Most people know about state unclaimed property databases — but did you know there’s billions more in unclaimed money held by federal agencies that often goes overlooked? Searching beyond your state’s unclaimed property portal can help you uncover assets you didn’t even realize were waiting for you.
State unclaimed property databases are a great start, but they don’t cover all sources of unclaimed funds — especially those held at the federal level.
Why State Unclaimed Property Databases Don’t Show Everything
While state databases host vast amounts of dormant money — such as uncashed checks, old bank accounts, utility deposits, and stock dividends — the federal government also holds unclaimed assets tied to specific programs or agencies.
These reserves often include:
- Unredeemed U.S. Savings Bonds
- Mortgage insurance refunds
- Unclaimed pension or benefit funds from federal plans
- Bankruptcy court funds
- Other agency-specific refunds or undeliverable payments
Major Federal Unclaimed Money Sources You Should Search
- Treasury Hunt – U.S. Securities & Undelivered Payments This tool from the U.S. Department of the Treasury helps you find matured savings bonds and other unclaimed Treasury funds.
- HUD/FHA Mortgage Insurance Refunds
If you ever had a Federal Housing Administration–insured loan, you may be eligible for a refund you never received. - U.S. Courts Unclaimed Funds Locator
When a bankruptcy case results in a surplus distribution, unclaimed portions may remain. This database lets you search for those leftover funds. - Credit Union Liquidation Claims
When federally regulated credit unions close, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) may list unclaimed shares available for former members.
How to Search Federal Unclaimed Money Step by Step
- Gather all possible name variations. Sometimes federal databases require exact matches.
- Check multiple federal sites. One search doesn’t cover all agencies.
- Document your results. Even if nothing turns up now, assets may be added later.
- Combine with state searches. Use MissingMoney.com, the NAUPA resource, to search multiple states at once.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Finding Federal Funds
- Federal unclaimed money sources are free to search — never pay a fee.
- The federal government won’t contact you first — always initiate the search yourself.
- Keep checking periodically, especially if you’ve changed jobs, owned property, or moved often.
Your unclaimed money search shouldn’t stop with state databases. Federal databases hold unique opportunities to recover assets from national programs and old financial accounts. By broadening your search strategy, you maximize your chances of reclaiming what’s rightfully yours — both from your state and the federal government.