Fairfield County Unclaimed Property Records

Fairfield County residents in Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury, and surrounding towns can search for unclaimed money through the state database. Connecticut abolished county governments in 1960. This means Fairfield County has no county office for unclaimed property. All records stay with the state. The Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer holds over one billion dollars in unclaimed assets for residents statewide. You can search the CT Big List at ctbiglist.gov for free. There is no time limit to claim what belongs to you.

Fairfield County Unclaimed Money Search Location

All unclaimed property for Fairfield County residents is held by the state. The Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer runs the CT Big List program. You can search this database at ctbiglist.gov. This free service lists all unclaimed funds reported from Fairfield County businesses and banks. The database is public. Anyone can search it.

The state collects unclaimed money from holders across Fairfield County. Banks in Bridgeport report dormant accounts. Insurance companies in Stamford send unclaimed proceeds. Utility companies in Norwalk forward deposit refunds. All of this property goes to the Treasurer. The state acts as custodian. Your money stays safe.

Bridgeport is the largest city in Fairfield County. It has over 151,000 residents. Many unclaimed property records come from this city. Stamford and Norwalk are also major sources. Danbury, Fairfield, Greenwich, and Westport contribute records too. The state database covers all Fairfield County towns equally.

Fairfield County is part of the Western Connecticut Council of Governments. It is also served by the Greater Bridgeport Council of Governments. These planning regions do not handle unclaimed property. They focus on regional planning. For unclaimed money, Fairfield County residents use the state system only.

Note: Always use the official CT Big List website to search for unclaimed property from Fairfield County.

Types of Fairfield County Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed property comes in many forms. Fairfield County residents may have money they forgot about. Old bank accounts sit idle. Checks go uncashed. Utility deposits never get refunded. The state collects all of this. Section 3-56 of Connecticut law defines what counts as unclaimed property.

Bank accounts become unclaimed after three years of no activity. This rule is in Section 3-57a. The bank must try to contact you first. They send letters to your last known address. If you do not respond, the funds go to the state. This protects your money. It does not become bank profit.

Common types of unclaimed property for Fairfield County residents include:

• Inactive savings and checking accounts from Bridgeport banks
• Uncashed payroll checks from Stamford employers
• Forgotten utility deposits from Norwalk companies
• Insurance proceeds from Fairfield County policies
• Stocks and bonds held by Greenwich brokers
• Virtual currency accounts under Connecticut law

Virtual currency is now covered under state law. Holders must liquidate and send proceeds within thirty days. This is a recent change. It shows how Connecticut updates its laws. Your digital assets are protected too.

CT Big Match Program for Fairfield County Residents

Connecticut launched CT Big Match in 2025. This program helps Fairfield County residents get small amounts back faster. It works automatically. You do not need to file a claim. The state matches unclaimed property under $2,500 to verified sole owners. Fairfield County residents who qualify get a letter first. Then a check arrives six to eight weeks later.

The program saves time. It reduces paperwork. Fairfield County residents get their money faster. The state uses records to verify your identity. They check your name against your current address. If everything matches, you qualify. The process is simple. You wait for the mail.

If you receive a check from the Connecticut Treasurer, do not throw it away. Some Fairfield County residents think it is a scam. It is real. Call 1-800-833-7318 if you have doubts. Staff can verify the check. This is a free state service. You earned this money.

Not all Fairfield County property qualifies for CT Big Match. Joint accounts need a claim form. Property over $2,500 needs documentation. Business property needs verification. The automatic program helps many people. But some still need to file claims.

How to Claim Fairfield County Unclaimed Money

Filing a claim for Fairfield County unclaimed property is easy. Start at ctbiglist.gov. Search for your name. Use variations of your name. Try maiden names. Try nicknames. The database may have records under different spellings. Fairfield County residents should search thoroughly.

Click on any property that belongs to you. The system shows details. It lists the holder name. It shows the last known address. This helps you verify the property is yours. Follow the prompts to start your claim. You will need proof of identity. A photo ID works. Your Social Security number is required. You may need proof of address.

Section 3-70a covers claims procedures. The Treasurer has ninety days to review your claim. Most Fairfield County claims process faster. You can check status online. Use your Claim ID. Enter it on the Check Claim Status page. You will see updates as your claim moves forward.

Claims can be filed online. This is fastest for Fairfield County residents. You upload documents through a 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 documents. Keep originals for your records. Once approved, you receive your money. There are no fees.

Documents Needed for Fairfield County Claims

Fairfield County residents must prove they own the unclaimed property. The state requires specific documents. A signed claim form starts the process. You need a photo ID. This can be a driver's license or passport. You need to verify your Social Security number. A Social Security card or tax document works.

Proof of address helps your Fairfield County 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 connects you to the funds. Some claims need more proof. You may need a tax return. You may need an original check. Each claim is different.

Heirs can claim Fairfield County property too. You need proof the owner died. A death certificate works. You need proof you are the legal heir. This might be a will or court order. The state works with heirs. Family money can be returned. The process takes longer for heirs. But it is still free.

Fairfield County Unclaimed Property Laws

Connecticut law governs all unclaimed property. This includes Fairfield County funds. The main laws are in Chapter 32 of the General Statutes. These laws protect your rights. They ensure holders report property properly. They give you a clear path to claim what is yours.

Section 3-56 defines key terms. Section 3-57a sets dormancy periods. Bank accounts become unclaimed after three years. Section 3-65a requires holders to notify owners. They must send notice between July and September before reporting.

Holder reports are due March 31 each year. Late reports face penalties. The state maintains a public database. This lets Fairfield County residents search anytime. The laws are clear. The process is fair. Your money is protected.

There is no time limit for claims. Fairfield County residents can claim property from decades ago. The state holds funds forever. You never lose your right to claim. This is important. Old family money may still be waiting.

Contact Help for Fairfield County Residents

The Unclaimed Property Division helps Fairfield County residents. You can 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 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 typically respond within a few business days. Fairfield County residents can use this for simple questions.

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. Fairfield County residents should keep copies of everything.

Note: The state office is in Hartford. Fairfield County residents cannot visit a local county office for unclaimed property.

Preventing Unclaimed Property in Fairfield County

Fairfield County residents can take steps to keep their money safe. Keep good financial records. Know where your accounts are. Cash all checks promptly. Do not let checks sit in drawers. Small amounts add up over time.

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. Fairfield County has many residents who move frequently. Keep your address current everywhere.

Tell family members about your accounts. They should know where to find your records. This helps if something happens to you. Planning prevents property from becoming lost. Fairfield County families can protect their assets with simple steps.

Fairfield County Cities and Towns

Fairfield County has 24 cities and towns. All use the same state database for unclaimed property. Residents of each community can search the CT Big List. The largest cities have the most records. But smaller towns have unclaimed money too.

Other Fairfield County communities include Westport, Stratford, Trumbull, Ridgefield, Shelton, and New Canaan. All Fairfield County residents can search for unclaimed money at ctbiglist.gov.

Nearby Connecticut Counties

These counties border Fairfield County. Residents of these areas also use the same state database. The CT Big List covers all of Connecticut. You can search for property from any county in one place.