More than 1,500 Ohioans will soon be reunited with unclaimed funds after over $675,000 was discovered at the 2026 Ohio State Fair.
During the 12-day fair, officials from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds helped attendees search for missing money and file claims.
By the end of the fair, about 1,561 fairgoers initiated claims equaling $675,451.70. The average person found $432.70, with two visitors finding $47,000 and $40,000 in missing funds, respectively.
What are unclaimed funds?
According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, funds can become unclaimed when left inactive for a period of time and the rightful owner cannot be found.
The money is then turned over to the Division of Unclaimed Funds for safekeeping until it can be returned to the owner.
Examples of unclaimed funds include:
-
Bank accounts.
-
Rent deposits.
-
Uncashed checks.
-
Undelivered stock certificates.
-
Uncashed insurance policy proceeds.
Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets
How to check for unclaimed funds
Ohioans can check for unclaimed funds by visiting unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov. The process is simple:
-
Search for unclaimed funds and generate a claim form.
-
Review and gather the required documentation.
-
Submit the claim form and any documents by mail or upload them directly through the system.
Faster claims processing
Claims are also being approved at a faster rate, thanks to several improvements, including changes to required documentation and the addition of staff to process claims.
Annual tradition
Since the annual outreach event began at the fair five years ago, officials said Ohioans have discovered $2.4 million.
-
Let us help you discover if you have unclaimed assets waiting for you.
Start your free search today and claim what's rightfully yours!
