Unclaimed Property Guide

The Sunset API helps you track unclaimed property discovered through state databases. Every state holds billions in unclaimed assets from dormant accounts, uncashed checks, and forgotten deposits. This guide covers the search and claim process.

API Path

/cases/{case_id}/unclaimed-property
/cases/{case_id}/unclaimed-property/{property_id}

Typical Workflow

1. Record discovered unclaimed property

After searching state databases, add discoveries to the case:

curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/unclaimed-property" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "property_type": "dormant_bank_account",
    "state": "IL",
    "holder_name": "State of Illinois",
    "reported_amount": 1250.00,
    "property_description": "Dormant checking account",
    "owner_name_on_record": "JANE M DOE",
    "claim_status": "discovered",
    "claim_url": "https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov",
    "required_documents": ["death_certificate", "letters_testamentary", "government_id"]
  }'

2. File a claim

Update the status when you submit a claim:

curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/unclaimed-property/{property_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "claim_status": "claim_filed",
    "claim_filed_date": "2025-10-25",
    "document_ids": ["01K9DOC001", "01K9DOC002", "01K9DOC003"],
    "notes": "Submitted online via state portal. Confirmation #CLM-2025-98765"
  }'

3. Track claim resolution

curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/unclaimed-property/{property_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "claim_status": "paid",
    "claim_approved_date": "2025-12-10",
    "claim_paid_amount": 1250.00
  }'

Property Types

Type	Description
`dormant_bank_account`	Inactive bank account turned over to state
`uncashed_check`	Check that was never cashed
`insurance_proceeds`	Unclaimed insurance payouts
`utility_deposit`	Utility security deposit
`rental_deposit`	Rental security deposit
`safe_deposit_box`	Contents of abandoned safe deposit box
`stocks_bonds`	Unclaimed stocks or bonds
`retirement_account`	Unclaimed retirement funds
`gift_card`	Unused gift card balance
`mineral_rights`	Unclaimed mineral/oil rights royalties
`wages`	Unclaimed wages or payroll
`refund`	Unclaimed tax or other refund

Required Documents

Document	When Needed
`death_certificate`	Always required
`letters_testamentary`	If estate is in probate with a will
`letters_of_administration`	If estate is in probate without a will
`affidavit`	Small estate affidavit (when no probate)
`government_id`	Executor/administrator photo ID
`proof_of_heirship`	To establish heir relationship

Key Considerations

Search all 50 states where the deceased lived, worked, or had financial accounts. Don’t limit searches to the state of residence.
Name variations matter. Search maiden names, middle names, misspellings, and initials.
No deadline to file in most states. Unclaimed property is held indefinitely in most jurisdictions.
No fee to claim. Never pay a “finder” to retrieve unclaimed property you can claim yourself for free through state portals.
Processing time varies widely from 2 weeks to 6+ months depending on the state and claim complexity.
Multiple claims can be filed across different states simultaneously.

Getting Started

Guides

Unclaimed Property Guide

Unclaimed Property Guide

API Path

Typical Workflow

1. Record discovered unclaimed property

2. File a claim

3. Track claim resolution

Property Types

Required Documents

Key Considerations

​Unclaimed Property Guide

​API Path

​Typical Workflow

​1. Record discovered unclaimed property

​2. File a claim

​3. Track claim resolution

​Property Types

​Required Documents

​Key Considerations

Unclaimed Property Guide

API Path

Typical Workflow

1. Record discovered unclaimed property

2. File a claim

3. Track claim resolution

Property Types

Required Documents

Key Considerations