For Professionals — Senior Services
Older Adults Are Among The Most Frequent Victims Of Unclaimed Excess Proceeds
Senior services organizations, elder law advocates, and aging services professionals are positioned to identify older adults who may be owed money after a property was lost to foreclosure, tax sale, or other forced sale — often without their knowledge.
Why Seniors Are Disproportionately Affected
Older adults are often longtime property owners who may have lost a home to a tax sale during a period of health challenges, cognitive decline, fixed-income financial stress, or family disruption. Because they may have moved to assisted living, lost track of correspondence, or simply moved on, they may not know that money from the sale may still be waiting for them. They are also more likely to have deceased spouses, complicated estate situations, and limited ability to navigate government bureaucracies on their own.
What To Watch For
Seniors you work with may have potential excess proceeds situations if they: previously owned property that was lost to a tax sale or foreclosure, have not received any proceeds from a forced property sale, are receiving public assistance and are unaware of potential unclaimed funds that could affect their benefits eligibility, or have family members asking about a parent's or grandparent's former property. Even situations that occurred years ago may have uncollected funds depending on state law.
Capacity and Guardianship Considerations
When working with seniors who may have diminished capacity, be aware that any claim process will need to involve a person with legal authority to act on their behalf — whether a family member, a power of attorney holder, a legal guardian, or a conservator. NEPEX will work with the appropriate representative and refer the matter to an attorney who can handle the legal requirements properly.
Benefits Implications
For seniors receiving Medicaid, SSI, or other need-based public benefits, receipt of a lump sum from an excess proceeds recovery may affect eligibility. This is an important consideration that should be discussed with a benefits counselor or elder law attorney before pursuing a claim. NEPEX provides education but does not advise on benefits implications — that requires qualified legal and financial counsel.
How To Refer
Senior services organizations can refer clients or family members to NEPEX for a free educational intake review. No commitment is required from the client or the organization. We handle the research, explain the process, and coordinate referral to independent attorneys in qualifying matters. In qualifying cases, attorney fees may be advanced from recovered funds — no upfront payment required. Attorney approval needed. Recovery not guaranteed.
Disclaimer: National Excess Proceeds Exchange is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information is educational only. Recovery is not guaranteed. Benefits implications vary and require qualified counsel.