There are billions of dollars in unclaimed funds around the world. Unfortunately, the process of claiming it remains a nightmare for most people. The good news is many new and innovative ways to search for and claim unclaimed money. Besides, the internet makes it easier to find and claim unclaimed money. Here are some of the best ways to search for unclaimed funds:
 

1. Online Databases

Many people are unaware that there is a significant amount of unclaimed money in the United States. According to the NAUPA, there is an estimated $41.7 billion in unclaimed funds across the country. The good news is that online databases make it relatively easy to search for unclaimed money. For example, MissingMoney.com allows users to search for unclaimed property by the state.

The database includes property types, such as bank accounts, stocks and bonds, and insurance benefits. In addition, the website provides instructions on how to claim any money owed to you. Therefore, a simple online search could provide the answer if you're curious whether you have any unclaimed money out there.
 

2. Check With Your State's Unclaimed Property Office

Each state has an unclaimed property office responsible for holding onto money and property that has been abandoned or forgotten. Check with your state's unclaimed property office to see if you have any unclaimed funds. You will provide basic information, such as your name and address, but the process is generally straightforward.

Once you have located unclaimed funds, follow the office's instructions for claiming the money. Sometimes, you may need to provide additional documentation or prove your identity. Still, once you have everything in order, you should be able to claim your money without any problems.
 

3. Look for Forgotten Money in Your Old Bank Accounts

Have you ever checked your old bank accounts for unclaimed funds? You might be surprised that you have money waiting for you. Unclaimed funds are money left in an account after the owner has died or forgotten about it. The money becomes the state's property after a certain amount of time.

However, the rightful owner can still claim the money. If you think you might have unclaimed funds, you can search for them online. All you need is your name and the state where you feel the money sits. You can also search for unclaimed property, such as stocks, bonds, and life insurance policies. If you find something that belongs to you, prove your identity and claim the money.
 

4. Search for Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits

Many people are unaware that they may be entitled to unclaimed life insurance benefits. When a policyholder dies, the life insurance company must pay out the death benefit to the named beneficiaries. However, if no present beneficiaries, the funds may go unclaimed.

There are some reasons why this might happen, but it is not always because the beneficiaries are unaware of the policy. Sometimes, the life insurance company may not have updated their contact information or misplaced the policy documents. Regardless of the reason, if you believe you are entitled to unclaimed life insurance benefits, it is vital to search for them.

The primary step is to directly contact the life insurance company and request a copy of the policy. If you cannot locate the policy, you can search public records or databases of unclaimed property. You may also contact an attorney or financial advisor specializing in finding unclaimed life insurance benefits. With some persistence, you should be able to locate any unclaimed benefits belonging to you.
 

5. Look for Unclaimed Inheritance

When someone dies without a will, the state of residence divides their assets. The money goes into an unclaimed fund if there is no next of kin or is unreachable. You can search for these funds through the National Unclaimed Property database. Enter your state and the last name of the deceased. You may be surprised at how much money is out there waiting for a claim.

The above information paves the way for your success in accessing your unclaimed funds. Due to this magnitude, scammers have found the perfect opportunity to prey on people. They have created websites, social media accounts, and even door-to-door salespeople to exploit those desperately searching for their unclaimed money. Please be vigilant and only use reputable sources when searching for unclaimed funds.