Unclaimed Money in Pennsylvania

Treasury's search form we opened on November 4, 2026 at searchandclaimpa.gov asks for a last or business name, or a property ID, not a Social Security number. You can add a first name, city or ZIP code. Treasury may use a number reported by the business to prove ownership when you claim.

Go to the official Pennsylvania search

Treasury launched searchandclaimpa.gov as its new unclaimed property site in September 2026, and its old unclaimed property page now sends you there. Treasury's search page calls it a free service, and its FAQ says you can claim directly, free of charge. Give your Social Security number only to Treasury.

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

Pennsylvania Treasury, Bureau of Unclaimed Property

Phone: (800) 222-2046

How to Claim in Pennsylvania

  1. Search at searchandclaimpa.gov, Treasury's new official site.
  2. Select Claim next to your property, then Continue To File Claim. Many online claims don't need a claim form. You will know one is required if you are shown a PDF claim form.
  3. If a form is required, sign it, then upload it with your documents or mail them to Bureau of Unclaimed Property, P.O. Box 1837, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1837.
  4. Check your claim status with your Claim ID, online or by phone.

Proof You May Need

  • Proof of ownership, usually the address or Social Security number reported by the business. You may be asked to prove the reported address.
  • What you need varies by who is claiming and the type of property. Your claim forms have instructions for your claim.
  • A copy of your signature ID, such as a driver's license, per Treasury's claimant checklist.

Notary Rule

Treasury's current FAQ says notarization is required only for claims of $5,000 or more. Its checklist says to notarize if the notarization section is printed on your form.

How Long a Claim Takes

Treasury says that giving your Social Security number on its secure site may make your claim eligible for online approval, so you get your check in weeks instead of months. Your claim can't be processed until Treasury has all the necessary information.

When Money Goes to the State

Treasury says most unclaimed property is reported to it after three years of dormancy.

Finder Fees

You can claim on your own, free of charge. Treasury's FAQ says a finder cannot charge more than 15% of the total amount claimed under Pennsylvania law. Finder agreements fall under 72 P.S. section 1301.11(g), and a finder must hold a certificate of registration from the Treasurer under 72 P.S. section 1301.11a(a). Call Treasury at (800) 222-2046 before you sign or pay a finder.

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

Pennsylvania Unclaimed Money Questions

Can I search Pennsylvania unclaimed property by Social Security number?

The search form we opened on November 4, 2026 asks for a last or business name or a property ID, not a Social Security number. Treasury may use a number to prove ownership when you claim.

What if someone says they found money in my name?

Treasury says to search its free database yourself or call (800) 222-2046, and not to give out your personal information to anyone.

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

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