Popularity of Utah unclaimed property program swamps treasurer’s office

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SALT LAKE CITY — A push to encourage more Utah residents to claim their unclaimed property from the state was so successful, it overwhelmed the state’s treasury department in 2024. As a result, Unclaimed Property Administrator Dennis Johnston told members of a legislative subcommittee Wednesday his department needs more money to hire additional staff and beef up fraud-fighting capabilities. “Just like the Utah population, one in five of you do have currently unclaimed property,” Johnston said. “Five of you in this [committee hearing] room have unclaimed property we’re ready to send back to you.”

How the unclaimed property works in Utah

The Unclaimed Property Division paid out four times the number of claims in 2024 than it did in 2014. (Utah Office of State Treasurer)

Unclaimed property can come from a number of sources. For example, if you move and overpay your utility bill at your previous address and the utility cannot find you, they will turn the refund over to the state treasurer’s office. There, the Unclaimed Property Division will hold it until you come forward to claim it. To receive unclaimed property in Utah, residents need to provide details that verify identity, such as photo ID, social security number and signature. Demand for the department’s services has surged in the last 10 years.