We've all misplaced something important before - our keys, wallet, phone. But what about money?
It may surprise you to learn that you could have unclaimed funds just waiting for you to collect them.
State and local governments collect billions of dollars in unclaimed property each year, from:
- forgotten bank accounts
- uncashed checks
- utility deposits
Read on to find out if you have free money coming your way.
Unclaimed Property in the US
Unclaimed property programs exist in every U.S. state, designed to reunite people with their lost or forgotten assets.
Common sources of unclaimed money include:
- dormant bank accounts
- unclaimed insurance benefits
- forgotten utility deposits
- uncashed dividend
- payroll checks
- unused gift cards or store credits
According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), nearly $3 billion in unclaimed property is returned to owners each year. But billions more remain unclaimed - in fact, the average return rate is only 10-15 percent! So odds are good that you or a family member have money waiting.
Searching for Your Unclaimed Assets
Searching for unclaimed property is quick, easy, and completely free.
Every state has an online database you can search for your name or the names of relatives. Some top sites include MissingMoney.com, run by NAUPA with links to all state sites, Unclaimed.org, listing property from most states, and state sites like the New York Comptroller's Office and California Controller's Office.
If you find unclaimed property in your name, follow the instructions to file a claim and provide any required documentation to verify your identity.
The process to claim funds differs by state but is generally straightforward. Persistence pays - check back regularly, as states receive new unclaimed property all the time.
Don't leave money on the table that is rightfully yours. Do a quick search today to uncover any forgotten funds or assets waiting for you to claim them.
You could have hundreds of dollars just waiting to be reunited with you.