Can you claim unclaimed funds for a family member or estate?

If you’ve recently searched your family name and found unclaimed money listed with BC Unclaimed, you might be wondering what comes next. Can you claim the funds on a loved one’s behalf? What documents will you need? And how long does the process take?

At BC Unclaimed, we understand that dealing with someone’s estate can feel overwhelming, especially when unexpected financial matters come up. This blog will walk you through what to do if you find funds held in the name of a deceased relative.

What is unclaimed property?

Unclaimed property is a legal term that refers to money that has been left untouched for a long time. It does not include land, houses, vehicles, or physical items, just funds.

Some common examples include:

• Credit union accounts

• Unpaid wages

• Insurance payments

• Court funds

• Overpaid debt collections

• Real estate deposits

• Funds from companies that have closed

• Intestate estates (when someone dies without a will and no next of kin can be located)

These funds can come from many different places, including credit unions, government agencies, and insurance companies.

Who can claim funds on behalf of someone who has passed away?

Only the executor or administrator of the estate is legally authorized to make a claim. If you are a family member but not the executor, you’ll need to contact the person who is managing the estate and encourage them to submit the claim.

This ensures the funds go back to the estate, where they can be distributed properly under the terms of the will or provincial estate law.

What documents will you need?

The documents required depend on whether or not the estate has gone through probate.

If the estate was probated, the executor or administrator must provide:

• Proof connecting the owner to the funds (this depends on the type of property)

• A certified true copy of the death certificate

• A certified true copy of the Grant of Probate or Grant of Administration

• Two pieces of their government-issued ID

If the estate was not probated, we’ll need:

• The same proof connecting the owner to the funds

• A certified true copy of the death certificate

• A certified copy of the will naming you as executor

• A document showing you acted as the executor (for example, a CRA notice)

• A signed letter explaining why probate was not required

• Two pieces of their government-issued ID

If the balance is over $1,000, certified documents must be mailed to us.

For unclaimed court funds, the executor must apply to the court. Once a court order is issued, BC Unclaimed can release the funds.

Why are these requirements so strict?

We know that gathering legal documents can feel like a lot of work, especially during a difficult time. But these rules are in place to make sure the money goes to the right person. We also want to make sure you can access the funds easily once your claim is approved.

Following these steps helps protect the estate, prevents fraud, and ensures the process goes as smoothly as possible.

How long does the process take?

Once we receive all the required documents, we typically process claims within 30 days. The full process may take four weeks or more, depending on the complexity of the claim and how quickly we receive your paperwork.

Ready to get started?

Dealing with a loved one’s estate is never simple, but reconnecting their funds to the right place can bring a sense of closure and purpose. Whether it helps settle an estate or supports a cause they care about, unclaimed money can still do good, even after someone is gone.

Searching for unclaimed funds is easy, and all you need is a name. Visit bcunclaimed.ca/search to begin your search.

If you find something and you are the executor or administrator of the estate, we’re here to guide you through the next steps. If you’re not the executor, we recommend sharing the information with the person who is.

If you have any questions, please reach out. Our team is here to help.