How to Find Unclaimed Money in New York: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Unclaimed Money?

Unclaimed money refers to any financial asset that has been forgotten or abandoned by its rightful owner. This can include bank accounts, insurance payouts, stocks, dividends, utility deposits, refunds, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes. If no activity is recorded on these assets for a set period, typically three years, they are deemed “unclaimed” and are turned over to the state.

In New York, the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) is responsible for holding and managing these funds until the rightful owner steps forward to claim them. As of 2024, New York has over $19 billion in unclaimed funds, and millions of New Yorkers are owed money they may not even realize exists!

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Common Sources of Unclaimed Money in New York

  1. Old Bank Accounts: If you’ve ever switched banks and left an account dormant, those funds may have been turned over to the state.
  2. Uncashed Checks: Tax refunds, paychecks, or insurance payments that were never cashed can become unclaimed.
  3. Insurance Policies: Life insurance benefits that were never claimed by beneficiaries.
  4. Utility Deposits: Security deposits on utility services that were forgotten when you moved.
  5. Safe Deposit Boxes: Items from unclaimed safe deposit boxes are often auctioned off by the state, but their monetary value is available for reclaiming.
  6. Stocks and Bonds: Dividends or shares from investments that haven’t been accessed for years.
Overview of common sources of unclaimed money in New York including bank accounts and insurance policies.
Learn More About How To Claim YOUR Unclaimed Money In New York

How to Search for Unclaimed Money in New York

It’s easy and free to search for unclaimed money in New York. Here are the steps:

  1. Visit the Official New York Unclaimed Funds Website Go to the New York State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds and use their online search tool. This website allows you to search by your name, business name, or address to see if there are any funds owed to you.

  2. Enter Your Information Enter your full name, including any variations (e.g., maiden names or nicknames), along with the city or county where you’ve lived in New York. If you’re looking on behalf of a deceased family member, make sure to try their full name and any alternate spellings or initials.

  3. Review the Results The search results will show if any unclaimed funds match your criteria. If you find a match, click on the entry to view more details.

  4. Submit a Claim Once you’ve identified funds that belong to you, you can file a claim directly through the website. You’ll need to provide proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or Social Security number, and may also need documentation proving your connection to the asset (e.g., old utility bills, insurance documents, etc.).

Tips for Claiming Unclaimed Money in New York

  • Keep Records: It’s helpful to keep detailed records of any past addresses, bank accounts, and financial institutions you’ve dealt with. This will make it easier to track down old funds.
  • Search Regularly: New funds are added every year, so it’s worth checking back periodically to see if anything new has been reported under your name.
  • Check for Deceased Relatives: If you’re the executor of an estate, make sure to search for any unclaimed money that may have belonged to a deceased family member.
  • Watch Out for Scams: It’s free to search for and claim unclaimed funds in New York. Be wary of any third-party services that charge a fee to assist you in claiming your money.

Additional Resources for New York Residents

  • Phone Assistance: If you’d prefer to search over the phone or have additional questions, you can contact the New York State Comptroller’s Office directly at 1-800-221-9311.
  • Mail-in Claims: If you’re unable to complete the claim process online, you can also submit a claim form by mail. Visit the New York State Comptroller’s website to download the necessary forms.

Millions of New Yorkers are owed unclaimed money, and you could be one of them! It only takes a few minutes to search the New York State Comptroller’s website, and it could result in discovering money that’s rightfully yours. With the state holding over $19 billion in unclaimed assets, now is the perfect time to see if some of that money belongs to you.