Connecticut has an official Unclaimed Property Program managed by the Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer. The state safeguards money and other assets that businesses were unable to return to their owners and works to reunite those assets with the rightful owners or their heirs.
You can search Connecticut unclaimed property for free through the state’s official CT Big List website. If you find property that appears to belong to you, you can start the claim process online.
What is unclaimed property in Connecticut?
Unclaimed property is generally money or other financial assets that a business or organization owes to someone but has been unable to return because it lost contact with the owner.
In Connecticut, businesses eventually report qualifying property to the Office of the State Treasurer, which safeguards it until the rightful owner or an eligible heir comes forward.
Examples of Connecticut unclaimed property include:
- Checking and savings accounts.
- Uncashed checks.
- Refunds.
- Utility deposits.
- Insurance proceeds.
- Stocks and other securities.
- Certificates of deposit.
- Money orders and travelers’ checks.
- Certain contents of safe deposit boxes.
The businesses that report property to the state are commonly known as holders. They can include banks, credit unions, insurance companies, brokerage firms, utility companies and other businesses.
How much unclaimed property does Connecticut have?
Connecticut operates a substantial Unclaimed Property Program.
According to the Treasurer’s FY2025 figures, the state returned a record $121 million to 59,092 rightful owners during the fiscal year.
The program also received approximately $242 million in unclaimed property during FY2025.
As of June 30, 2025, Connecticut reported approximately $1.7 billion in escheated property associated with around 11.3 million identified owners in its database.
How to search for unclaimed property in Connecticut
Connecticut’s official search website is called CT Big List.
It is operated for the Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer and allows people to search for property that may belong to them.
When searching, try:
- Your current legal name.
- Previous names.
- A maiden name.
- Different versions of your first and middle names.
- The name of a business you owned.
- The name of a deceased family member.
If you have lived or maintained accounts outside Connecticut, search other states as well.
Use our Unclaimed Property by State directory to continue your search.
How to claim unclaimed property in Connecticut
Finding your name on CT Big List does not automatically mean that the property will immediately be paid to you.
The state needs to establish that you are the rightful owner or another person legally entitled to claim the property.
The general process is:
- Search your name on CTBigList.gov.
- Review the results for a property that appears to belong to you.
- Select the relevant property.
- Begin the claim through the official system.
- Provide the requested claimant information.
- Provide supporting documentation if the claim requires it.
- Submit the claim for review.
- Follow any additional instructions from the Unclaimed Property Division.
- If approved, the property or money is returned to the eligible claimant.
For a broader explanation, see our guide on how to find and claim unclaimed property.
What documents may be required?
The documents needed depend on the property and the claimant.
The state may need evidence that helps establish:
- Your identity.
- Your connection to an address associated with the property.
- Your ownership of a business.
- Your authority to act for another person.
- Your relationship to a deceased owner.
- Your authority to represent an estate.
Do not rely on old Connecticut claim instructions found elsewhere online.
Connecticut has modernized its Unclaimed Property system substantially in recent years, including changes to online processing and identity verification.
Follow the current instructions shown by CT Big List for your particular claim.
How long does a Connecticut unclaimed property claim take?
There is no single processing time that applies to every Connecticut claim.
Some claims can be processed much more quickly when the state’s systems can verify the owner electronically.
Other claims can require additional documentation or manual review.
Connecticut has introduced programs specifically designed to make certain straightforward claims faster, including CT FastTrack.
For a more general explanation of processing times, read how long unclaimed property claims can take.
What are CT FastTrack and CT Big Match?
Connecticut has introduced two important programs designed to return unclaimed property more efficiently: CT FastTrack and CT Big Match.
They are related, but they are not exactly the same.
| Program | How it works |
|---|---|
| CT FastTrack | Uses data matching to help efficiently approve qualifying claims, including certain properties valued below $2,500 with a sole owner. |
| CT Big Match | Can automatically identify certain sole owners of property valued below $2,500 and return the money without requiring the owner to file the normal claim. |
CT FastTrack
Connecticut launched CT FastTrack in 2024.
The system uses matching technology to streamline qualifying claims.
By May 2025, the Treasurer reported that more than 22,000 Connecticut residents had received more than $3 million through FastTrack.
CT Big Match
Connecticut launched CT Big Match in 2025.
Under this program, a resident may qualify when:
- There is a sole owner of the property.
- The property is worth less than $2,500.
- The state can successfully match the owner and address with available records.
When someone qualifies, Connecticut can send a notification letter explaining the match.
The state says a check can then arrive approximately six to eight weeks after the notification, without the recipient completing the traditional claim process.
What if I receive a CT Big Match letter or check?
Receiving unexpected correspondence about unclaimed money can naturally look suspicious.
Connecticut specifically sends a notification letter before a CT Big Match check because state officials recognize that people may otherwise distrust an unexpected payment.
If you receive a letter:
- Do not rely only on the contact information contained in the letter.
- Visit CTBigList.gov independently.
- Confirm that the program and contact information match official state resources.
- Do not pay someone to release a CT Big Match payment.
The existence of CT Big Match does not mean that every unexpected “unclaimed money” letter is genuine.
Always verify independently.
Can you claim Connecticut unclaimed property for a deceased person?
Yes, in appropriate circumstances.
Connecticut’s Unclaimed Property Program is designed to reunite property with rightful owners or their heirs.
If the listed owner has died, the claimant may need to establish matters such as:
- The death of the listed owner.
- The claimant’s relationship to the deceased person.
- The existence of an estate.
- Authority to act for the estate.
- The claimant’s legal right to the property.
Finding a relative’s name in CT Big List does not by itself establish that you have a legal right to receive the money.
