Have you ever wondered if you have unclaimed funds waiting for you? It’s a common occurrence, and you might be surprised that you’re owed money you didn’t even know about. Millions of dollars belonging to average Americans are held in the hands of their state government. Unclaimed funds are essentially forgotten or abandoned assets that belong to individuals. These assets can take the form of dormant bank accounts, insurance payouts, uncashed checks, forgotten utility deposits, and more.
The subject of lost money or unclaimed property has been brought up on various podcasts and web series. Very recently the listeners of the H3 Podcast crashed the CA Secretary of State’s unclaimed property website during a live episode when it was discussed. Good Morning America has even started a news segment called “Ring that Bell” where they are helping people recover their lost money. You may have even been recently contacted by a 3rd party (often referred to as unclaimed funds investigators) regarding your lost money. While these people may make it seem so much simpler to have them do this process for you (for a fee of 10% of your funds) you can complete these documents yourself.
In this article, we will show you how you can claim these funds on your own! Each state has its own database that you can use to see if you are owed money. Be sure to use all versions of your name that you have used in the past including your maiden name! Once you have found the unclaimed funds you can follow the state’s guidelines. You will often have to fill out paperwork and provide proof of identity. Some states require that you have the documents notarized. If you need a notary you can request one to meet you at your home. They can even print the documents for you! Here at Notary on the Way we can find you a local notary to help you get these documents notarized just select 1 document in the drop-down menu.
Below is a step-by-step process on how to claim your funds. We have even compiled a list of each state’s unclaimed funds search site.
If you believe there is unclaimed money that belongs to you, you can follow these step-by-step instructions to try and collect it:
- Search online databases: Start by searching your state’s online databases (which we have linked below). Enter your name and other requested details to see if any unclaimed assets are registered under your name.
- Expand the search: If you have lived or worked in multiple countries, check for unclaimed money in those regions as well. Research the appropriate government or financial institution websites to locate their unclaimed money databases.
- Verify your identity: If you find unclaimed money listed under your name, follow the instructions provided by the website or paperwork to verify your identity. Typically, you will need to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number or other identification details, to ensure that the funds are being returned to the correct person.
- Submit a claim: Once your identity is verified, you will need to submit a claim for the unclaimed money. The process may vary depending on the jurisdiction. In some cases, you can complete the entire process online, while others may require you to mail in a claim form and supporting documentation.
- Await confirmation: After submitting your claim, you will typically receive a confirmation or reference number. Keep this information for future reference and communication with the agency or institution.
- Follow up and provide additional information if necessary: Depending on the nature of the unclaimed money, the agency or institution may request additional information or documentation to complete the verification process. Stay in touch with them and promptly respond to any requests to ensure a smooth resolution.
- Receive your funds: Once your claim is approved and the verification process is complete, you should receive your unclaimed money. The method of payment may vary. In some cases, you may receive a check in the mail, while others may offer direct deposit or other electronic transfer options.
*It’s important to note that the process and requirements may vary depending on your location and the specific agency or institution holding the unclaimed money. Therefore, it’s always advisable to carefully review the instructions provided by the relevant authorities and follow their specific guidelines.
Federal Site
https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/unclaimed-assets.html
Alabama
https://alabama.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/
Alaska
https://www.sco.ca.gov/search_upd.html
Arizona
https://azdor.gov/unclaimed-property
Arkansas
https://portal.arkansas.gov/service/search-for-unclaimed-property/
California
https://www.sco.ca.gov/search_upd.html
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
https://unclaimedproperty.delaware.gov/
Florida
Georgia
https://dor.georgia.gov/unclaimed-property-program
Hawaii
https://budget.hawaii.gov/finance/unclaimedproperty/
Idaho
Illinois
https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/
Indiana
https://www.indianaunclaimed.gov/
Iowa
https://greatiowatreasurehunt.gov/
Kansas
https://unclaimedproperty.ks.gov/
Kentucky
https://treasury.ky.gov/unclaimedproperty/Pages/overview.aspx
Louisiana
https://louisiana.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/
Maine
https://www.maineunclaimedproperty.gov/
Maryland
https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/unclaimed-property/
Massachusetts
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-unclaimed-property
Michigan
https://unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov/
Minnesota
https://mn.gov/commerce/money/unclaimed-property/
Mississippi
https://treasury.ms.gov/for-citizens/unclaimed-property/
Missouri
https://treasurer.mo.gov/unclaimedproperty/
Montana
Nebraska
https://nebraskalostcash.nebraska.gov/
Nevada
https://claims.nevadaunclaimedproperty.gov/
New Hampshire
New Jersey
https://www.nj.gov/treasury/unclaimed-property/
New Mexico
https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/individuals/what-is-unclaimed-property/search-unclaimed-property/
New York
https://www.osc.state.ny.us/unclaimed-funds
North Carolina
https://www.nccourts.gov/documents/publications/unclaimed-property-by-last-name-all-counties
North Dakota
https://unclaimedproperty.nd.gov/
Ohio
https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/unclaimed-funds/unclaimed-funds
Oklahoma
https://www.ok.gov/treasurer/Unclaimed_Property/
Oregon
Pennsylvania
https://www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/
Rhode Island
https://treasury.ri.gov/programs/unclaimed-property
South Carolina
https://treasurer.sc.gov/what-we-do/for-citizens/unclaimed-property-program/
South Dakota
https://southdakota.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/
Tennessee
https://treasury.tn.gov/Unclaimed-Property/Claim-Unclaimed-Property/Find-Your-Missing-Money
Texas
Utah
Vermont
http://www.vermonttreasurer.gov/content/unclaimed-property
Virginia
https://trs.virginia.gov/Unclaimed-Property
Washington
West Virginia
https://www.wvunclaimedproperty.gov/
Wisconsin
https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/UnclaimedProperty/Home.aspx
Wyoming