Imagine discovering that you’re entitled to money you didn’t even know existed. Every year, individuals across the United States recover forgotten funds—money that slipped through the cracks of everyday life and ended up in state treasuries. Known as unclaimed property, these assets can come from a variety of sources and might even have your name on them.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explain how unclaimed property works, why it happens, and how to check official lists to see if any of it belongs to you.
What Is Unclaimed Property and How Does It End Up with the State?
Unclaimed property consists of financial assets that haven’t had any activity or contact from the owner for a period of time, often between one and five years. When companies can’t locate the rightful owner, they are required by law to turn the property over to the state as a form of consumer protection.
These assets can include:
- Unused bank accounts
- Uncashed payroll or refund checks
- Dormant investment accounts
- Unpaid insurance claims
- Refundable deposits (from utilities or rental agreements)
- Stock certificates
- Safe deposit box contents
States act as custodians, holding this property until the rightful owners or their heirs come forward to claim it.
Why Do People Lose Track of Their Money?
It’s easier than you think to lose track of financial accounts or payments. Here are common scenarios that lead to unclaimed property:
- A person moves and forgets to update their mailing address.
- A paycheck is lost or destroyed before it’s cashed.
- A relative passes away without disclosing their assets.
- Someone changes banks and forgets about old accounts or security deposits.
- Life insurance proceeds are never claimed by the beneficiaries.
The good news is that these assets don’t disappear. They’re safeguarded by the state until the owners reclaim them—often many years later.
Where to Start Your Search for Unclaimed Property
Looking for unclaimed property is easy and doesn’t require you to pay a third-party service. You can search official databases online and file a claim yourself if you find something in your name.
Here’s how to begin:
1. Go to Your State’s Unclaimed Property Portal
The first and most reliable source is your own state’s unclaimed property division. Each state has a searchable database where you can look up potential matches.
To find your state’s official site, start at Unclaimed.org, the trusted resource of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). This site provides direct links to every U.S. state and territory’s unclaimed property office.
Just choose your state and search using:
- Your full name (try variations if applicable)
- Any previous names, such as maiden names
- Your current and former addresses
Examples of official state portals:
- Florida: fltreasurehunt.gov
- Pennsylvania: patreasury.gov
- Illinois: icash.illinoistreasurer.gov
2. Search Multiple States
If you’ve moved across states for school, work, or personal reasons, don’t limit your search to just one place. You could have left assets behind without realizing it.
Also consider:
- Searching names of deceased family members whose estates you may be connected to
- Checking under business names if you once operated a company
- Using both middle initials and full middle names for better match accuracy
3. Try MissingMoney.com for a Wider Search
For a more convenient, multi-state search, visit MissingMoney.com, which partners with many state governments. This website allows you to check for unclaimed property in participating states all at once.
While not all states list their data on MissingMoney, it’s a useful resource to cross-check if you don’t know where to begin.
What If You Find Your Name? Here’s What to Do Next
If your name appears in a search, the next step is to verify that the listing is truly yours. Here’s a quick overview of the claim process:
- Submit a Claim Online: Click the link next to the matching entry and fill out the required online forms.
- Upload Supporting Documents: You’ll be asked to verify your identity with documentation like a government-issued ID, proof of address, or Social Security number.
- Wait for Review: Depending on the state, the review process may take several weeks or more.
- Receive Your Funds: Once approved, your payment will be issued by mail or electronic deposit.
In cases involving inherited property, you may also need to submit legal paperwork proving your relationship to the deceased.
Important: Avoid Paid Services and Scams
You should never have to pay to search for or claim your unclaimed property. All legitimate searches and claims can be done directly through state government websites for free.
Red flags to watch out for include:
- Emails or calls from people asking for a fee to process your claim
- Websites that aren’t .gov or linked from Unclaimed.org
- Requests for sensitive personal information outside official portals
When in doubt, contact your state’s unclaimed property office directly.
Best Practices for a Successful Search
To increase your chances of finding unclaimed assets:
- Be thorough: Run multiple searches using different versions of your name.
- Search regularly: States receive new reports from companies every year.
- Involve your family: Encourage relatives, especially older ones, to check for themselves.
- Keep records: Once you submit a claim, keep copies of all paperwork and emails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a government program?
Yes, every U.S. state and territory manages its own unclaimed property program by law.
Does unclaimed property expire?
No. The state holds it indefinitely until the rightful owner comes forward.
Can I search for deceased relatives?
Yes, and if you’re an heir, you may be eligible to claim on their behalf, with proper documentation.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t checked for unclaimed property, you might be missing out on money that belongs to you or your family. With only a few minutes and some basic information, you can search official records and potentially recover forgotten funds.