Pennsylvania residents may have forgotten money waiting to be claimed. It could come from an old bank account, an uncashed paycheck, an insurance payment or a utility deposit that was never returned.
The money is held by the Pennsylvania Treasury’s Unclaimed Property program, which helps connect residents with assets that belong to them.
What is unclaimed property?
Unclaimed property is money or other financial assets that a business, bank, employer or insurer has been unable to return to its owner for a certain period of time.
Common examples include:
-
Old checking or savings accounts
-
Uncashed payroll, rebate or refund checks
-
Life-insurance proceeds
-
Utility deposits
-
Dormant stocks, bonds or other investment accounts
-
Money left in a deceased relative’s name
It is not a government benefit or a new payment program. It is money that may already belong to you.
Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets
How to search for unclaimed money in PA
The fastest way to check is through the official Pennsylvania unclaimed property search.
Enter your current name, previous names and common spelling variations. You can also search for family members, including deceased relatives, if you may be an heir or estate representative.
If your name appears in the results, review the listing and follow the instructions to submit a claim. You may need to provide identification, proof of a previous address or documents showing that you are entitled to the property.
Is it free to claim?
Yes. Searching and filing a claim through the Pennsylvania Treasury is free.
Be cautious if a company, caller or email asks you to pay upfront to recover unclaimed property. While some companies offer paid recovery services, you can submit a claim directly through the state without paying them.
For safety, use the official Pennsylvania Treasury website to confirm that any letter, email or phone call about unclaimed funds is legitimate.
Get help with a claim
State representatives sometimes host free unclaimed-property events that help residents search records and complete claims. State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski recently held one such event in Plains Township, where staff assisted residents with searches and claim forms.
Even if you only find a small amount, it is worth checking. The Pennsylvania Treasury holds unclaimed property until the rightful owner or heir submits a valid claim.
-
Let us help you discover if you have unclaimed assets waiting for you.
Start your free search today and claim what's rightfully yours!
