Unclaimed money in New York

What counts as unclaimed property

Unclaimed property is money or assets that a company or government agency owes you but has lost touch with you. In New York, this includes:

• Money from old bank or savings accounts
• Uncashed checks
• Refunds owed by retailers or utilities
• Insurance payouts
• Wages or bonuses from employers
• Tax refunds
• Security deposits from rental properties
• Stocks or dividends

If a company hasn't been able to reach you about this money for a set period (usually 3 to 5 years depending on the type of property), they must hand it over to the state of New York. You can then claim it.

How to search for your unclaimed money

New York keeps an official list of unclaimed property. To search it:

1. 1
   Step 1: Go to the New York Unclaimed Property search site.
2. 2
   Step 2: Enter your first and last name.
3. 3
   Step 3: Click search.

Tips for better search results

• Try different name variations. Search for your first name, middle name, nicknames, or maiden name.
• Search for names of deceased relatives if you're the heir or executor.
• Search under old addresses where you used to live.
• If you don't find anything, try searching again with a different spelling of your name.

How to file a claim

If you find unclaimed property in your name:

1. 1
   Step 1: Write down the company or agency name and the amount shown.
2. 2
   Step 2: Follow the instructions on the search result to file your claim. The New York Comptroller's office will tell you what you need to do next.
3. 3
   Step 3: You may need to submit proof of your identity and ownership of the property.

There is no fee to file a claim. Only the New York Comptroller's office decides whether you qualify to receive the money.

What proof you usually need

The state may ask you to provide:

• A copy of your government-issued ID
• A birth certificate or Social Security card
• Bank statements or other documents showing your account with the original company
• A check stub or letter from an employer (if it's unpaid wages)
• A lease or utility bill (if it's a security deposit or refund)

The exact documents depend on the type of property and the company involved. The Comptroller's office will let you know what they need.

Claiming unclaimed money for a deceased relative

If the unclaimed property belonged to someone who has died:

• You can claim it if you are the executor of their estate or their heir.
• You will need to provide a death certificate and proof that you have the legal right to claim the property (such as a copy of the will or court papers showing you are the executor).
• Contact the New York Comptroller's office for specific instructions.

Watch out for scams

Be careful of anyone claiming they can help you find or claim unclaimed money for a fee. Real scams may:

• Promise to find unclaimed money and take a cut of what you receive
• Ask for upfront payment
• Guarantee you will find money
• Rush you to act quickly

The official New York Unclaimed Property search is free. You can file your claim yourself at no cost.

What happens next

After you file your claim, the Comptroller's office will review it. This can take several weeks or months. They will contact you if they need more information from you. If your claim is approved, they will send you a check or transfer the money to an account you provide.

Related help

If you have other questions about unclaimed property or need help understanding your benefits, visit our help page.