Minimum Surplus Funds Amounts: Can You File a Claim for Any Amount?

The short answer: Yes, you can file for small amounts—but it’s not always worth it. 

Here's what you need to know:

No Legal Minimum in Most States

Most states do not require a minimum amount for surplus fund claims. Even if you're owed $50 or $500, that money technically belongs to you.

Practical Considerations

That said, some counties have administrative costs or processing thresholds that impact whether it's worth it to file:

• If the surplus is less than the county’s administrative fee (often $25–$100), you may not see a payout after deductions.

• For very small amounts, it may not be practical to go through the full process—especially if it involves notarized documents, court filings, or postage.

Many claimants skip over surplus funds under $100–$250 for this reason.

What Mercy Management Recommends

We review every claim individually. For smaller amounts:

• We may advise you on a do-it-yourself path, if that’s more cost-effective.

• In cases where multiple small claims exist or other funds may be pending, we often combine the efforts to make it worthwhile.

When It’s Definitely Worth Filing

• Claims over $500 are typically worth pursuing

• Claims over $1,000 should never be left unclaimed

• These are commonly overlooked, especially when multiple liens or debts confuse the original homeowner or heir.

Final Thought

Even if the amount is small, it’s yours. Mercy Management is here to help you make informed choices about what’s worth pursuing—without pressure and always with transparency.