Unclaimed Money Could Be Yours — Here’s How To Get It

Are you feeling strapped for cash? You can find unclaimed money that a company might be owing you. If a government office, a business, a financial institution, or any other source owes you funds or property you haven’t collected, it’s considered unclaimed.

Unclaimed property can be cash, money orders, refunds, checks, utility security deposits, savings accounts, or contents of a safe deposit box. Research indicates that about 1 in 10 Americans have a rightful claim unclaimed property, and here’s how you can find your unclaimed money.

How To Find Your Unclaimed Money

You might have unclaimed funds that an institution or business owes you, including refunds, unclaimed security deposits, lost paychecks, overpayments, or forgotten savings accounts. Luckily, there are several credible websites designed to help you find your lost money.

Check Whether You Have Unclaimed Money

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) makes it easier to search for unclaimed money you may be owed, and your search begins from the state level.

To start, head to NAUPA’s website, a national network that collects records from all 50 states. You’ll find different links where you’ll select one that leads you to your state’s official unclaimed property program. These are credible government resources, so we recommend you go directly to the NAUPA-provided websites rather than the general search engine. There are plenty of scammers online, and you might encounter phony websites.

Once you select your state, the link will direct you to its official site, where you’ll find step-by-step instructions. All you need to do is enter your information, and the database will complete the rest. Once you find out you have unclaimed money, you can immediately begin your claim process.

It’s worth noting that unclaimed properties are reported from the state where the organization or company is based. So, it’s common to have lost money in different locations, especially if you previously moved between states. If you want to search for your unclaimed money from multiple states at once, consider using MissingMoney.com, a free website recommended by NAUPA. Check every state you have lived or have done business in to determine whether you have unclaimed money.

Claim Your Unclaimed Money

How you process your unclaimed money varies depending on your state, meaning each state’s site might be slightly different. Some states can handle the process online, while others might require offline paperwork. However, the process is relatively straightforward for each state.

Be prepared to verify your identity by providing your Social Security Number, driver’s license, or passport, and indicate whether you’re claiming the money for yourself or a deceased family member. The state site will provide step-by-step instructions to fill out your contact details, and the state will verify your information.

Once everything is approved, and the state confirms you’re eligible for the unclaimed money, they’ll mail your money to you. The processing time ideally takes up to 30 days, but the time varies by state.

Other Government Sources To Find Unclaimed Money You May Be Owed

There are other various places and institutions where you can search for unclaimed money you might be owed, including:

• The IRS website for undeliverable tax refunds
• The National Registry for unclaimed employee retirement plan money
• The United States Treasury Hunt for any unclaimed treasury bonds or savings bonds
• The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for failed or unclaimed pension plan money

It’s not uncommon to have unclaimed money you might be unaware of, and there’s a chance that you might have some waiting for you! Take advantage of the free resources available and search for your unclaimed money. And as you search through Unclaimed.org and MissingMoney.com, ensure that you check your wallets, including your credit cards, and use your rewards.