Yes, unclaimed money is real! You may have money from an old bank account, a check you never cashed, or a refund that never got to you.
State programs really do help return these funds to their owners. You can find your state’s official unclaimed property office here. Searching and filing a claim through the state are free!
Below, I am walking you through how to check and what to do if your name comes up. I’ve also explained what you may need to get paid.
Keep in mind that finding money is never a sure thing, but you can start very easily with a simple name search.
About Unclaimed Money
Unclaimed money is money owed to someone who has not collected it. For example, a business may lose touch with the owner. Then, after a set time with no contact or account use, it may have to send the money to a state.
You’ll often see it called “unclaimed property.” That can sound like it means a house or land, but these programs handle things like:
- Money left in checking or savings accounts
- Uncashed paychecks
- Utility deposits and customer refunds
- Insurance payments
- Stocks and other financial assets
The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, or NAUPA, explains how this works. An old address beside your name can help link you to the money, even if you moved years ago.
How to Find and Claim Unclaimed Money
- Open an Official Search Page
Go to the state directory, choose your state, and open its search page. You can also use MissingMoney.com to search states that take part in that free service.
- Search Your Name
Enter your current name, then try names you used before. Search each state where you have lived. Use a city or past address to narrow the results if needed.
- Check Each Match
Look for an address or business you know. Make sure the record fits your history before you claim it. If you are unsure, ask that state’s unclaimed property office to help.
- Start the Claim
Select the record you believe is yours and follow the site’s claim steps. Fill in your current contact details and choose the option that explains your right to the money.
- Gather the Required Proof
Read the list of documents the state asks for. Gather only what your claim needs. If you no longer have a record it asks for, contact the office to find out what else you can send.
- Submit Your Claim
Use the state’s official upload page or mailing instructions to send your form and proof. Check that everything is complete and easy to read. Save your claim number and a copy of what you sent.
- Check Your Claim Status
Use your claim number on the state’s status page. Respond if the office asks for more information, and allow the time it lists for review. Wait for approval before counting on the money.
Checking for Money in a Deceased Relative’s Name
You can also search for a parent, grandparent, or other relative who has died. But finding their name does not mean just any family member can collect the money.
The state may need a death certificate, proof that the money belonged to that person, and papers showing who has the right to claim it.
If a court chose someone to handle the estate, that person must file the claim. This applies even if the other estate matters are finished.
Just remember to ask the office holding the money which process applies. Rules and forms differ by state, and these claims can take more time.
What Happens After Your Claim Is Approved?
The state should tell you how it will pay you.
Check that the office has your current mailing address. If a payment does not arrive within its stated time, use your claim number to ask for help.
Keep any tax forms that come with a payment, too. You may owe tax on interest or some payments tied to stocks and other assets. Check the payment details and ask a tax professional if you are not sure.
A Few Other Places to Check
Some money is also held outside state programs. You can check these if they fit your past work or accounts:
- Workers Owed Wages: Search for wages the U.S. Department of Labor has already recovered from an employer. Start with the employer’s name.
- Unclaimed retirement benefits: This federal search covers some retirement funds from private-company plans that have ended.
- USA.gov’s unclaimed-money guide: Find official links for eligible FHA mortgage insurance refunds, failed-bank funds, savings bonds, and other types of money.
How to Avoid Unclaimed Money Scams
As you probably guessed, there are scams around the idea of unclaimed money. So you have to be careful!
The Federal Trade Commission warns about calls and texts that promise money and push people to act fast.
Keep these precautions in mind:
- Open the state’s website yourself. Don’t click links sent to you in texts or emails.
- Check the claim with the state before you share private details with someone who contacts you.
- Be suspicious if you are asked to pay a fee. The state’s search and claim process is free.
- Use the official state directory to verify a website. Some approved search portals use .com or .org addresses.
- Read any paid service agreement before signing it. You can file directly with the state yourself.
Even though you should be suspicious of fees, it is true that some people run businesses helping find unclaimed money. But that is different from unclaimed money scams.
It may be worth your while to pay a finder if your situation is complicated or you feel there may be a lot of unclaimed money for you.
Still, start with the free official search, take your time, and verify any match before sending personal documents.
Good luck!
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.