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Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name – Billions Go Unclaimed Each Year

Explore our guide to see if you’re owed unclaimed property in your state – from old paychecks to forgotten bank accounts.

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What Is Unclaimed Money? How to Find and Claim Lost Funds

Unclaimed money refers to financial assets that have been lost, forgotten, or left inactive and are now being held by state governments until the rightful owner comes forward. These funds can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and other financial assets.

Each year, billions of dollars in unclaimed money are turned over to state unclaimed property offices after businesses are unable to contact the owner. The good news is that unclaimed money never belongs to the state permanently, and there is no cost to search or file a claim. If you have ever moved, changed jobs, or managed the estate of a loved one, there is a strong chance you may have unclaimed funds waiting for you.

What is unclaimed money and how to claim lost funds

What Is Unclaimed Money?

Unclaimed money, also known as unclaimed property, consists of financial assets that have had no activity for an extended period of time. When a business or financial institution cannot contact the owner after a defined dormancy period, the funds are turned over to the state for safekeeping.

Common types of unclaimed money include dormant checking and savings accounts, uncashed payroll checks, insurance benefits, refunds, trust distributions, and the cash value of safe deposit box contents. State governments hold these funds indefinitely until the rightful owner or heir submits a valid claim.

How Does Money Become Unclaimed?

Money typically becomes unclaimed due to simple life changes or missed communications. Some of the most common reasons include:
  • People move and forget to update their address
  • Name changes due to marriage or divorce
  • Employers issue checks that are never cashed
  • Businesses close or merge
  • Estates are not fully settled after a death

How to Search for Unclaimed Money

The safest way to search for unclaimed money is through official state unclaimed property databases. Each U.S. state maintains its own searchable database where individuals can look up their name and file claims directly.

Because unclaimed money is reported to the state where the owner last lived or worked, it is important to search every state where you have lived, been employed, or operated a business. You can start by visiting our unclaimed money search by state page to quickly find the correct official database.

Popular searches include California and New York, where billions of dollars in unclaimed funds are currently held for residents.

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How to Claim Unclaimed Money

Once you locate unclaimed money in your name, the claim process is straightforward and handled directly through the state. While requirements vary slightly by state, the general process includes:
  1. Search the official state unclaimed property website
  2. Submit a claim form online or by mail
  3. Provide proof of identity and ownership
  4. Wait for the state to review and approve the claim
States do not charge any fees to claim unclaimed money. Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the claim type and documentation required.

Is Unclaimed Money Legit?

Yes, unclaimed money is completely legitimate. Every U.S. state has an unclaimed property office responsible for safeguarding lost or forgotten assets until they are claimed by the rightful owner.

It is important to remember that states never charge a fee to search for or claim unclaimed money. Be cautious of third-party services that ask for payment upfront. While some private companies offer assistance for a fee, using official state databases is always free and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Billions of dollars in unclaimed money are held by U.S. state governments and are returned to rightful owners every year.

In most states, unclaimed money does not expire and can be claimed at any time by the rightful owner or their heirs.

Yes. Heirs and legal representatives can claim unclaimed money by providing proper documentation such as death certificates and proof of relationship.

Processing times vary by state but typically range from several weeks to a few months after submitting a complete claim.

Searching for unclaimed money is free, safe, and easier than most people realize. If you have moved, changed jobs, or managed a family member’s estate, it is worth taking a few minutes to search official state databases.

Start by checking your current state and any previous states where you lived or worked. You may be surprised by what you find.