A Step-by-Step Guide to Reclaim What’s Yours
Did you know that billions of dollars in unclaimed money are waiting to be claimed? From forgotten bank accounts to uncashed checks, there’s a good chance some of it might belong to you. This guide walks you through how to find and claim what’s rightfully yours.
What is Unclaimed Money?
- Forgotten bank accounts
- Uncashed checks
- Insurance refunds
- Utility deposits
- Inactive retirement accounts
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Money
Before you begin your search, gather essential information that may help you verify ownership: full legal name (including any name changes), previous addresses, Social Security Number (if applicable), known employers or insurance providers.
Each state maintains a free online database where you can check for unclaimed property. Visit unclaimed.org, click on your state, and search by your name.
BeenVerified can help identify old employers, addresses, and accounts that may lead you to unclaimed funds. This is especially helpful if you’ve moved frequently or held multiple jobs.
Once you locate unclaimed funds, follow the instructions on the state site to submit your claim. You’ll usually need to provide proof of identity and ownership, and the claim process may take several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—state databases are free to use. Third-party tools like BeenVerified may charge a small fee but provide enhanced lookup tools.
Yes, especially if you’re an executor of an estate or have legal authorization.
Most claims are processed in 2–12 weeks depending on the state, the type of property, and the documentation required.