Unclaimed estates and trusts
What happens to someone’s estate if their heir can’t be located or unclaimed trust if the beneficiary can’t be located, and how to claim funds if you’re the rightful heir or beneficiary.
The government manages unclaimed estates and trusts if the heir or beneficiary can’t be located.
How it works
- The Public Trustee’s Office converts assets from unclaimed estates and trusts into cash (cash is sent to Department of Finance and Treasury Board with any required documentation).
- The Minister of Finance and Treasury Board holds the unclaimed funds in trust until they can be released to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.
Search for unclaimed funds
Search the Unclaimed Intestate Estate Funds database.
How to claim funds under $10,000
If your claim is under $10,000, you can apply to the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. To apply, contact the Department of Finance and Treasury Board by email.
You receive the funds after you apply and all required supporting documents are verified to support your claim. Applications can’t proceed without all required supporting documents.
You need to provide the following documents with your application:
- 3 original, certified or notarized pieces of government-issued identification (like a driver’s licence, passport, social insurance number or long form birth certificate)
- original affidavit confirming the reason for the claim, the amount you’re claiming and any relevant supporting documents
- if the application is an unclaimed estate, original affidavit confirming your identity and your relationship to the deceased from someone with no financial interest in the estate (this person must know you personally, as well as the relationship between you and the deceased)
How to claim funds over $10,000
If the amount is $10,000 or more, you need to make an application to the Supreme Court or a judge for a judgement or order declaring your right to the unclaimed estate or trust funds. You may need a lawyer for this application. If the application is approved by the court, you need to send the court order Department of Finance and Treasury Board to receive the funds.