Find Unclaimed Property in Middlesex County

Middlesex County residents in Middletown, Portland, Cromwell, and other Connecticut River Valley towns can search for unclaimed money through the state system. Connecticut abolished county governments in 1960. This means Middlesex County has no county office for unclaimed property. All records flow to the state level. 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 your property.

Where Middlesex County Residents Find Unclaimed Money

The State Treasurer handles all unclaimed property for Middlesex County. This includes funds from Middletown, the county seat. It also covers Cromwell, East Hampton, and Portland. The CT Big List website is your starting point. Go to ctbiglist.gov to search. Enter your name and see what turns up. You might find old bank accounts. You might find uncashed checks. Many people in Middlesex County have money waiting.

Connecticut law under Chapter 32, Section 3-56 requires holders to report unclaimed funds. Banks must report inactive accounts. Insurance companies must report unpaid claims. Utility companies must send deposit refunds to the state. All this money goes to Hartford. The Treasurer keeps it safe for you.

Middlesex County spans two planning regions. Most towns are in the Lower Connecticut River Valley COG. A small part falls under the Naugatuck Valley COG. Both regions follow the same state rules for unclaimed property. Your town does not matter. The process is the same for all Middlesex County residents.

The state receives new property every year. Businesses report funds after three years of no contact. This is the dormancy period under Section 3-57a. The Treasurer publishes names in the database. You can search anytime. Your money waits for you.

Middlesex County Qualifies for CT Big Match Program

Connecticut started a new program in 2025. It is called CT Big Match. This program sends unclaimed money back automatically. You do not need to file a claim. The state matches property under $2,500 to verified owners. This helps many Middlesex County residents.

The program works with state records. The Treasurer matches your name to your current address. You get a letter first. Then a check arrives in six to eight weeks. This saves you time. It saves paperwork. It gets your money back faster.

If you get a check from the State Treasurer, do not throw it away. Call 1-800-833-7318 to verify it is real. The staff can confirm the check. This is a free service. You earned this money. The state wants to return it to Middlesex County residents.

Not all property qualifies for automatic return. Larger amounts need a claim form. Property with multiple owners needs paperwork. Business claims need documents. The automatic program only covers sole owners with small amounts. Check the database to see what you have.

Types of Unclaimed Money in Middlesex County

Unclaimed property is not real estate. It is money that has been forgotten. It comes from many sources. Middlesex County residents might find old bank accounts. They might find uncashed payroll checks. Utility deposits often go unclaimed. All these become state property after the dormancy period.

The most common types of unclaimed property include:

• Savings and checking accounts with no activity
• Uncashed payroll and refund checks
• Utility deposits and refunds
• Insurance policy proceeds
• Stocks and bonds
• Virtual currency holdings

Virtual currency is new under Connecticut law. Section 3-57b covers digital assets. Holders must liquidate virtual currency within thirty days. They send the proceeds to the state. This protects owners of Bitcoin and other digital funds.

Wages become unclaimed after one year. This is shorter than most property. Section 3-60b sets this rule. Utility deposits share the same one-year period under Section 3-60c. If you move and forget your deposit, it goes to the state.

How to Claim Unclaimed Money in Middlesex County

Filing a claim is simple. Start at ctbiglist.gov. Search for your name. Look for properties in Middlesex County. Click on any that belong to you. Follow the prompts to start your claim. The system guides you step by step.

You need to prove your identity. Bring a photo ID. A driver's license works. A passport works too. You need to show your Social Security number. A Social Security card is best. A tax document with your number also works. The state must verify who you are.

Claims can be filed online. This is the fastest way. Upload documents through the secure portal. The state reviews your claim. Most are done in weeks. Some take longer. Complex claims need more time.

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 yourself. Use certified mail if you want tracking. The state will process mailed claims too.

The Treasurer has ninety days to review claims under Section 3-70a. You can check status online. Use your Claim ID. Enter it on the status page. See updates as your claim moves through review.

Documents Needed for Middlesex County Claims

Every claim needs proof of ownership. The state requires certain documents. A signed claim form starts the process. You need photo identification. You need to verify your Social Security number. These are the basics for all Middlesex County residents.

Proof of address helps your claim. Bring a utility bill. Bring a bank statement. The address should match the property records. If you moved, show your old address. This connects you to the funds. Some claims need more proof. You might need a tax return. You might need the original check. Each case is different.

Heirs can claim property too. You need proof the owner died. A death certificate is required. You need proof you are the heir. This might be a will. It might be a court order. The state works with heirs to return family money.

Businesses can claim their property. You need proof you own the business. Articles of incorporation work. A business license works too. The authorized signer must provide ID. Corporate claims take more time. Start early if you have business property.

Note: Keep copies of everything you send. The state may ask for more documents. Respond quickly to avoid delays.

Contact Information for Middlesex County Residents

The Unclaimed Property Division is ready to help Middlesex County residents. 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. They can answer questions about claims.

Email works well too. Send questions to Unclaimed.Property@ct.gov. Include your name. Include your phone number. Describe what you need. Staff usually respond within a few business days. This is good for non-urgent 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 here. Send documents here. Use certified mail for important papers.

Keep Your Money from Becoming Unclaimed in Middlesex County

You can take steps to protect your funds. Keep good records. Know where your accounts are. Cash all checks promptly. Do not let them sit in drawers. This prevents money from going to the state.

Stay in touch with your banks. Contact them at least once each year. Update your address when you move. Tell every bank where you do business. Check your accounts often. Look for statements and notices. Activity keeps accounts active.

Tell family about your accounts. They should know where to find records. This helps if something happens to you. Good planning prevents lost property. Your heirs will thank you.

Review your finances yearly. Look for old accounts. Close accounts you do not use. Consolidate where possible. The less you have scattered, the less likely you lose track. Middlesex County residents can avoid unclaimed property with a little effort.

Cities and Towns in Middlesex County

Middlesex County has fifteen towns. All use the same state database. Middletown is the largest city. It is also the county seat. Other towns include Cromwell, East Hampton, and Portland. Search for unclaimed money in any of these places through the CT Big List.

Other Middlesex County towns include Cromwell, East Hampton, Portland, East Haddam, Haddam, Durham, Middlefield, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, and Killingworth. All residents can search the state database for unclaimed property.

Nearby Counties with Unclaimed Money

These counties border Middlesex County. You might have unclaimed property in more than one place. Check all counties where you have lived or done business. The state database covers all of Connecticut.