How to Find and Claim Missing Funds from a State

Although you may have lost track of some of your money, the government hasn’t. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators estimates that Americans collect about $3 billion every year in unclaimed property payouts. Some types of unclaimed property include checking or savings accounts, stocks, and uncashed payroll checks.

If you have ever wondered whether your state owes you any money, it’s worth checking if you may be able to receive any unclaimed funds. The state can hold on to funds owed to a deceased family member or your savings. Read on to learn how to discover if you have any unclaimed property and how to get hold of it.

How do I find unclaimed property in my state?

You can learn whether you’re owed unclaimed property by a state using a search tool from the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). The US map on the website provides links to each state’s unclaimed property website and links to property search tools for Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and some Canadian provinces. Check each state, district, or territory you’ve lived in to see if you have something to claim.

How do I claim property that I find in a state?

There is no central federal agency that handles property claims. This means the process differs from state to state. Most states use an online shopping-like service for abandoned property, where you add a property to claim, then “check out” once you’ve provided the necessary information to verify your identity and proven you’re the rightful owner. You can claim your property regardless of which state you currently live in, so check other places where you’ve lived before.

When can I expect my property to be returned?

When you submit your claim, the state in question will process it as quickly as possible. For instance, the California controller’s office usually takes 30-60 days to resolve simple cash claims. It may take up to 180 days to handle more complicated claims involving multiple heirs or businesses. In New York, online claims are usually paid within two weeks, while mailed claims take three to four months to process.

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The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon since it is subject to change.