Apply for your unclaimed money
Searching and applying for your unclaimed money is free. Once we receive your application, the process of reuniting you with your money usually takes about 4 weeks.
When you find and 'claim' an entitlement matching your search, the unclaimed money application form will become available within the register.
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Search the register
If you think you have unclaimed money, visit our Unclaimed Money Register, which steps you through how to search for it.
If, after your search, you believe you are the legal owner of an amount listed, you will be prompted to complete an online application form, which requires:
- your full name and address
- contact details, including email address and phone
- EFT details to receive payment. Account name must match a name on the entitlement.
- Payment for a claim can only be made by cheque or into an Australian bank account. We are unable to make payments into international bank accounts.
If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased estate, the application form must be completed by the executor/s named in probate or letters of administration and accompanied by the required documents.
For Tattersalls and TAB winnings, and Intralot and Tabcorp prizes, you must have the original tickets and must apply using a different process.
To search for and claim your lost superannuation, go to the Australian Taxation Office's searching for lost super page (phone 13 28 65).
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Complete your application
The unclaimed money application form is available within the register when you find and 'claim' an entitlement matching your search. The application form must be completed, signed and returned to us with your supporting documents either by email or post.
If you are claiming multiple amounts, you only need to submit one application form with your supporting documents.
Where money is held in joint names, all owners must sign the application form.
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Gather supporting documents
For claims totalling less than $10,000, supporting documents can be copies, except for probate documents, letters of administration, powers of attorney, death certificates and wills, which must be certified copies.
For claims exceeding $10,000, all supporting documents must be original or certified copies.
A certified copy is a copy of an original document sighted by an authorised person (see s107A of the Evidence Act 1958), such as a Justice of the Peace, bank manager, police officer, pharmacist, medical practitioner, dentist, barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court, veterinary practitioner, school principal or accountant, immediately before they have noted on the copy that it is a true copy of the original document produced to them.
Documents needed to support your application
You (the claimant) or your legal representative must send the completed application form to us, together with:
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A current proof-of-identity document for the claimant(s) that includes a photo – passport or driver licence,
AND -
A second current proof-of-identity document for the claimant(s) – passport, driver licence, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, Medicare card, visa or Centrelink concession card.
*The same current proof of identity cannot be used for both point 1 and 2.
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A document that links the claimant(s) to the address recorded in the Unclaimed Money Register, such as a rates notice, utility bill, bank statement, driver's licence or insurance policy,
OR
Stale cheques, share certificates, debentures, receipts and such pertaining to the unclaimed amounts with the claimant(s) name clearly shown on the document,
OR
A letter from the lodging business or organisation, which authenticates the claimant(s) as the rightful owner(s) and includes all relevant identifying information. -
Client authority (third parties only, e.g. agent, legal representative(s)). The total amount to be claimed must be stipulated in a cover letter. Alternatively, you can list the entitlements you wish to claim.
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Any necessary documentation to support your claim, e.g. power of attorney, marriage certificate, or Change of Name certificates.
Deceased estate requirements
A fully completed application form signed by the executor(s) named in Probate or Letters of Administration for the estate must include:
- A certified copy of Probate or Letters of Administration.
- A current proof-of-identity document for the executor(s) named in Probate or Letters of Administration that includes a photo – passport or driver licence,
AND
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A second current proof-of-identity document for the executor(s) named in Probate or Letters of Administration – passport, driver licence, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, Medicare card, visa or Centrelink concession card.
*The same current proof of identity cannot be used for both point 2 and 3.
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A document that links the deceased to the address recorded in the Unclaimed Money Register, such as a rates notice, utility bill, bank statement, driver's licence or insurance policy,
OR
Stale cheques, share certificates, debentures, receipts and such pertaining to the unclaimed amounts with the deceased's name clearly shown on the document,
OR
A letter from the lodging business or organisation, which authenticates the deceased as the rightful owner(s) and includes all relevant identifying information. -
Client authority (third parties only, e.g. agent, legal representative(s)). The total amount to be claimed must be stipulated in a cover letter. Alternatively, you can list the entitlements you wish to claim.
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Any necessary documentation to support your claim e.g. power of attorney, marriage certificate, or Change of Name certificates.
Please note:
If Probate or Letters of Administration have not been granted, the claim application form must be signed by the executor(s) named in the will or the next of kin and the following documents are required:
- A certified copy of the death certificate, and
- A certified copy of the will for the estate.
Company requirements
A fully completed application form from a current director or company secretary must include:
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A copy of the company's Certificate of Registration or Incorporation or the Company Seal affixed to the claim application form.
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A current proof-of-identity document for the current director or secretary that includes a photo – passport or driver licence,
AND -
A current proof-of-identity document for the director or secretary – passport, driver licence, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, Medicare card, visa or Centrelink concession card.
*The same current proof of identity cannot be used for both point 2 and 3.
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A document that links the company to the address recorded in the Unclaimed Money Register, such as a rates notice, utility bill, bank statement or insurance policy,
OR
Stale cheques, share certificates, debentures, receipts and such pertaining to the unclaimed amounts with the company's name clearly shown on the document,
OR
A letter from the lodging business or organisation, which authenticates the company as the rightful owner(s) and includes all relevant identifying information. -
Client authority (third parties only e.g. agent, legal representative(s)). The total amount to be claimed must be stipulated in a cover letter. Alternatively, you can list the entitlements you wish to claim.
-
Any necessary documentation to support your claim, e.g. power of attorney, marriage certificates, or Change of Name certificates.
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Lodge your application
Forward your completed application and all supporting documents by email to ucm@sro.vic.gov.au or alternatively:
Unclaimed Money
State Revenue Office
GPO Box 1641
Melbourne VIC 3001
Next Steps
While claims usually take up to 4 weeks to process, they can take longer if the application form is incomplete or we haven't received all the required supporting documents.
We will notify you when we have finalised your claim.
Last modified: 6 September 2024
News and updates
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27 May 2024
Reminder: lodge unclaimed money by 31 May
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20 November 2023
Our 2022–23 Annual Review is now available
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3 October 2023
State Taxation Acts and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2023
