Find Unclaimed Money in Westport
Westport residents can search for unclaimed money through the state CT Big List database. The Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer maintains records of forgotten funds from banks, businesses, and insurance companies throughout Fairfield County. This coastal town of over 27,000 residents has many people with unclaimed property waiting to be found. You can search for old bank accounts, uncashed checks, and insurance refunds by name. The database contains millions of records from across Connecticut. Results show property type and holder information. The search is free and takes just minutes to complete.
Westport Unclaimed Property Quick Facts
Where Westport Residents Find Unclaimed Money
The Office of the State Treasurer manages unclaimed property for all of Connecticut. Westport residents use the same free database as every other town. Visit ctbiglist.gov to start your search. You can look up your name in seconds. The site lists property by owner name and address. You can also search by property ID if you have one.
Connecticut law requires banks and businesses to report unclaimed funds to the state. This happens after three to five years of no contact. The Treasurer keeps your money safe. The state never takes ownership. You can claim your property at any time. Never pay a finder to search for you. The state offers this service for free.
Note: The official CT Big List website is the only place to search for unclaimed money in Westport.
Types of Unclaimed Property in Westport
Unclaimed property is not real estate. It is money that owners have forgotten. Bank accounts go dormant. Checks go uncashed. Insurance policies mature without payment. All of this becomes unclaimed property. The state collects it from holders across Fairfield County.
Common unclaimed property types include:
- Bank accounts with no activity
- Uncashed payroll checks
- Insurance policy proceeds
- Utility deposit refunds
- Stocks and dividends
- Safe deposit box contents
Virtual currency now counts too. Connecticut updated its laws in 2025. Crypto assets must be reported and liquidated. The state holds the cash value for owners. Wages become unclaimed after just one year. Utility deposits follow the same rule. Banks have three years to reach you. Safe deposit boxes have five years.
Westport has many residents with old accounts. Some moved away years ago. Others simply forgot about small balances. These funds add up. The state holds over one billion dollars total. Some of it belongs to Westport residents.
CT Big Match Program for Westport Residents
Connecticut launched CT Big Match in 2025. This program returns small amounts automatically. You do not need to file a claim. The state matches properties under $2,500 to verified owners. You get a letter first. Then a check arrives six to eight weeks later.
The program works by matching your name to your current address. The Treasurer verifies your identity through state records. If you qualify, you simply wait for the mail. The check comes directly to you. This saves time and paperwork. It helps the state return more money faster.
If you get a check from the Treasurer, do not throw it away. Call 1-800-833-7318 with questions. Staff can confirm the check is real. This is a free state service. You earned this money. The state wants to return it to Westport residents and all Connecticut citizens.
How Westport Residents Claim Unclaimed Money
Filing a claim takes just a few steps. Go to ctbiglist.gov. Enter your name in the search box. Look through the results. Click on any property that belongs to you. Follow the prompts to start your claim. You will need to prove your identity.
Required documents include a photo ID. A driver's license works. You also need to verify your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or a tax document. Proof of address helps too. A utility bill or bank statement showing your name and address will work. If your address changed, bring proof of your old address.
Online claims are fastest. Upload documents through the 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 your claim form and document copies. Keep your originals.
The Treasurer has ninety days to review your claim. Most finish sooner. Check your status online using your Claim ID. Enter it on the Check Claim Status page. You will see updates as your claim moves through review.
Note: Keep copies of everything you submit. The state may ask for more documents.
Westport Town Government Resources
Westport operates under a representative town meeting form of government. The town has its own finance department. Local officials can help with town-specific questions. The Finance Director is Gary G. Conrad. You can reach him at 203-341-1095. His email is gconrad@westportct.gov.
The Controller is Shelia Carey. Her phone is 203-341-1055. Her email is SCAREY@westportct.gov. These officials manage town finances. They may help with questions about town records. However, unclaimed property itself goes through the state Treasurer.
Westport is in Fairfield County. The town has a population of about 28,000 residents. Many have lived here for decades. Others have moved in and out. All may have unclaimed property waiting at the state level.
Connecticut Unclaimed Property Laws Affecting Westport
Chapter 32 of the Connecticut General Statutes governs unclaimed property. These laws protect owners. They ensure holders report property properly. They create a clear path to claim what is yours.
Section 3-56 defines key terms. Section 3-57a sets dormancy periods. Most bank accounts become unclaimed after three years. Safe deposit boxes wait five years. Section 3-65a requires holders to notify owners before reporting.
Virtual currency rules are in Section 3-57b. Wages follow Section 3-60b. Utility deposits use Section 3-60c. Holder reports are due March 31 each year. Late reports face penalties. The state maintains a public database per Section 3-66a. You can search anytime.
Contact Information for Westport Unclaimed Property Help
The Connecticut Unclaimed Property Division can 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 over the phone. They 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 respond within a few business 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 papers.
How Westport Residents Prevent Unclaimed Property
You can stop your money from becoming unclaimed. Keep good records. Know where your accounts are. Cash checks right away. Do not let them sit.
Contact your banks each year. Update your address when you move. Tell every company where you do business. Check your accounts often. Look for statements.
Family members should know about your accounts. They should know where to find records. This helps if something happens to you. Planning keeps property from getting lost.
Nearby Fairfield County Cities with Unclaimed Money
Other Fairfield County residents can search the same state database. Browse nearby cities to learn more.
Browse Connecticut Counties for Unclaimed Property
Select your county to learn more about unclaimed property in your region.