With inflation driving up costs and energy bills skyrocketing, millions of Americans may be missing out on unclaimed government funds without realizing it.
Whether it’s forgotten tax refunds, unpaid wages, or unclaimed savings bonds, these funds could offer much-needed financial relief during tough economic times.
According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), more than $20 billion in unclaimed assets is waiting to be claimed nationwide.
From old paychecks to government assistance refunds, one in seven Americans could have unclaimed property in their name.
Even if you've checked before, it's worth searching again, as new funds are added each year.
How to Find Out If You Have Unclaimed Money
If you're wondering whether you have money sitting unclaimed, there are several official government-backed resources to help you check:
1. NAUPA & MissingMoney.com
NAUPA runs MissingMoney.com, a free tool to search for unclaimed property, including:
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Uncashed paychecks
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Refunds from utility companies
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Bank and security deposits
Simply visit MissingMoney.com or Unclaimed.org, enter your name, and if you’re owed money, you can file a claim to receive it.
2. Bureau of the Fiscal Service & Treasury Direct
The Bureau of the Fiscal Service helps track down unclaimed government money at the federal level.
While no single database holds all federal assets, you can check Treasury Direct’s Treasury Hunt to search for:
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Uncashed U.S. savings bonds (bonds that have matured and stopped earning interest)
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Federal payments that were never received
3. IRS Refunds
Many people miss out on IRS tax refunds due to outdated addresses, lost paperwork, or errors in filing.
To check if you have an unclaimed refund, visit the IRS Refunds page and enter:
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Your Social Security or taxpayer ID number
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Your filing status
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The exact refund amount from your tax return
With rising costs and the need for government relief, unclaimed IRS refunds could be a helpful financial boost.
4. HUD Refunds
Homeowners who paid for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance may qualify for a refund from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The HUD Refunds program allows individuals to check for:
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Overpaid FHA insurance premiums
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Other unclaimed government housing funds
If you’ve ever had an FHA-insured mortgage, it’s worth checking to see if you’re eligible for unclaimed funds.
5. Workers Owed Wages
Through the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, the Workers Owed Wages database helps employees reclaim:
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Unpaid back wages
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Minimum wage violations
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Overtime pay owed by employers
With inflation and rising prices impacting households, reclaiming lost wages could make a significant financial difference.
Why You Should Check for Unclaimed Government Benefits and Relief
As energy bills rise and inflation continues, finding unclaimed government assistance can provide unexpected financial relief.
If you could use a little extra help, see what benefits you can claim here!
Even if you’ve checked before, new claims are added regularly, so it’s wise to search again.
By taking a few minutes to explore NAUPA, IRS Refunds, HUD Refunds, Treasury Direct, and the Workers Owed Wages database, you might uncover unclaimed money that could help offset rising costs and improve your financial situation.
Previous article: This IRS Deadline Could Mean Losing $1,400 — Here’s How to Get What’s Yours
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