Mississippi has introduced a major change to its unclaimed property claim process, becoming the first state in the United States 🇺🇸 to require a Citizenship Declaration from all claimants. This update, announced by State Treasurer David McRae and effective as of July 19, 2025, brings new steps and requirements for anyone seeking to recover unclaimed property held by the state. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changed, who is affected, what actions are now required, and what these changes mean for both American citizens and non-citizens.
Summary of What Changed
Starting July 19, 2025, anyone filing a claim for unclaimed property in Mississippi must complete a Citizenship Declaration form. This new rule applies to all claimants, whether they are American citizens, permanent residents, or foreign nationals. The Mississippi State Treasury will now prioritize claims from American citizens and Mississippi residents, with non-citizen claims facing extra verification steps and longer processing times.
Who Is Affected by the New Policy
This policy affects several groups:
- American citizens: Individuals who are citizens of the United States 🇺🇸 and are filing claims for unclaimed property in Mississippi.
- Mississippi residents: People living in Mississippi, regardless of whether they are citizens or not, but with a clear focus on prioritizing citizens.
- Non-citizens: Foreign nationals, including permanent residents, visa holders, and others who are not U.S. citizens but may have unclaimed property in Mississippi.
- Heirs and legal representatives: Anyone acting on behalf of a deceased person or as a legal representative must also complete the Citizenship Declaration as part of the claim process.
Effective Dates and Transition
- Announcement: Early July 2025 by Treasurer David McRae.
- Implementation: The requirement took effect immediately upon announcement and is now enforced for all new and pending claims as of July 19, 2025.
Required Actions for Claimants
If you are planning to claim unclaimed property in Mississippi, here’s what you need to do under the new rules:
- Search for Unclaimed Property
Start by searching the Mississippi State Treasury’s unclaimed property database. This is the official source for finding out if you have unclaimed assets held by the state. - Gather Documentation
Collect all necessary identification documents. For American citizens, this typically includes:- Social Security number
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Proof of address
- Proof of citizenship (such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
For non-citizens, you will need:
- Passport or national ID from your country of citizenship
- U.S. visa or immigration documents (if applicable)
- Proof of address
- Any other documents requested by the Treasury
- Complete the Citizenship Declaration
The Citizenship Declaration form is now a mandatory part of the claim process. You must fill out this form and submit it with your claim. The form asks you to declare your citizenship status and provide supporting documentation. You can find the official Citizenship Declaration form and instructions on the Mississippi State Treasury’s unclaimed property page. - Submit Your Claim
Claims can be filed online or by mail. Make sure to include all required documents and the completed Citizenship Declaration form. Incomplete claims may be delayed or denied. - Verification Process
The Treasury will verify your identity and citizenship status. For American citizens, this process is usually quick, using domestic databases and records. For non-citizens, the Treasury may need to contact foreign agencies or use international databases, which can take more time. -
Processing and Payment
Claims from American citizens and Mississippi residents are given priority and processed faster. Non-citizen claims will be processed after additional verification steps. Once approved, the Treasury will release the unclaimed property to the rightful owner.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you submitted a claim before July 19, 2025, but it has not yet been processed, you may be asked to provide a Citizenship Declaration before your claim can move forward. The Treasury has stated that all pending and new claims are subject to the new rules. If you are waiting for your claim to be processed, check your email or mail for requests from the Treasury and respond promptly to avoid delays.
Why Did Mississippi Make This Change?
Treasurer David McRae explained that the new policy, called the “America First Unclaimed Money Program,” is designed to ensure that Mississippi taxpayers and American citizens receive priority when reclaiming unclaimed assets held by the state. According to McRae, verifying claims from non-citizens is more complicated and time-consuming because it often requires working with international agencies and databases. By requiring a Citizenship Declaration, the Treasury hopes to:
- Speed up the process for American citizens and Mississippi residents
- Reduce the risk of fraud and improper claims
- Make sure state resources benefit those with the strongest ties to Mississippi and the United States 🇺🇸
How the Verification Process Works
The Mississippi State Treasury uses several methods to verify the identity and citizenship of claimants:
- For American citizens: The Treasury checks Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, and other domestic records. This process is usually straightforward and quick.
- For non-citizens: The Treasury requires additional documents, such as foreign passports or national IDs. Claims from non-citizens are checked more carefully, sometimes involving international agencies or embassies. This extra step can lead to longer wait times.
Practical Implications for Different Groups
- American Citizens and Mississippi Residents
If you are a U.S. citizen or a resident of Mississippi, you will likely see your claim processed faster than before. The new policy is designed to give you priority, so as long as you provide the required documents and complete the Citizenship Declaration, your claim should move smoothly. -
Non-Citizens
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still claim unclaimed property in Mississippi, but you must be ready to provide more information and wait longer for your claim to be processed. The Treasury will check your documents more carefully, and you may be asked for extra proof of your identity and connection to the property.
- Heirs and Legal Representatives
If you are claiming property on behalf of someone else, such as a deceased relative, you must also complete the Citizenship Declaration and provide documents showing your legal right to claim the property.
