Unclaimed Property (Money Owed to You)

What is unclaimed property?

Unclaimed property is money or other assets that belong to you but that companies, banks, or government agencies have lost track of. It might be a forgotten bank account, a refund check that was never cashed, a security deposit, or insurance proceeds. The money is held by your state, usually by the state treasurer's office.

These funds can sit unclaimed for years. The good news: you can search for and claim your money for free. There's usually no time limit to claim it.

Who qualifies?

You may have unclaimed property if:

• You had a bank account, savings account, or money market account that became inactive
• A company owed you a refund or deposit
• You had a utility deposit that was never returned
• You were owed insurance proceeds or a claim settlement
• You had stock dividends or other investment income that was never collected
• A paycheck or government benefit payment was issued but never cashed
• You inherited property from someone who passed away

There's no income limit. Anyone can have unclaimed property.

How much money is owed?

There's no set amount. Unclaimed property can be anything from a few dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The amount depends on what was lost or forgotten—a small refund, a bank balance, or a larger settlement.

How to search and claim your money

Step 1: Search the National Database

Start by searching the official unclaimed property database at unclaimed.org. This site is run by NAUPA (the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators), which represents state treasurers.

You can search by:

• Your name
• Your state
• The company or agency that might owe you money

The search is free and takes just a few minutes.

Step 2: Review what you find

If you find a match, the database will show:

• The type of property (bank account, refund, etc.)
• The amount (if available)
• The company or agency holding it
• Which state holds the funds

Step 3: File a claim

If you find your unclaimed property, you'll need to file a claim with the state treasurer's office that holds the money. The process varies by state, but usually involves:

• Filling out a claim form (available on the state treasurer's website)
• Providing proof of your identity (a copy of your driver's license or state ID)
• Providing proof that you own the property (bank statements, old letters, etc.—depends on the type of claim)
• Mailing or submitting the form online

Claiming is always free. Be cautious of websites or services that charge a fee to help you claim your money—you don't need to pay anyone.

Step 4: Wait for a decision

The state treasurer's office will review your claim. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the state and the complexity of your claim. They may ask for additional documentation.

Once approved, you'll receive your money by check or direct deposit.

What documents you may need

The documents required depend on the type of unclaimed property:

• For bank accountsOld bank statements, canceled checks, deposit slips, or account numbers
• For refunds or overpaymentsOriginal receipts, invoices, or correspondence from the company
• For utility depositsOriginal lease, utility bills, or correspondence about the deposit
• For insurance proceedsPolicy documents or correspondence from the insurance company
• For inheritancesDeath certificate, will, or court documents showing you're entitled to the property
• For all claimsA government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)

You usually submit copies, not originals. If you don't have the exact documents, the state may accept other proof, like letters or affidavits.

What happens after you apply

Once you submit your claim:

1. 1
   Step 1: The state treasurer's office logs your claim and assigns it a reference number. Save this for your records.
2. 2
   Step 2: They verify your identity and ownership of the property.
3. 3
   Step 3: If they need more information, they'll contact you by mail or email.
4. 4
   Step 4: Once approved, they'll send your money.

If your claim is denied, the office will explain why and tell you how to appeal or submit more information.

Do you need to renew?

No. Once you claim your unclaimed property and receive it, there's nothing more to do. You don't need to renew or reapply.

If you don't claim your property, it remains in the state's custody indefinitely in most cases. You can claim it anytime.

Related help

If you're looking for other money you might be owed, check out:

• Tax refundsIf you didn't file a tax return, you may have a federal refund waiting. Contact the IRS or check your state tax office.
• Pension or retirement benefitsIf you left a job, you may have vested benefits. Contact your former employer's HR department or pension plan administrator.
• Life insuranceIf someone named you as a beneficiary and passed away, contact the insurance company to claim the benefit.
• Court settlementsIf you were part of a lawsuit settlement, check the settlement administrator's website for claim information.

Tips to avoid losing money in the future

• Keep your address current with banks, employers, and insurance companies.
• Open and review mail from financial institutions and government agencies.
• Set a reminder to check on dormant accounts every few years.
• Keep records of accounts and investments you open.
• Tell your family where important financial documents are kept.

The bottom line

Unclaimed property is your money—and finding it is free. Start by searching unclaimed.org, then follow your state's claim process. There's no rush, but there's also no reason to wait. Thousands of dollars in unclaimed property go unclaimed each year simply because people don't know to look for it.