Common questions about unclaimed money

Sometimes an organisation, such as a bank, insurer, employer or business, holds money it cannot pay to its owner because it cannot locate them. After a set period, that money can be transferred to a government-held unclaimed money register.

The money is still owed to the rightful owner. It stays on the register until someone shows they are entitled to it and lodges a claim.

Finding a name that looks similar to yours is not enough. Many people share the same or similar names, and the relevant authority will want evidence that the money is really yours before it is paid.

That evidence might include identity documents, past addresses or records that link you, or your business, to the account or payment. We can help you work out whether a record is likely to be connected to you and what you would need to show.

It depends on the authority handling the claim, how complete your documents are and whether they ask for more information. Some claims move quickly and others take longer.

We cannot promise a fixed processing time, but we will keep you informed at each stage.

Requirements are different for every claim. Examples may include:

• Identification, such as a driver licence or passport
• Proof of address
• Business records
• Bank details for payment
• Evidence connecting you to the unclaimed money record

We will explain exactly what is needed for your claim. Some documents will need to be certified copies — see the next question for how to get that done.

For most claims, yes. Authorities generally will not accept plain photocopies of identity or supporting documents — they need certified copies.

A certified copy is one that a Justice of the Peace (JP) has checked against the original and signed to confirm it is a true copy. This is a free service.

• Find a Justice of the Peace near you using the link below
• Take your original documents, plus a copy of each, to the JP for certifying
• Upload the certified copies through your claim on this website

If you are outside Western Australia, your state or territory has its own JP register — a local court registry, police station or Australia Post outlet can usually point you to one nearby.

Our fee will be clearly explained before you authorise Claimora to proceed with your claim.

There are no surprises. You will know the applicable service fee before you decide to go ahead.

No.

Claimora is an independent Australian business and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any Australian government department or agency.