Could You Have Unclaimed Money Waiting?

Money can sit unclaimed for years without people realizing it.

It may come from an old bank account, an uncashed check, a refund, an insurance payment, a utility deposit, unpaid wages, stocks, dividends, or other financial assets that never made it back to the rightful owner.

This is called unclaimed property.

Unclaimed property is money or another financial asset that a business, government agency, or organization was unable to return to its owner. After a certain period of time, it is turned over to a state unclaimed‑property program and held until the owner, heir, or authorized claimant files a claim.

The important thing to remember is this:

Forgotten does not mean gone. 

Why It Matters

Searching for unclaimed property is something anyone can do.

You can search for:

• Yourself

• Your spouse or partner

• Parents and grandparents

• Former names

• Business names

• Loved ones who have died

This can be especially helpful after:

• A move

• A name change

• A job change

• A business closure

• A death in the family

Sometimes money is sitting with a state simply because the company could not locate the person it belonged to.

Where to Search

Start with MissingMoney.com

This site allows you to search participating state unclaimed‑property programs in one place.

Check each state individually 

You should also search the official unclaimed‑property website for every state where you or your loved one:

• Lived

• Worked

• Owned property

• Did business

Each state maintains its own database.

What Names Should You Search?

Don’t stop after one search. Try variations. 

Search:

• Current legal names

• Maiden names

• Former married names

• Middle initials

• Full middle names

• Common misspellings

• Parents and grandparents

• Spouses or partners

• Loved ones who have died

• Business names

One search may not uncover everything.

Keep It Free and Official

Searching should always be free.

Filing a claim through an official state unclaimed‑property program should also be free.

Be cautious if someone:

• Asks for upfront payment

• Pressures you to act immediately

• Requests private information before you verify who they are

Start with MissingMoney.com or the official state unclaimed‑property website.

What Happens If You Find a Match?

If you find a possible match, review the details carefully:

• Name

• City

• State

• Reporting company

• Property type

If it appears to belong to you or someone you have authority to claim for, follow the instructions to begin the claim.

You may be asked for:

• Identification

• Proof of address

• Proof of name change

• Tax information

• A death certificate

• Documents showing your authority to act for the owner or estate

Requirements vary by state and property type.