Litchfield County Unclaimed Funds Search

Litchfield County residents in Torrington, New Milford, and rural communities across the region can search for unclaimed money through the state database. Connecticut abolished county governments in 1960. This means Litchfield 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. You can search the CT Big List at ctbiglist.gov. The service is free and there is no time limit to claim what is yours.

Searching for Litchfield County Unclaimed Property

Litchfield County does not have a county unclaimed property office. Connecticut abolished county governments in 1960. All unclaimed property in Litchfield County flows to the State Treasurer's Office in Hartford. The state maintains the CT Big List database. This online tool holds records for all unclaimed funds in Litchfield County and across Connecticut.

The CT Big List is free to use. You can search by name, city, or property ID. Visit ctbiglist.gov to start your search. The database lists names of owners and the amounts held. Results show the last known address. This helps you confirm the property belongs to you. The site is secure. It runs on state servers.

Banks, insurance firms, and companies in Litchfield County report unclaimed assets to the state. This happens when they lose touch with the owner. The dormancy period is typically three years. After that, the funds go to the Treasurer. The state never takes ownership. It holds the funds as a custodian. You can claim them at any time.

Torrington is the largest city in Litchfield County. New Milford is another major hub. Residents in these cities and all towns across Litchfield County use the same state database. The search covers property from all sources. This includes local banks, utility firms, and employers in Litchfield County.

The state updates the database often. New property arrives throughout the year. You should check back if you do not find funds now. Your name may appear later. The CT Big List has records going back decades. Old accounts may still wait for owners.

Access the official CT Big List search portal at ctbiglist.gov to look for Litchfield County unclaimed property. The site is mobile-friendly. You can search from your phone or tablet. Results appear in seconds. The process is simple and fast.

Litchfield County residents can search this portal to find unclaimed funds from banks, employers, and other sources throughout the region.

Types of Litchfield County Unclaimed Money

Unclaimed property is not real estate. It is money that sits idle. Many types of funds become unclaimed in Litchfield County. Bank accounts are the most common. Savings and checking accounts go dormant. The owner forgets about them. The bank sends the funds to the state.

Uncashed checks make up a large share of unclaimed money in Litchfield County. Payroll checks sit in drawers. Refund checks never get deposited. Dividend checks from stocks go stale. These funds all end up with the Treasurer. The state holds them for the rightful owners.

Insurance proceeds often go unclaimed in Litchfield County. Life insurance firms cannot find beneficiaries. The policies pay out, but no one collects. The funds go to the state after the dormancy period. Utility deposits are another source. When you move, you may forget to claim your deposit back. The company sends it to the state if they cannot reach you.

Stocks and bonds become unclaimed property too. Certificates sit in safe deposit boxes. Brokerage accounts go inactive. The state holds these assets. Safe deposit box contents are sold. The cash value goes to the owner. Virtual currency is now included under Connecticut law. Crypto assets held by firms must be reported as unclaimed property.

Common unclaimed property types for Litchfield County residents include:

• Inactive savings and checking accounts
• Uncashed payroll, refund, and dividend checks
• Life insurance policy proceeds
• Forgotten utility deposits
• Stocks, bonds, and brokerage accounts
• Virtual currency holdings

Note: Litchfield County residents should search for all name variations to find every unclaimed property record.

CT Big Match Automatic Returns for Litchfield County

Connecticut launched a new program in 2025. It is called CT Big Match. This program helps Litchfield County residents get small amounts of unclaimed money without filing a claim. The state matches property under $2,500 to verified sole owners. You do not need to do anything. The process is automatic.

The program works through data matching. The Treasurer links unclaimed property to current addresses. They use state records to confirm identity. If you qualify, you get a letter first. The letter tells you about the match. Then a check arrives in six to eight weeks. This saves you time. You do not fill out forms.

Not all property qualifies for CT Big Match. Joint accounts need more proof. Large amounts need a full claim. But many Litchfield County residents will get checks in the mail. Watch for envelopes from the State Treasurer. The checks are real. Do not throw them away.

If you have doubts about a check, call the state. The toll-free number is 1-800-833-7318. Staff can verify the check. This is a free state service. Litchfield County residents pay nothing. The money belongs to you. The state wants to return it.

