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When does monetary property become unclaimed?
Is there a fee to search for and claim unclaimed property?
How do I find unclaimed property that belongs to me?
If I don’t find any unclaimed property in my name, should I check again?
What type of documentation is required to make a claim?
What if my claim doesn’t meet all of your requirements?
How long will it take to process my claim?
Can I claim property on someone else’s behalf?
What if I believe a business holds property belonging to me, but I don’t see it on FundsFinderNB?
What if I do not have access to a computer?
Is this legitimate?
The Unclaimed Property Program is a province-led initiative in New Brunswick operated by the Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB). The Program is aimed at reconnecting New Brunswickers with their forgotten or misplaced money or other monetary property. These can range from dormant credit union accounts and investment accounts to unclaimed insurance proceeds and uncashed cheques. When the holder of these funds (including a business or governmental organization) fails to establish contact with the rightful owners over a certain period, they must report them to FCNB’s Unclaimed Property Program. The Program then publishes a list of unclaimed properties waiting to be claimed.
You can search for unclaimed funds for free on the FundsFinderNB database. Beware of scammers who may contact you; check with FCNB if you receive communication from someone claiming they can help you find unclaimed money for a fee. Learn more about common unclaimed property frauds and scams.
When does money and monetary property become unclaimed?
For the most part, property covered by the Program is considered abandoned or unclaimed when there has been no account activity on the money or monetary property for at least three years; 10 years for accounts held by credit unions.
You may have unclaimed money if:
- You left a job, but never returned to receive your last paycheque.
- You had a relative who passed on, leaving an estate, but the heirs were never located.
- You opened and deposited money in credit union accounts and forgot about it.
- You received a cheque you did not cash.
Is there a fee to search for and claim unclaimed property?
No. You can search and make a claim for free.
How do I find unclaimed property that belongs to me?
Go to our unclaimed property portal at FundsFinderNB.ca and select the Search option at the top of the page. Enter a surname, given name, or company (for example, “Jane Smith” or “Canada Company Ltd.”), select the “I’m not a robot” checkbox and select the Search button. If we have any unclaimed property listed in the database under the name you entered, a record of the unclaimed property will appear. Search tips are provided on the search page to assist you.
If I don’t find any unclaimed property in my name, should I check again?
Yes. We encourage people to check back at FundsFinderNB frequently, as unclaimed property is required to be sent to the program on an annual basis.
How do I claim my property?
If you believe you found a match from your search, select the checkbox next to the unclaimed property record you think is yours and then select the Claim Property button. You will be prompted to provide your contact information, details about the claim, and supporting documentation.
What type of documentation is required to make a claim?
Each claim is unique and may require different types of documentation. Here are some examples of documents that may be helpful in supporting your claim:
- A copy of government-issued piece(s) of photo identification, showing the owner's date of birth, current address and, where appropriate, previous address.
- Where appropriate, a copy of documentation supporting previous addresses, such as utility bills and other forms of official correspondence.
- Copies of documentation supporting previous names (for example, maiden names), such as a passport, marriage certificate, or official vital statistics documents.
- If claiming for a business, copies of any business registration documents, such as a Certificate of Incorporation or proof of the registration of a business name.
- Where this claim is being submitted as a legal representative, proof that the person submitting the claim is properly authorized to submit the claim.
- Anything else which you feel supports your claim.
What if my claim doesn’t meet all of your requirements?
You will be notified by email if additional documentation is needed to verify your claim. Your claim will remain active for 90 days to allow you to provide additional documents. After 90 days with no activity, your claim will be withdrawn and you will need to resubmit your claim.
How long will it take to process my claim?
Once the necessary documentation is received, the claim will be reviewed within 120 days. If the claim is approved, you will be reconnected with your property within 60 days of the approval.
Can I claim property on someone else’s behalf?
You may claim property on behalf of others only in the following instances:
- Legal representative of individual owner: You are legally authorized by the owner of the unclaimed property to claim the property on their behalf, OR you are acting in some official capacity, such as an executor or administrator of the estate of the owner.
- Corporate or business owner: You are claiming property owned by a corporation or business AND you are an officer or director of that corporation or business with authority to make this claim.
- Legal representative of a corporate or business owner: You are not an officer or director of the corporation or business, but you are otherwise authorized to make this claim on its behalf.
What if I believe a business holds property belonging to me, but I don’t see it on the FundsFinderNB database?
If you believe a business holds property belonging to you, you should contact the business directly. The Program can only report funds that it has received from holders.
I have lived in other provinces and/or the United States. How do I find out if I have unclaimed property in other provinces or states?
The following websites provide information on how to search and file a claim for unclaimed property:
- Alberta Treasury Board and Finance – Unclaimed Property
- BC Unclaimed – British Columbia Unclaimed Property Society
- Revenu Quebec
- Missing Money (U.S.): This is the official source for unclaimed property searches sponsored by the United States and NAUPA (National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators). There is no fee to use this site.
- National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA): NAUPA’s website provides information on the administration of unclaimed property in North America and provides links to unclaimed property programs in American states and four Canadian provinces.
- Bank of Canada: BOC administers unclaimed chartered bank balances pursuant to the federal Bank Act. Their website provides a free name-searchable database.
What if I do not have access to a computer?
FundsFinderNB.ca is a web-based tool. You can access it from a phone, tablet, personal computer or other compatible device. If you do not have access to a device, you can search and submit a claim for unclaimed property from any public computer, such as those found in a public library.