What is Unclaimed Money in South Dakota?
South Dakota's unclaimed money laws are designed to protect the property rights of owners of unclaimed money and other assets. The laws provide for the treatment of unclaimed money and other assets, including how they are to be reported and returned to the rightful owner.
Under South Dakota law, unclaimed money is defined as any money or other asset that is owed to an individual or entity but which has not been claimed or recovered within a certain period of time. This period of time is typically three years, but may be longer in some cases.
Escheatment and reporting requirements for unclaimed money vary depending on the type of asset involved. For example, banks and other financial institutions are required to report unclaimed money to the South Dakota state treasurer's office. Insurance companies are also required to report unclaimed life insurance proceeds to the state treasurer's office.
South Dakota's unclaimed money laws also provide for the return of unclaimed money and other assets to the rightful owner. The process for returning unclaimed money depends on the type of asset involved. For example, banks and other financial institutions must return unclaimed money to the account holder upon request. Insurance companies must return unclaimed life insurance proceeds to the policyholder or beneficiary.
How to Find Unclaimed Money in South Dakota
According to state law, unclaimed money must be reported and turned over to the state treasurer's office within three years of becoming unclaimed. The South Dakota State Treasurer’s Office is then responsible for holding onto the funds until they are claimed by the rightful owner.
There are a few different ways that someone can go about finding out if they have any unclaimed money owed to them in South Dakota. The first step is to check the state’s unclaimed property website, which has a searchable database of all unclaimed funds. Interested persons may also query the office via mail by sending their request and full information to:
South Dakota Unclaimed Property
124 E Dakota Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
Those who believe they are owed unclaimed money should be sure to include as much identifying information as possible in their request, such as a full name, current address, and Social Security number. The more information provided, the easier it will be for the office to locate any unclaimed funds that may be owed.
Another way to search for unclaimed money is through the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). NAUPA is a national organization that keeps track of all unclaimed property programs across the United States. Their website has a searchable database of all unclaimed funds, which can be searched by state.
Once an individual has located any unclaimed money that may be owed to them, they will need to fill out a claim form in order to receive the funds. The claim form can be found on the South Dakota unclaimed property website. The completed form will need to be mailed or faxed to the address or number provided on the website.
How Do I Find South Dakota Unclaimed Money for Free?
The official South Dakota unclaimed money database can be used for unclaimed funds or property search at no cost. For a search to be processed the requesting party is only required to provide the name or business name of the unclaimed property owner, their city (or city where the holder is domiciled) and ZIP code.
South Dakota state residents can also access unclaimed money through federal agencies and databases including:
- The Treasury Hunt
- The National Association of Unclaimed Money Property Administrators
- Credit Union of Unclaimed Shares
How to Claim Unclaimed Money in South Dakota
After finding the unclaimed property of interest on the South Dakota Find Your Unclaimed Money database, requestors may proceed to Initiate a claim by following these steps:
Review the Claimed Property and Specify Ownership:
After selecting the unclaimed property, the claimant must check their selection for accuracy and then proceed to specify the nature of their (the claimant) relationship to the owner of the property (that is, where they are not the owner of the property).
Enter Personal Information and Address:
The claimant will also be required to provide their personal information as well as a verifiable mailing address. The provided address will then be verified in the next on-screen prompt.
Submit the Claim and Supporting Documents:
After submitting the claim, a claim ID will be automatically generated and provided to the claimant to be used for tracking the status of the claim.
The following documents are typically required for a claim to be processed.
- Photo identification
- Legal document containing the claimant social security number
- Other requirements specified in the email sent to the claimant
The documentation may be submitted directly to unclaimedproperty@state.sd.us or it may be sent via mail to:
SD State Treasurer - UCP
124 E Dakota Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
How Long Does It Take to Get Unclaimed Money in South Dakota?
The length of time it takes to receive unclaimed money in South Dakota may vary depending on the specific circumstances. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The best way to ensure a speedy payout is to provide all of the required documentation upfront and to be as cooperative as possible with the office handling the claim.
Who Can Claim Unclaimed Money From Deceased Relatives in South Dakota?
The following persons are eligible to claim unclaimed money from deceased relatives in South Dakota:
- The surviving spouse of the deceased person
- The child or children of the deceased person
- The parents of the deceased person
- The legal guardian of the deceased person's estate
If there is more than one eligible claimant, the money will be divided equally among them where there is no will outlining the decedent’s wishes.
The documents required to claim the money will vary depending on the amount of money being claimed, but may include:
- A copy of the death certificate
- A copy of the will, if there is one
- Proof of the claimant's relationship to the deceased person
- Proof of identity
What Happens to South Dakota Unclaimed Money if No One Claims It?
If an individual has unclaimed money in South Dakota and no one claims it, the state will hold onto the funds indefinitely. There is no statute of limitations on recovering unclaimed money.