How to Claim Unclaimed Money in Litchfield County

Filing a claim for Litchfield County unclaimed property is easy. Start at ctbiglist.gov. Search for your name. Click on any property that belongs to you. The site will guide you through the claim steps. You need to prove your identity. You also need to show you own the property.

The state requires certain documents. A photo ID is first. Use a driver's license or passport. You need to verify your Social Security number. A Social Security card or tax form works. Proof of address helps. Bring a utility bill or bank statement. The address should match the property record.

Claims can be filed online. This is the fastest method. You upload documents through the secure portal. You can also mail your claim. Send it to PO Box 5065, Hartford, CT 06102. Include the claim form and copies of your documents. Keep the originals for your records.

The Treasurer reviews claims under Connecticut General Statutes Section 3-70a. They have ninety days to process. Most claims move faster. You can check your claim status online. Use your Claim ID. Enter it on the Check Claim Status page. You will see updates as your claim moves along.

Litchfield County residents can file claims online or by mail to recover their unclaimed funds from the state database.

Once approved, you receive your money. The state sends a check. There are no fees. The service is free. Do not pay any firm that offers to find your unclaimed property for a fee. You can do this yourself. The CT Big List is open to all.

Litchfield County Unclaimed Property Laws

Connecticut law governs all unclaimed property in Litchfield County. The main laws are in Chapter 32 of the General Statutes. These laws cover Sections 3-56 through 3-76. They set the rules for holders. They protect owner rights. They create a clear path to claim what is yours.

Section 3-56 defines key terms. It tells what counts as unclaimed property. Section 3-57a sets dormancy periods. Most bank accounts become unclaimed after three years. Safe deposit boxes have a five-year period. Section 3-65a requires holders to notify owners before reporting to the state.

Wages have a one-year dormancy under Section 3-60b. Utility deposits share this rule per Section 3-60c. Virtual currency is covered under Section 3-57b. Holders must liquidate crypto and send proceeds within thirty days. Section 3-66a requires the state to keep a public database. This is the CT Big List.

Holder reports are due March 31 each year. Late reports face penalties. The state charges fifteen percent interest on late filings. These laws ensure Litchfield County residents can find their money. The laws make holders report property promptly. They keep the system fair for all.

Note: Connecticut unclaimed property laws protect Litchfield County owners with no deadline to claim their funds.

Contact the Connecticut Unclaimed Property Division

Litchfield County residents can get help from the Unclaimed Property Division. The staff is ready to answer questions. You can call toll-free at 1-800-833-7318. Hours are Monday through Friday. The office is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Staff can search for you over the phone. They can explain the claim process.

Email is another option. Send questions to Unclaimed.Property@ct.gov. Include your name and phone number. Describe what you need help with. Staff usually reply within a few business days. This is good for complex questions. You can attach documents if needed.

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. This gives you proof of delivery.

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. Litchfield County residents can use any of these methods to get help with unclaimed property.

Preventing Unclaimed Property in Litchfield County

You can take steps to keep your money from becoming unclaimed. Keep good records. Know where all your accounts are. Make a list of banks and investments. Update it once a year. Tell a trusted family member where to find this list.

Cash all checks right away. Do not let them sit. Deposit payroll checks when you get them. Cash refund checks from stores. Deposit dividend checks from investments. This keeps the funds active. Active accounts do not go to the state.

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. Respond to any letters from financial firms.

Tell family about your accounts. They should know where your records are. This helps if something happens to you. Good planning prevents lost property. Your heirs will thank you. Litchfield County residents who stay organized keep their money where it belongs.

Note: Active accounts with regular contact never become unclaimed property in Litchfield County or elsewhere in Connecticut.

Cities in Litchfield County

Litchfield County has several cities and towns. All residents use the same state database for unclaimed property. The largest city is Torrington. New Milford is another major population center. Residents of these cities can search the CT Big List for their unclaimed funds.

Other towns in Litchfield County include Litchfield, Watertown, Winchester, Thomaston, Plymouth, and North Canaan. All residents can search the CT Big List for unclaimed property from these communities.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Litchfield County. Residents near the county line may have unclaimed property reported in neighboring counties. Search all areas where you have lived or done business.