Read our guide on who can claim unclaimed money from a deceased relative.
Is there a deadline to claim Connecticut unclaimed property?
For property held by the Connecticut Treasury, there is no time limit to claim the funds.
The state continues to hold the value for rightful owners or eligible heirs.
This means finding an old property listing does not automatically mean it is too late to recover the money.
How does money become unclaimed in Connecticut?
Businesses generally transfer qualifying property after they lose contact with an owner for the applicable dormancy period.
Connecticut explains that this is commonly around three to five years, although the applicable period can depend on the type of property.
Common situations include:
- Moving without updating your address.
- Forgetting an old bank account.
- Not cashing a check.
- Leaving a utility deposit behind.
- A refund being sent to an outdated address.
- An insurance company being unable to locate a beneficiary.
- A business losing contact with a shareholder.
- A relative dying without family members knowing about every asset.
If you are an individual searching for your own money, you generally do not need to calculate the dormancy period yourself.
Simply search CT Big List.
Does Connecticut Unclaimed Property include houses or land?
Generally, no.
The phrase unclaimed property can sound as though it refers to abandoned real estate, but state Unclaimed Property programs primarily deal with financial assets and certain property transferred by holders.
It generally does not mean:
- Abandoned houses.
- Vacant land.
- Vehicles.
- Ordinary lost personal belongings.
Connecticut’s program instead deals with assets such as accounts, checks, refunds, insurance proceeds, securities and certain safe deposit box contents.
What happens to stocks and securities?
Unclaimed property can include stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other securities.
Connecticut may receive securities from holders and can sell unclaimed securities while retaining the proceeds for the benefit of the owner.
This means a person may eventually be entitled to the cash proceeds associated with a security rather than receiving the original shares.
Is CT Big List legitimate?
Yes.
CT Big List is the official search resource used by the Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer for the state’s Unclaimed Property Program.
The Office of the Treasurer directs people to CTBigList.gov to search for property and file claims.
Searching is free.
- Start your search at CTBigList.gov.
- Searching for Connecticut unclaimed property is free.
- Do not assume an unsolicited email, text or letter is legitimate.
- Verify government contact information independently.
- Do not send identification documents through an unverified website.
If you receive a suspicious offer, read our guide on unclaimed property scams and suspicious offers.
Do I need to pay someone to claim Connecticut unclaimed property?
You can search CT Big List and file your own claim for free.
Private companies may offer finder or recovery services, but you do not need to hire one simply to search the official database.
Connecticut also notes that businesses acting as unclaimed property claim solicitors are not required to obtain a specific state registration or license for that activity.
For most people, the sensible first step is therefore:
- Search CTBigList.gov yourself.
- Review any matching property.
- Use the state’s claim process.
- Consider outside assistance only if your particular situation genuinely requires it.
Should I search for unclaimed property in other states?
Yes, if you have connections outside Connecticut.
If you previously lived, worked, operated a business or maintained accounts in another state, property may have been reported there instead.
This is particularly common when a business only had an old address for the owner.
Browse our Unclaimed Property by State directory to continue searching.
Connecticut Unclaimed Property contact information
The Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer currently provides the following general contact route for Unclaimed Property searches:
| Contact | Information |
|---|---|
| Agency | Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer — Unclaimed Property Division |
| Official search | CTBigList.gov |
| Claims phone | 1-800-833-7318 |
| Phone hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time |
Contact information can change, so check the Office of the State Treasurer website before sending documents or relying on an old mailing address found elsewhere online.
Frequently asked questions about Connecticut Unclaimed Property
How do I find unclaimed money in Connecticut?
Search your name at CTBigList.gov, the official Unclaimed Property website used by the Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer.
Is CT Big List free?
Yes. Searching CT Big List and filing an unclaimed property claim through the state are free.
How much unclaimed property is Connecticut holding?
As of June 30, 2025, Connecticut reported approximately $1.7 billion in escheated property associated with approximately 11.3 million identified owners.
What is CT FastTrack?
CT FastTrack is a streamlined process launched in 2024 that uses matching technology to help approve certain qualifying unclaimed property claims more efficiently.
What is CT Big Match?
CT Big Match is an automatic matching program launched in 2025. Certain property worth less than $2,500 with a sole owner can qualify for automatic return when Connecticut can verify the owner and address.
Do I need to file a claim if I qualify for CT Big Match?
Qualifying CT Big Match recipients may receive their property without filing the normal claim. The state sends a notification letter before the check.
How long after a CT Big Match letter does the check arrive?
Connecticut says eligible recipients can generally expect the check approximately six to eight weeks after the notification letter.
Can an heir claim Connecticut unclaimed property?
Potentially. Connecticut’s program is intended to return property to rightful owners or heirs, but an heir may need documentation proving the legal right to claim the property.
Does Connecticut unclaimed property expire?
Connecticut states that there is no time limit to claim funds being held for rightful owners.
What number can I call about Connecticut unclaimed property?
The Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer lists 1-800-833-7318 for Unclaimed Property inquiries, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Bottom line
Connecticut has an official Unclaimed Property Program, and searching for your money is free.
Start with CTBigList.gov and search your current name, previous names and any businesses or deceased relatives that may be relevant.
If you find a possible match, follow the official claim instructions and provide only the information requested for your case.
Connecticut has also modernized the process through CT FastTrack and CT Big Match, meaning some qualifying property can be returned faster or even automatically.
You can also read our complete guide to finding and claiming unclaimed property or browse our Unclaimed Property by State directory.
Important information: UnclaimedPropertyGuide.net is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with the Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer, CT Big List or any U.S. government agency. We do not hold unclaimed property or process claims. Always use official government channels when submitting claims or sensitive personal information.