Ciresi’s Bill to Simplify Unclaimed Property Claims for Heirs Becomes Law

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    July 23, 2024 | 4:40 PM

HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s bill that will make it easier for relatives to claim a deceased person’s property being held by the state has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro as Act 65 of 2024.

“The process of claiming unclaimed property as an heir can be complicated, expensive and burdensome – so much so that many would rather give up than continue with the process, especially if the sum is small,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Act 65 will slice through the red tape and simplify the current process of claiming unclaimed funds to help the people of Pennsylvania get what’s rightfully theirs.”

According to Ciresi, the Pennsylvania Treasury holds some $4 billion in unclaimed property, such as uncashed checks, lost stocks or bonds, or closed bank accounts. Due to an inconsistency in inheritance law, some categories of relatives have had a harder time legitimately claiming that property on behalf of their deceased relatives. Surviving spouses, children, parents and siblings could file for unclaimed property using a notarized sworn relationship affidavit, saving them the effort and expense of having to open or re-open the deceased’s estate. But grandchildren, nephews, nieces and others could not claim by affidavit even if they are the closest surviving relative.

Act 65 will allow grandchildren and their descendants, nieces and nephews and their descendants, and grandparents of the deceased to file claims for unclaimed property using the simpler process of a notarized sworn relationship affidavit.

“I saw time and again constituents giving up on claiming money that was rightfully theirs because of a complicated and expensive process,” Ciresi said. “I am proud that my legislation will expand the current notarized affidavit option to include more types of relatives, if they’re the closest survivor, and make it easier for all of our constituents who are trying to go through this process, or who had already given up trying.

“Act 65 is a win for good government and our constituents.”