Unclaimed Money in Georgia

Georgia's Department of Revenue says all you need to begin a search is your name, and adding a city narrows the results. The search form we opened on November 4, 2026 asks for a last or company name, a first name and a city, not a Social Security number. A claim can ask for more.

Go to the official Georgia search

Estate searches are different. The state says those need the person's name, Social Security number and/or the estate's federal tax number. Enter them only on the state's own site. The Department says it is completely free to search and to claim.

Protect your Social Security number. Use the official site, and do not give your Social Security number to a third-party page or to anyone who calls, texts or emails you about unclaimed money.

Last checked: November 4, 2026. Benefits Explorer is a private directory, not a government agency. This page does not search for money. We do not take claims or decide who gets paid, and we never ask for your Social Security number.

Who Runs the Program

Georgia Department of Revenue, Unclaimed Property Program

Phone: (855) 329-9863

How to Claim in Georgia

  1. Search your name on the state's official site.
  2. Register for a free account to file online.
  3. File for yourself, your business, or as an heir or executor. Estate and business claims need a printed claim form and may need more documents.
  4. Check your claim status through the claimant login.

Notary Rule

The Department's search and claim pages we read do not list a notary rule for a person claiming their own money, so follow your claim form. If you sign a recovery agreement with a paid representative, the state's form (UP-CDR2, revised April 9, 2025) must be acknowledged before a notary.

How Long a Claim Takes

The Department says most claims are paid within 30 days, and the process may take up to 90 days. Payment is by paper check. There is no time limit to claim, except a one-year limit on excess funds from the sale of an abandoned motor vehicle.

Finder Fees

You can claim for free and don't need a representative. Under O.C.G.A. section 44-12-224, as changed by Senate Bill 103 (2023), fees under a recovery agreement cannot exceed 30% of the claimed amount or the property's value, whichever is lower. The limit does not apply if a court order is needed to document entitlement, or to purchase agreements. Representatives must register with the state, and claims are void without the standard forms. An older state FAQ page still says 10%, so ask the Department if you are unsure.

This is general information, not legal advice. See the sources below, and contact legal aid before you sign an agreement you are unsure about.

Georgia Unclaimed Money Questions

Can I search Georgia unclaimed property by Social Security number?

The search form we opened on November 4, 2026 asks for a name, not a Social Security number, and the state says your name is all you need to begin. That covers the search, not a claim. Estate searches use the person's name, Social Security number and/or the estate's federal tax number, on the state's site only.

Do I have to pay to claim in Georgia?

No. The Department says it is completely free to search the database and to claim your property. Using a registered representative is optional.

Lived in other states? Read our full unclaimed money guide, which covers other states and federal sources.

Sources: