents
Connecticut launched CT Big Match in 2025. This program sends small amounts back to owners. You do not need to file a claim. The state matches property under $2,500 to verified owners. You get a letter first. Then a check comes in six to eight weeks.
The program uses state records to verify your address. If you qualify, the process is simple. You wait for mail. The check arrives at your door. This saves time for everyone. It cuts down on paperwork. It gets money back faster.
Waterbury residents may get checks from this program. If you receive one, do not throw it away. Call 1-800-833-7318 to verify it is real. The staff can confirm your check. This is a free service. You earned this money.
How to Claim Waterbury Unclaimed Money
Filing a claim is simple. Go to ctbiglist.gov. Search for your name. Click on property that belongs to you. Follow the prompts to start. You will need to prove your identity. A photo ID is required. You need your Social Security number too.
Claims can be filed online. This is the fastest way. You upload documents through a secure portal. You can also mail your claim. Send it to Office of the State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division, PO Box 5065, Hartford, CT 06102. Include the claim form and copies of documents. Keep originals for your files.
The state has ninety days to review your claim under Connecticut General Statutes Section 3-70a. Most claims go faster. You can check status online. Use the Claim ID from your form. Enter it on the Check Claim Status page. You will see updates as staff work on your claim.
Once approved, you get your money. There are no fees. The state does not charge for this. Never pay a company to find your property. You can do this yourself for free.
Documents Needed for Waterbury Unclaimed Property Claims
You must prove you are the owner. The state needs specific papers. A signed claim form starts the process. You need a photo ID. This can be a driver's license or passport. You must verify your Social Security number. A Social Security card or tax form works.
Proof of address helps your claim. Bring a utility bill or bank statement. The address should match the property records. If you moved, bring proof of your old address. This links you to the funds. Some claims need more proof. You may need a tax return or original check.
Heirs can claim property too. You need proof the owner died. A death certificate works. You need proof you are the heir. This might be a will or court order. The state works with heirs to return family funds.
Note: Keep copies of all papers you send. The state may ask for more. Respond fast to avoid delays.
Connecticut Unclaimed Property Laws
Connecticut laws govern unclaimed property. The main laws are in Chapter 32 of the General Statutes. These laws protect your rights. They make sure holders report property right. They give you a clear path to claim what is yours.
Section 3-56 defines unclaimed property terms. Section 3-57a sets dormancy periods. Bank accounts become unclaimed after three years. Safe deposit boxes have five years. Section 3-65a requires holders to notify owners before reporting.
Virtual currency is covered under Section 3-57b. Holders must liquidate and send proceeds within thirty days. Wages become unclaimed after one year per Section 3-60b. Utility deposits share the same rule under Section 3-60c.
Holder reports are due March 31 each year. Late reports face a fifteen percent interest penalty. The state keeps a public database per Section 3-66a. This lets you search for your property anytime.
Waterbury City Finance Department
The City of Waterbury Finance Department handles city funds. This office does not hold state unclaimed property. But they manage city finances. The Director of Finance is Michael LeBlanc, CPA. He can be reached at 203-574-6840. His email is mleblanc@waterburyct.org.
City Hall is at 235 Grand Street on the second floor. The main city phone is 203-597-3444. You can visit the city website at waterburyct.org. The Finance Department works on the city budget and fiscal planning.
Note: For unclaimed money claims, use the state CT Big List. The city office does not process these claims.
Contact Connecticut Unclaimed Property Division
The Unclaimed Property Division is ready to help. Call toll-free at 1-800-833-7318. Staff answer calls Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. They can search for you by phone. They can answer questions about claims.
Email works too. Send questions to Unclaimed.Property@ct.gov. Include your name and phone number. Describe what you need. Staff usually reply within a few business days.
You can write to the office. The mailing address is Office of the State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division, PO Box 5065, Hartford, CT 06102. Send claim forms and documents here. Use certified mail for important papers.
The main State Treasurer office is at 165 Capitol Avenue, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106. Call 860-702-3000 for general questions. The toll-free number is 800-702-3000.
Preventing Unclaimed Property in Waterbury
You can stop your money from becoming unclaimed. Keep good records. Know where your accounts are. Cash all checks fast. Do not let checks sit in drawers.
Stay in touch with your banks. Contact them at least once a year. Update your address when you move. Tell every bank and company where you do business. Check your accounts often. Look for statements and notices.
Tell family about your accounts. They should know where to find your records. This helps if something happens to you. Planning stops property from getting lost.
Note: Active accounts never become unclaimed property. A little care goes a long way.
New Haven County Unclaimed Money
Waterbury is in New Haven County. The county has over 850,000 residents. All use the same state database. For more on county resources and information, visit the New Haven County unclaimed money page.