Queensland
Search Queensland
unclaimed money.
Search all official registers and databases to find money that may be owed to you.
Searching official registers is free. Previous names and addresses may assist your search.
Lived in more than one state? Build a search planHow to claim unclaimed money in Queensland
Queensland splits unclaimed money across more than one place. The Queensland Public Trustee holds money from government agencies, solicitors, agents, accountants, companies and deceased estates, while Queensland Treasury holds uncollected gaming money and money transferred from state agencies before October 2010. Rental bonds are separate again.
- 1
Search the Public Trustee database first
This is the main Queensland register for individuals. Search your name and note the reference number shown against any match, because you need it on the form.
- 2
Download and complete the application form
The Public Trustee uses an Application for unclaimed money form. Fill it in fully, because incomplete claims are sent back by email and delay payment.
- 3
Have the form witnessed
Your completed form must be signed in front of a Justice of the Peace or other qualified witness who lives in the same state as you and your documents.
- 4
Post the claim with certified documents
Send the form and certified copies to Unclaimed Money, Queensland Public Trustee, GPO Box 1449, Brisbane QLD 4001.
- 5
If the money is older or gaming related, go to Treasury
Non gaming money transferred from a Queensland agency from October 2010 onwards sits with the Public Trustee. Uncollected gaming money, and money moved before October 2010, sits in the Treasurer's Unclaimed Monies Fund. Treasury asks you to contact the agency the money came from, with evidence of entitlement such as a stale cheque, and pays verified claims by EFT through that agency.
What you need to prove
- Completed application form, signed and witnessed by a qualified witness
- Certified copy of photo ID: driver licence, passport or proof of age card
- Certified community identification such as a Medicare card, bank card or payslips
- Certified proof of your current residential address, for example a utility bill or rates notice
- Certified bank statement matching the name and address on the form
- A certified linking document connecting you to the money, plus proof of the last known address the sender held for you
Fees and timing
- Cost to search or claim
- Free. The Public Trustee states it carries out identity verification at its discretion and that there is no cost to the applicant.
- Processing time
- The Public Trustee aims to process claims within 28 days of receiving all required supporting documents. Missing or incorrect documents restart the wait.
- How long money is held
- Once lodged, money is held in perpetuity until it is claimed. Businesses must hand money over after set periods, for example two years for share registries, utilities, councils and general business, and three months for hospitals.
- What is not on this register
- Dormant bank accounts, life insurance, superannuation and rental bonds are not held by the Public Trustee. Use MoneySmart, the ATO and the Residential Tenancies Authority for those.
Claiming in less common situations
A deceased relative
All executors must sign the form and supply certified photo ID and community ID. You also need the deceased person's latest will, the death certificate, evidence of their last known address, and the grant of probate or letters of administration. Where probate is not available, all executors complete a statutory declaration, though the Public Trustee says payment without probate is not guaranteed.
A business or company
Two company officers sign, for example two directors or a director and the secretary, each providing certified ID and proof of address. You also need a certified current historical company extract issued by ASIC within the last 30 days, and funds are paid to the company account.
Unpaid Queensland award wages
Unclaimed wages under a Queensland State Award can be held by the Public Trustee. Wages owed under the national system are separate and are searched through the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Money not held by Queensland
A state register only covers money handed to that state. Some of the most common types of lost money are held nationally instead, so check these separately:
- Lost and unclaimed super: held by super funds or the ATO. See how to find lost super.
- Dormant bank accounts, shares and life insurance: generally transferred to ASIC. See national searches.
- Money from another state: if you have lived or worked elsewhere, search that state too. Use the Search Plan to list them.
Searching with old addresses
- Write down every address you have had, including share houses and student housing.
- Search by name first, then use the suburb or postcode shown in a result to decide if it could be yours.
- Try maiden names, previous surnames, initials and common misspellings.
- Old bills, bank statements, tax records or tenancy papers can help prove you lived at a listed address.
- Only enter details on the official government website, never on a site asking for fees to search.
About Queensland unclaimed money
Queensland holds unclaimed money across two main registers: Queensland Treasury for business and government refunds, and the Public Trustee for deceased estates and trust money. Both are free to search.
Queenslanders should also check the Residential Tenancies Authority for rental bonds, ASIC MoneySmart for bank accounts and shares, the ATO for lost super, and Fair Work for unpaid wages. Check every state you have lived or worked in.
Quick facts
- Queensland Treasury and the Public Trustee each hold different amounts.
- Rental bonds are held separately by the RTA.
- Estate money often sits with the Public Trustee.
The official searches linked on this page do not charge a search fee. Check the responsible agency's current claim instructions before providing documents or paying for outside help.
Check everywhere
Search all key places where money can be held.
Public Trustee Queensland
Search for unclaimed money, including cash, accounts, wages, bonds, shares and more.
MoneySmart (ASIC)
Search for unclaimed bank accounts, shares, investments and life insurance.
ATO Lost Super
Find your lost or forgotten superannuation and unclaimed super.
Fair Work Ombudsman
Search for unpaid wages owed to you by employers that is being held in trust.
AFSA Unclaimed Money
Find unclaimed money from bankruptcy, debt agreements and wind-ups.
RTA Rental Bonds
Find and claim your Queensland rental bond refunds.
Before you search
Having these details on hand makes it easier to recognise a match on the official register.
How it works
Search
Search the official registers.
Match
If a match is found, the official register will show you the available details.
Claim
Follow the instructions to claim your money.
Frequently asked questions
Need help?
We’re here to help you every step of the way.
What to search next
Money goes missing in more than one place. These are the next things worth checking.
- Lost superSuper left behind at old jobs, plus super the ATO is holding for you.
- National registersMoneySmart, the ATO, Fair Work and AFSA cover every state.
- Step-by-step guidesHow each type of unclaimed money works and how to claim it.
- Other states you have lived inEach state keeps a separate register, so search them all.
Searching is free. Every register we link to lets you search at no cost, and you can lodge a claim yourself. Be cautious of any business that asks for an upfront fee simply to search a public register on your behalf. Find Lost Money Australia is an independent information service. We are not a government agency and we do not hold or search unclaimed money databases.