Background: How Unclaimed Property Is Managed in Mississippi
Mississippi’s unclaimed property program is managed by the State Treasury. Each year, businesses and financial institutions must report and turn over unclaimed property to the state by November 1. Property is considered “abandoned” if there has been no contact with the owner for a certain period, usually five years. The Treasury then holds the property until the rightful owner or their heirs claim it.
Before the new policy, claimants only needed to prove their identity using domestic records. There was no requirement to declare citizenship, and claims from non-citizens were processed in the same way as those from citizens, though sometimes with extra checks.
Legislative and Administrative Context
The Citizenship Declaration requirement is an administrative rule set by the State Treasury, not a law passed by the Mississippi Legislature. However, it fits with recent efforts in Mississippi to protect state assets and give priority to residents and citizens in property matters. Recent bills have focused on managing abandoned properties and tax-forfeited land, showing a trend toward tighter control over state-held assets.
Support and Criticism
- Supporters
Supporters of the new policy argue that it protects state resources and ensures that unclaimed property benefits Mississippi citizens first. They say it reduces fraud and makes the claim process more efficient for those with the strongest ties to the state. -
Critics
Some critics worry that the policy could exclude or delay claims from legitimate non-citizens, such as permanent residents, international students, or people with family ties to Mississippi. They argue that the extra steps could be seen as unfair or discriminatory, though no major opposition has been reported as of July 2025.
Step-by-Step Guide for Claimants After the Policy Change
To help you understand the new process, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Locate Unclaimed Property
- Visit the Mississippi State Treasury’s unclaimed property search page and enter your name or the name of the person you represent.
- Prepare Documentation
- Gather your Social Security number, driver’s license, and proof of citizenship if you are a U.S. citizen.
- If you are a non-citizen, collect your passport, visa, or other immigration documents.
- Complete the Citizenship Declaration
- Download or access the Citizenship Declaration form from the Treasury’s website.
- Fill out the form honestly and attach any required documents.
- Submit Your Claim
- File your claim online or by mail, making sure to include all documents and the Citizenship Declaration.
- Verification
- Wait for the Treasury to review your claim. Respond quickly to any requests for more information.
- Claim Processing
- American citizen claims are processed first. Non-citizen claims may take longer due to extra checks.
- Claim Payment
- If your claim is approved, the Treasury will send you the unclaimed property or payment.
What If You Don’t Submit a Citizenship Declaration?
If you do not submit the required Citizenship Declaration, your claim will not be processed. The Treasury has made it clear that this form is now a mandatory part of the process for everyone, regardless of citizenship status.
What Does This Mean for Other States?
Mississippi is the first state to require a Citizenship Declaration for unclaimed property claims. If the policy works well—by speeding up claims for citizens and reducing fraud—other states may consider adopting similar rules. This could lead to a nationwide trend where citizenship status becomes a key part of claiming unclaimed property.
Possible Future Changes
The Mississippi Treasury may adjust the Citizenship Declaration process based on feedback from claimants and staff. If there are problems or delays, the Treasury could update the form or change the required documents. There is also a chance that the Mississippi Legislature could pass a law to make the policy permanent or expand it to other types of state-held assets.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you have questions or need help with your claim, you can contact the Mississippi State Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Division:
- Website: Mississippi State Treasury – Unclaimed Property Division
- Phone: (601) 359-3580
- Email: [email protected]
You can also find the Citizenship Declaration form and instructions on the Treasury’s website.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Mississippi now requires a Citizenship Declaration for all unclaimed property claims.
- American citizens and Mississippi residents will have their claims processed faster and with priority.
- Non-citizens must provide extra documentation and should expect longer processing times.
- All claimants must complete the Citizenship Declaration form, or their claims will not be processed.
- Pending claims are also subject to the new rules, so check for requests from the Treasury.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move by Mississippi marks a new direction in how states handle unclaimed property, putting a clear focus on citizenship and residency. If you have unclaimed property in Mississippi or are helping someone else claim it, make sure to review the new requirements and gather all necessary documents before submitting your claim.
For more information and to start your claim, visit the Mississippi State Treasury’s unclaimed property page. This official resource provides up-to-date forms, instructions, and contact details to help you through the process.
By staying informed and following the new steps, you can make sure your claim is handled as quickly and smoothly as possible under Mississippi’s updated rules.
Learn Today
Unclaimed Property → Assets held by the state when owners cannot be contacted or have abandoned them.
Citizenship Declaration → A mandatory form declaring a claimant’s citizenship status in Mississippi’s new claim process.
Verification Process → Steps taken by the Treasury to confirm claimant’s identity and citizenship before approving claims.
Non-citizens → Individuals who are not U.S. citizens but may hold unclaimed property in Mississippi.
State Treasury → Mississippi government office managing unclaimed property and enforcing the Citizenship Declaration policy.
This Article in a Nutshell
Mississippi now demands a mandatory Citizenship Declaration for all unclaimed property claims starting July 19, 2025. This prioritizes citizens and residents, speeds processing, reduces fraud, but imposes longer waits for non-citizens. All claimants must comply or face denial, marking a first-of-its-kind state policy focused on citizenship verification.
— By VisaVerge.com
