Question 1

Is HeirClaim better than MissingMoney.com?

Accepted Answer

Neither is universally better — they serve different needs. MissingMoney.com (operated by NAUPA, the trade group of state unclaimed-property regulators) is the canonical free search across about 40 participating states. HeirClaim covers all 50 states plus DC, searches name variations automatically, and adds AI-generated claim documents and filing assistance. For pure search MissingMoney is excellent. For filing assistance HeirClaim is the better tool.

Question 2

Does HeirClaim charge for unclaimed money searches?

Accepted Answer

No. HeirClaim's name search across all 50 states is always free, no account required. We only charge if you hire us to prepare or file the actual claim packet — Document Preparation is a one-time flat fee ($29-$79) for claims under $1,000, and Full Service charges a contingency fee only if and when the state pays you.

Question 3

Why isn't MissingMoney.com enough?

Accepted Answer

MissingMoney does the search step well but stops there. To actually claim the money you find, you have to navigate each state's claim portal, identify which documents the state requires, write the affidavits yourself, and (for deceased-relative claims) figure out probate vs small-estate paths on your own. HeirClaim handles those downstream steps with state-specific document generation and a guided wizard. If you're comfortable doing all that yourself, MissingMoney is sufficient.

Question 4

Does MissingMoney.com cover California?

Accepted Answer

California maintains its own unclaimed-property portal (claimit.ca.gov) that isn't fully synced with MissingMoney.com. Some California records show up on MissingMoney; others only appear on the SCO portal. To be sure you've checked everything, search both. HeirClaim queries the California State Controller's Office database directly to avoid this gap.

Question 5

Should I use HeirClaim or just go to my state's portal?

Accepted Answer

If you only need to check one state and you're confident in the spelling and address history you'll search, going direct to your state's portal is fine. If you've lived in multiple states, used variant names (maiden, hyphenated), or want to also check on behalf of deceased relatives, an aggregator is more efficient. HeirClaim aggregates all 50 + DC and checks variant names automatically.

Feature	HeirClaim	MissingMoney.com
Cost to search Both services are free to search. Neither charges to look up unclaimed property records.	Free	Free
States covered MissingMoney covers most but not all states — California and New York maintain their own portals that aren't fully synced. HeirClaim aggregates every state independently.	All 50 + DC	~40 participating states
Single search across all states Both let you query multiple states from one search box.
Search by maiden / former names HeirClaim auto-searches for common name variations (maiden, hyphenated, abbreviated). MissingMoney requires you to manually re-search each variant.
Search for deceased relatives
Account required to search
Pre-filled claim documents MissingMoney redirects you to each state's portal where you fill claim forms manually. HeirClaim AI-generates state-specific affidavits, cover letters, and supporting forms.
Filing assistance MissingMoney is search-only. HeirClaim offers Document Preparation ($29-$79 flat fee for claims under $1,000) or Full Service (contingency-based) for filing on your behalf.	Optional ($29 flat / contingency)	None
Heir / estate claim guidance HeirClaim's wizard handles small-estate affidavits, heirship affidavits, and probate document workflows. MissingMoney points you at the state portal — the rest is on you.
Claim status tracking HeirClaim tracks every claim through to payout and emails you on state status changes. MissingMoney has no claim-tracking layer.
Operated by MissingMoney is operated by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators — official, government-affiliated. HeirClaim is a private US-based service that adds tooling on top.	Private technology service	NAUPA (state administrators)

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