New Haven County Lost Funds Search
New Haven County residents can search for unclaimed money through the Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer. Connecticut abolished county governments in 1960. There are no county offices for unclaimed property. All residents use the same state database at ctbiglist.gov. The state holds over one billion dollars in forgotten assets. New Haven is the county's largest city. Waterbury sits in the Naugatuck Valley. These major urban areas contribute many records to the state system. The CT Big List database is free to search. There is no time limit to claim your money.
New Haven County Unclaimed Property Facts
Where to Search New Haven County Unclaimed Money Records
Connecticut abolished county governments in 1960. New Haven County has no separate office for unclaimed property. All searches go through the state. The Office of the State Treasurer runs the CT Big List. Visit ctbiglist.gov to begin. This database covers all towns in the county.
Shelton residents can search the same site as Naugatuck residents. Cheshire and East Haven use the same tools. Branford and North Haven are included too. The database works for every town in the region. Search by name to find records. Results show property type and amount.
Connecticut law requires holders to report unclaimed funds. Banks must file reports. Insurance companies do too. This happens under Chapter 32 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The state holds the funds as custodian. You remain the owner.
You can also call for help. Dial 1-800-833-7318. Staff will search for you. They answer calls weekdays. Hours run from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Note: All New Haven County towns use the same state database at ctbiglist.gov.
Types of Unclaimed Money in New Haven County
Unclaimed property includes many things. Bank accounts top the list. Checking and savings accounts go dormant. The bank cannot find the owner. They send the funds to the state. This happens after three years of no activity. Section 3-57a sets this rule.
Uncashed checks become unclaimed funds too. Payroll checks sit unclaimed. Refund checks go missing. Dividend checks never get deposited. Utility deposits are common in New Haven County. You move and forget to collect. The company holds the money. Then they send it to Hartford.
Stocks and bonds join the database. Life insurance proceeds do too. Safe deposit box contents are held for five years. Virtual currency is now included. Connecticut updated its laws in recent years. Section 3-57b covers this new type of property.
The state receives wages after one year. Section 3-60b governs this. Utility deposits share the same short period under Section 3-60c. Know these time frames. They affect how soon your money reaches the state.
Note: Dormancy periods vary by property type from one to five years.
New Haven County Automatic Returns Program
Connecticut launched CT Big Match in 2025. This program helps New Haven County residents. It returns small amounts without claims. Properties under $2,500 qualify. The system matches owners to their funds. You do not need to file papers.
You get a letter first. It tells you about the match. Six to eight weeks later, a check arrives. The process uses state records. Your name links to your current address. The Treasurer verifies your identity. Then the money comes to you.
Not all property qualifies. Joint accounts need claims. Larger amounts need claims. Businesses need claims. But many people in New Haven County will get automatic checks. Watch your mail closely. Do not throw away letters from the Treasurer. Learn more about the program at the CT Big List FAQ page.
This resource explains how the automatic return system works for residents. Call 1-800-833-7318 with questions. Staff can verify if a check is real.
How to Claim Unclaimed Money Records in New Haven County
Filing a claim is simple. Start online at ctbiglist.gov. Search for your name. Look through the results. Click any property that belongs to you. The site guides you through each step. You will need to prove your identity.
Get your documents ready. You need a photo ID. A driver's license works. So does a passport. You need to show your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or a tax form. Proof of address helps. A utility bill shows where you live. A bank statement works too.
The online portal is fastest. Upload documents through the secure site. You can also mail your claim. Send forms to PO Box 5065, Hartford, CT 06102. Include copies of your documents. Never send originals. Keep those for your files.
Documents for New Haven County Unclaimed Property Claims
Every claim needs proper paperwork. The state must verify you are the owner. Start with a signed claim form. Add your photo ID. Include your Social Security proof. These three items are required.
Some claims need more proof. If the address on record is old, show you lived there. Bring old utility bills. Show old tax returns. Connect yourself to the property. The staff reviews each claim carefully.
Heirs can claim for deceased owners. You need a death certificate. You need proof you are the heir. A will may work. So may court papers. The state works with families. They want to return the money to the right people. Find detailed requirements on the CT Big List claims page.
This page shows what documents heirs need to file successful claims. Note: Keep copies of all documents you submit. The state may request more proof.
New Haven County Unclaimed Money Claim Timeline
The state has ninety days to review claims. State law sets this deadline. Most claims finish faster. Simple claims may take weeks. Complex claims need more time.
You can check your claim status online. Use the Claim ID from your form. Enter it on the status page. Watch as your claim moves through review. The site shows updates. You will see when it is approved.
Once approved, payment comes quickly. There are no fees taken out. The full amount goes to you. The state does not charge for this service. Be wary of companies that charge fees. They cannot get your money faster. You can do this yourself for free.
Note: Never pay a third party to search or file claims for you.
Unclaimed Property in Major New Haven County Cities
New Haven is the largest city. It has over 137,000 people. Many residents have unclaimed funds. The city has banks and businesses. They report property to the state. Check the database if you lived there. Check if you worked there too.
Waterbury is another major city. It sits in the Naugatuck Valley. Manufacturing once thrived there. Many old accounts may wait in the database. Hamden sits near New Haven. Quinnipiac University calls it home. Students often leave accounts behind. Meriden is the geographic center. It connects the region. West Haven borders the Sound. Milford has a coastal community. All these cities feed into the state database.
Smaller towns have unclaimed money too. Wallingford has retail businesses. Shelton has corporate offices. Naugatuck has a rich history. Cheshire, East Haven, and Branford all contribute records. Search even if you lived in a small town. The database holds surprises.
Contact Help for New Haven County Unclaimed Money
The Unclaimed Property Division helps all county residents. Call toll-free at 1-800-833-7318. Staff answer Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. They speak with thousands of callers each year.
Email is another option. Write to Unclaimed.Property@ct.gov. Include your full name. Add your phone number. Describe what you need. Staff typically respond within a few days.
Mail goes to PO Box 5065, Hartford, CT 06102. Send claim forms here. Use certified mail for safety. The main Treasurer office sits at 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. Get full contact details at CT Big List contact page.
This page lists all ways to reach the Unclaimed Property Division.
Preventing Unclaimed Money in New Haven County
You can stop funds from going missing. Cash all checks fast. Do not let them sit. Update your address with every bank. Tell your insurance company when you move. Contact your stock broker too. Keep records of all your accounts.
Stay active with your banks. Log in to online accounts. Make a small transaction yearly. This keeps accounts from going dormant. Check your mail regularly. Look for statements. Respond to any notices.
Talk to family about your finances. They should know where accounts are. This helps if you cannot manage them. Good planning prevents lost money. It keeps your assets where they belong.
About Connecticut Unclaimed Property System
The CT Big List portal serves all of New Haven County. Visit ctbiglist.gov to access the main search interface shown below.
This portal connects you to billions in unclaimed funds waiting for New Haven County residents.
Understanding Unclaimed Property Types
The state provides detailed information about what counts as unclaimed property. Review the CT Big List information page to learn about different property categories.
This guide helps residents understand which assets may be waiting for them in the state database.
Browse Nearby Counties
New Haven County sits in the South Central region. It borders several other counties. Residents may have ties to these areas too.