What is unclaimed money?

If the government or an organisation (for example, a hospital, school, utility company or real estate agent) owes you money, but they can’t find you to make the payment, it becomes known as unclaimed money. It might be because you moved house or changed names that these organisations have not been able to find you. This unclaimed money is usually held by the State Government. In Queensland, it is held by Queensland Public Trustee.

Unclaimed money held by Queensland Public Trustee

At Queensland Public Trustee, we only hold unclaimed money from the following:

  • Queensland government departments and agencies (including hospitals, correctional centres, statutory authorities and schools)
  • Other businesses (including solicitors, real estate agents, accountants, nursing homes and companies)
  • Unclaimed wages or salaries for employees engaged under a Queensland State Award
  • Deceased estate entitlements

Unclaimed money not held

Unclaimed money not held by Queensland Public Trustee includes the following:

  • Money from dormant or old bank or credit union accounts
  • Life insurance
  • Superannuation
  • Rental bonds.

If you think that we could be holding money owed to you, you can search our database and make a claim if you find money that is owing to you.

Search tips for unclaimed money held by Queensland Public Trustee

Before starting a search read these tips:

Our search requires letters only and is not case sensitive. The search will pick up any files containing all the words in your search – For example John Patrick Smith. However, if the funds are registered to Smith, J P this will not be shown in the results.

Top Tip – Start with a broad search for Smith. If there are too many results found, refine your search by adding your initial, for example Smith J, before searching with your full name.

In the example John Patrick Smith, you could try the following in order:

  • Smith
  • Smith J
  • Smith J P
  • Smith J P M
  • Smith John
  • Smith John Patrick.

The searches in order will return all results indicated below, Smith J P will return entries for John Patrick Smith as well as John Peter Smith and Paul Joseph Smith. As you increase the number of keywords, the number of results will decrease.

The search does not work for spelling variations of a name so, for example, if you search for Smith you will not see results for Smyth. You will need to be as exact as possible when you are spelling names.

Start my search for unclaimed money

Our database of unclaimed money held is updated every Monday. If you want to search our database, click on the button below to get started. You will need to read our terms and conditions on the search page before starting your search.

Start a search

Lodging unclaimed money

Find out more about lodging money with us, the legislation and rules as well as information about the process.

Lodging Money

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)—unclaimed money

  • Check our table to review the types of evidence and identification required to make your claim.

  • If you are unable to provide this evidence, you may provide a statutory declaration instead.

    The statutory declaration must state:

    • the specific link that you have to the sender (i.e. the company or organisation who sent the money to the Public Trustee)
    • your last address known by the sender, and
    • your connection to the money.

    Download a standard statutory declaration form [PDF]

  • We aim to complete claims within three weeks of receiving all the information required. However, this is a guide only as during busy periods it can take longer.

    If you have questions about your claim, please contact us at [email protected] and we will respond to you as soon as we are able.

  • Yes, you can search for any name in our database. If you find funds owned by a deceased friend or family member, the executor of their Will is the only person eligible to lodge a claim. Once the claim is approved, the funds will be released to the estate so it can be distributed according to your friend or family member’s last Will.

  • No. You are not required to register. Simply ask your client to sign the claim form in compliance with our requirements and send it to us with a signed authority for you to act on the claimant’s behalf, accompanied by the other claim documents. If you require your client’s cheque to be sent to your office, please ensure that the bank details section on the front form are crossed out.

  • You can access the full unclaimed money register by visiting the Queensland Government Open Data Portal.

Last updated: 24 July 2024