WHAT- Treasure Finders Kentucky is a proactive outreach designed to locate Kentucky residents who may have unclaimed property. The hallmark of the program is the coordination between local elected officials, civic-minded volunteers and the Kentucky State Treasury. The Kentucky State Treasury unites these individuals to pursue a common cause- to reunite local residents with their money.
County Judge Executives, City Mayors, County Treasures, County Clerks, Sheriffs, and local volunteers will help identify and inform potential claimants of property held by Kentucky State Treasury. The goal of the program is to increase the return of property (money) to Kentucky citizens.
WHY- Each year the Kentucky State Treasury receives millions of dollars from holders (such as banks and insurance companies) who by statute must transfer assets of inactive accounts. Efforts are made to notify the public that property is being held. Each year about 20 percent is returned to owners. Treasurer Hollenbach believes that percentage is far too small and wishes to increase the percentage. To accomplish that goal he created the Treasure Finders Program.
HOW- Treasurer Hollenbach assembles a volunteer team by asking local officials to volunteer their time and knowledge. To further the chances for success he asks they recruit additional volunteers. The selection criteria for the recruits are persons with deep community roots. Likely candidates would be local civic group, business, or religious leaders or people who have in depth knowledge of community residents.
Kentucky State Treasury staff will travel for a day designated Treasure Finders Day. The local team will examine the listing of unclaimed property holders with last known addresses in the local county and recognized individuals will be contacted. In short, the Kentucky State Treasury will borrow the substantial knowledge of the local volunteers to find potential claimants. Treasury staff will assist local officials and potential claimants with the claim process.
Upon contact, officials and volunteers will suggest the potential claimants travel to the courthouse or contact the Kentucky State Treasury Unclaimed Property Division via one of the following methods:
1. Web- Kentucky: Office of the State Treasurer - Contact Us
2. email- treasury.web@ky.gov
3. phone- 800-465-4722
Eligible claimants will be coached through the identification process by Unclaimed Property Staff.
Successful claims (after the submittal of evidence documents) are usually processed in eight to twelve weeks.
The Kentucky State Treasury will require evidence to verify a claim. Such evidence may include copies of birth or death certificates, proof of former residence (copy of cancelled check, bill, school records, etc.), or evidence of a business relationship with the reporting company. Every claim is different; the staff of the Unclaimed Property Division will determine the evidence appropriate for your claim.