FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens to unclaimed money in Australia?

Unclaimed funds are held by the government and can be claimed by the rightful owner or their heirs at any time. Unlike some countries, Australia does not impose a time limit for claiming unclaimed funds.

What does Unclaimed Capital Group do?

Unclaimed Capital Group specialises in reconnecting individuals and businesses with lost or unclaimed funds. We identify assets that have gone unnoticed or unclaimed and guide our clients through the recovery process with integrity and efficiency.

How does Unclaimed Capital Group work with Australian laws?

We operate within the framework of Australian laws, including the Unclaimed Money Act, to ensure a compliant and transparent recovery process. Our team stays updated on legislation and guidelines to maximise the success of your claims.

What are unclaimed funds?

Unclaimed funds refer to money or assets that have been forgotten or abandoned. These can include refunds, overpayments, security deposits, uncashed cheques, insurance pay outs, dividends or dormant accounts.

What is the Unclaimed Money Act?

The Unclaimed Money Act is legislation in Australia that governs how unclaimed funds are managed. It ensures that unclaimed assets are safeguarded and provides a legal framework for individuals and businesses to reclaim their money. The Act outlines the obligations of institutions to report and transfer unclaimed funds to the government.

Why do funds become unclaimed in the first place?

Usually because people have moved house or business address and have forgotten about their accounts or investments because they no longer receive the statements or notifications. Sometimes, people can become incapacitated through illness or accident or have died without leaving clear instructions to help their estate executor find the funds. Basically, it happens a lot and there are currently $2.3 billion of lost money to be claimed in Australia alone.

How long does money need to be inactive before it’s considered unclaimed?

The time period varies depending on the type of asset: Bank accounts: 7 years of inactivity. Life insurance: 7 years after the policy matures. Shares and dividends: Typically 6 years of inactivity. These funds are then transferred to relevant authorities, such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

What is the difference between unclaimed money and lost money?

Unclaimed money refers to funds reported to government authorities after periods of inactivity, while lost money refers to funds that have not yet been identified or reported. We search both reported and non-reported avenues to recover your funds.

How far back can you recover unclaimed money?

There is no time limit for claiming unclaimed money in Australia. Even if the funds have been inactive for decades, they can still be recovered with the proper documentation.

What are the fees or taxes associated with recovering unclaimed money?

There are no taxes on unclaimed money recovery in Australia. Our contingency fee is transparent, and we outline all costs upfront, ensuring there are no hidden charges.

How does Unclaimed Capital Group ensure transparency?

You will be given a Claims Manager who will provide clear communication at every stage of the recovery process. From outlining fees to updates on your claim’s progress, our team ensures you are informed and confident throughout.

How do I know if I have unclaimed funds?

Our team conducts thorough searches across various databases and financial institutions to determine if you are entitled to unclaimed funds. Once we identify potential assets, we reach out to you with the details.

How do I know if I’m eligible to claim unclaimed money?

If you believe you’ve had dormant accounts, unpaid wages, or forgotten assets, you could be eligible. We verify your identity and entitlement as part of our recovery process to ensure your claim meets legal requirements.

Can I claim unclaimed superannuation through Unclaimed Capital Group?

Yes, we can assist with recovering unclaimed or lost superannuation accounts. Superannuation becomes unclaimed if the account has been inactive for a certain period or the balance is low. We help consolidate and reclaim your superannuation to ensure you’re not missing out on your retirement savings.

Can I claim unclaimed money on behalf of a deceased relative?

Yes, you can claim unclaimed money on behalf of a deceased relative. You’ll typically need to provide proof of your relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificates) and evidence of your authority to act on their behalf, such as a will or grant of probate. Unclaimed Capital Group can assist you in navigating this process.

What if I no longer live at the address linked to my unclaimed money?

If the contact details linked to the unclaimed money are outdated, you may need to provide additional proof of identity and address history. Our team ensures that the correct documentation is submitted to validate your claim.

What happens if someone else claims my unclaimed money?

Fraudulent claims are rare but can happen. Institutions typically have strict verification processes to ensure claims are legitimate. Unclaimed Capital Group prioritises secure documentation and identity verification to protect your funds.

Can unclaimed money affect my taxes or financial status?

Recovered unclaimed money is generally not taxable, as it is already your asset. However, certain circumstances (e.g., interest earned on unclaimed superannuation) may have tax implications. Consult a tax professional if needed.

How does the recovery process work?

1.Initial consultation to confirm your eligibility, 2. Verification of your identity and claim to the funds, 3. Completion of necessary paperwork, 4. Submission of claims to the appropriate institutions. We handle the heavy lifting to ensure a smooth and hassle-free recovery.

How long does it take to recover funds?

The timeframe can vary depending on the type of asset, the institution holding the funds, and the complexity of the claim. On average, it may take 4–12 weeks to complete the process.

Do you charge a fee for your services?

Yes, we charge a contingency fee, meaning our payment is a percentage of the recovered funds. You only pay if we successfully recover your assets, ensuring there’s no risk to you.

Is this a legitimate service?

Absolutely. Unclaimed Capital Group operates under license, with transparency and adherence to all relevant regulations. We are dedicated to reuniting clients with their rightful funds and maintaining the highest level of integrity throughout the process.

Why can’t I recover the funds myself?

While it’s possible to claim funds on your own, the process can be time-consuming and complex. Our expertise, resources, and connections simplify the process and increase the likelihood of a successful and speedy recovery.

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy! If we've reached out to you, it is because we have found funds that we believe could belong to you. Simply contact us via our website or call us to schedule a consultation. We’ll assess your situation, explain the process, and begin the search for your unclaimed funds.

Can businesses benefit from your services too?

Yes, we assist both businesses and individuals in recovering unclaimed assets such as overpaid invoices, refunds, and other financial entitlements. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and organisations.

How can I trust you with my personal information?

Your privacy and security are our top priorities. We use encrypted systems to handle sensitive information and comply with all data protection laws to ensure your details are safe. Once your claim is finalised, we automatically delete all information you have shared with us.

What documentation will I need to provide to make a claim?

Government-issued photo ID, Proof of address, Evidence linking you to the unclaimed asset (e.g., bank statements, account numbers). Proof of name changes, if applicable We guide you through collecting and submitting the appropriate paperwork.

What types of assets can you recover?

Forgotten bank accounts or term deposits, Life and General Insurance pay outs, Overpayments, Tax refunds, Security deposits, Shares, dividends and trust accounts, Overpaid utility bills or tax refunds.

Are there limits to the amount of money I can recover?

There are no limits to the amount you can recover. Whether it’s a small forgotten deposit or a significant unclaimed inheritance, our team is equipped to handle claims of any size. In certain circumstances we can even claim multiple amounts of unclaimed money in one claim.

If you have any further questions, please send them to [email protected]

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