Every year, billions of dollars in unclaimed property wait for rightful owners to come forward. This includes forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, and even stocks or safe deposit box contents. If you’ve ever moved, changed jobs, or had a relative pass away, there’s a chance you or someone you know could have money waiting to be claimed.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what unclaimed property is, how to search for it, and the steps to take if you find your name on a list.
What Is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property refers to accounts or assets that have been inactive or dormant for a specific period—often between one to five years—without contact from the rightful owner. After this dormancy period, companies are required by law to hand over the property to the state government.
Common types of unclaimed property include:
- Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
- Uncashed paychecks or refund checks
- Security deposits from landlords or utilities
- Insurance payouts
- Stock dividends and bonds
- Safe deposit box contents
- Inheritances or estate proceeds
This does not include real estate or vehicles—only financial assets fall under the unclaimed property category.
Why Does Property Go Unclaimed?
There are several reasons why assets become unclaimed:
- People forget about old accounts.
- Individuals move and forget to update their address.
- Heirs are unaware of their rights to certain funds.
- Checks are lost or never cashed.
- Businesses fail to track down the rightful owner.
Once the company or financial institution determines the asset is unclaimed, they turn it over to the state where the owner’s last known address was registered.
How to Check if You Have Unclaimed Property
Fortunately, checking for unclaimed property is free, simple, and safe. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you search effectively.
1. Use Your State’s Unclaimed Property Website
Each U.S. state operates its own unclaimed property division. You should start your search with the state(s) where you’ve lived, worked, or had financial activity.
Go to unclaimed.org, which is the official site operated by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). From there, click on your state, and you’ll be redirected to your state’s official unclaimed property search tool.
For example:
- California: claimit.ca.gov
- New York: osc.state.ny.us
- Texas: claimittexas.gov
Enter your name (and any previous names) along with your city or ZIP code to refine the results.
2. Search All States You’ve Lived In
If you’ve moved across states, be sure to repeat the process in each state. It’s common for people to forget about accounts they left behind after a move.
Also consider searching under:
- Maiden names or previous legal names
- Business names (if you owned a business)
- Relatives’ names (especially deceased family members)
3. Use MissingMoney.com
MissingMoney.com is a multi-state searchable database endorsed by many state governments. It allows you to conduct a broader search across several states at once.
While not every state participates in MissingMoney, it’s a good starting point if you’re unsure where to begin.
What to Do If You Find Your Name
If your search returns a match, congratulations! You may be on your way to reclaiming lost funds. Here’s what to do next:
- Submit a Claim: Follow the instructions provided on the official site. You’ll need to verify your identity.
- Provide Documentation: You may be asked to upload proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, Social Security card) and documents showing your connection to the property.
- Wait for Processing: Claims can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the state and complexity of the claim.
- Receive Your Money: Once approved, you’ll receive a check or direct deposit from the state.
Is It Safe?
Yes. The process of claiming unclaimed property through state-run websites is completely secure and free. You should never pay to search for or claim your property. Beware of third-party sites or companies that offer to find your money for a fee—they’re often unnecessary.
Tips for Success
- Double-check spelling: Try different variations of your name or common misspellings.
- Use your middle initial: It can help distinguish you from others with the same name.
- Check back annually: New unclaimed property is added every year.
Unclaimed Property Scams to Avoid
Scammers sometimes contact people claiming they’re entitled to large sums of unclaimed money—then ask for a “processing fee” or personal info. Do not share sensitive data or send money to anyone offering to find property for you.
Only use official state websites or MissingMoney.com.
Final Thoughts
Searching for unclaimed property is an easy and often rewarding task. It costs nothing and could put forgotten money back into your hands. Whether it’s $20 from a forgotten utility refund or thousands in insurance proceeds, it’s worth checking regularly.
Take a few minutes today to search your name, and don’t forget to tell your family and friends—they might have money waiting too.