Unclaimed money in Ohio

Find Your Unclaimed Money in Ohio

Ohio holds onto money and property that belongs to people but has been lost or forgotten. This includes old paychecks, tax refunds, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and dormant bank accounts. You can search for it for free using Ohio's official unclaimed property program.

Search for Unclaimed Money

Start at the Ohio Unclaimed Property search site. You do not need to create an account to search.

When you search, try different name variations:

• Your full legal name
• Nicknames or middle names you go by
• Married names (if you changed your name)
• Maiden names

Also search using:

• Current address
• Old addresses where you used to live
• A former employer's name or address

If you find something, write down the company name, the amount, and any reference number shown.

File a Claim

Once you find unclaimed property that belongs to you, follow the instructions on the search results. The process depends on how much money it is and what type of property it is.

You will usually need to:

1. 1
   Step 1: Complete a claim form (the search site will provide this)
2. 2
   Step 2: Prove your identity
3. 3
   Step 3: Prove you are the rightful owner

What Proof You Usually Need

Be ready to send documents that show:

• You are who you say you are (a copy of your driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• You owned the account or are owed the money (old bank statements, mortgage documents, insurance papers, or employer records)

Send copies, not originals. Keep copies for yourself.

If the amount is small, Ohio may only ask for your ID. Larger claims often require more proof.

Claiming for a Deceased Relative

If a relative has passed away and left unclaimed property, you may be able to claim it. You will usually need:

• A copy of the death certificate
• Proof that you are an heir or the executor of their estate (this varies—ask Ohio for what they need)

Contact Ohio's unclaimed property office to ask about the steps for claiming on behalf of a deceased person.

What Happens Next

After you file your claim and send required documents:

• Ohio will review your paperwork
• They will contact you if they need more information
• If your claim is approved, you will receive your money by check or direct deposit

This can take weeks or months depending on how busy the office is and how complete your claim is.

Avoid Scams

Unfortunately, scammers prey on people looking for unclaimed money. Remember:

• Search for free. The official search site costs nothing. Do not pay anyone to search for you.
• Ohio will never call you first. Legitimate agencies do not cold-call people to tell them about unclaimed money.
• Be wary of websites that are not official. Make sure you are using the official Ohio search site.
• Never give your Social Security number or banking information to claim unclaimed money online. Use caution with any site asking for sensitive information.

If someone contacts you claiming to find unclaimed money for a fee, hang up or delete the message.

Related Help

Unclaimed property searches work the same way in every state. If you have lived in other states, you can search for unclaimed money there too. Learn more about unclaimed money nationally.

If you have questions about your search or claim, find help resources.