You're Up for a Surprise: How to Find Your Unclaimed Money

Have you ever wondered if you have unclaimed money or assets just waiting for you? You're not alone.

Across the country, billions of dollars in unclaimed funds are sitting there for the taking. 

Unclaimed money typically falls into a few main categories:

• The very common dormant bank account. These are savings accounts that you forgot about, and that the bank may have turned over to the state as "unclaimed property".
• Old paychecks and tax refunds that got lost in the shuffle, especially if you've moved around.
• Inherited money from distant relatives that you never knew about and never claimed.

While it may sound too good to be true, finding and claiming unclaimed money is easier than you think. Here are three tips to get started:

 

1. Search State Databases

Every state maintains a database of unclaimed funds that have been handed over to them.

Head to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) to search for unclaimed property in every state at once.

You can search by your name, past addresses, or the names of relatives. And the searches are always free.

 

2. Check with State Agencies

Don't stop your search with NAUPA. Many states also have their own dedicated unclaimed property sites.

For example, the California State Controller's Office allows you to search their more specialized database.

Contact information for every state's unclaimed property office is available on the FDIC website.

 

3. Follow Up on Financial Accounts

If you recall having an old bank account, insurance policy, or safe deposit box that you haven't touched in years, follow up directly with the financial institution.

They may have turned the funds over to the state already.

But it doesn't hurt to call and check if they're still holding your unclaimed assets.



With billions waiting to be claimed across the country, a small investment of time could uncover hidden treasures you never knew you had.

Stay persistent in your search, and those long-lost funds could soon be back in your pocket.