How to find unclaimed money in your name (free, every state, 10 minutes)
States are holding over $70 billion in forgotten accounts, uncashed checks, deposits, and refunds. Here's exactly where to search for free, what documents you need to claim, how long it takes, and how to avoid "finder" scams.
- State governments hold more than $70 billion in unclaimed property. About 1 in 7 people has something waiting; the average claim is a few hundred dollars, and some run into the thousands.
- It's money that was yours and got lost in the system: old bank accounts, final paychecks, security deposits, utility refunds, insurance payouts, stock dividends, uncashed checks.
- Searching is free, claiming is free, and there is no deadline: the state holds it until you or your heirs claim it.
- Search every state you've lived in, plus your maiden or former names. Use the official state site (links below) or MissingMoney.com, the multi-state search run for the states.
- Anyone who asks for money up front to "find" your unclaimed property, or asks for your Social Security number by email, is a scam.
What "unclaimed property" actually is
When a company owes you money and can't reach you for a set period (usually 1 to 5 years, depending on the state and the type of property), state law requires it to hand the money to the state's unclaimed property office. The state then holds it, in your name, until you claim it. Common sources:
- Checking and savings accounts you forgot, or that were closed when you moved.
- Final paychecks, commissions, and expense reimbursements from old jobs.
- Security deposits from apartments and utilities.
- Refunds and overpayments (insurance, telecom, medical).
- Life insurance policies where the insurer couldn't find the beneficiary.
- Stocks, dividends, brokerage accounts, and matured savings bonds.
- Uncashed checks: rebates, class action settlements, tax refunds sent to an old address.
- Contents of safe deposit boxes.
It's not free money and it's not a lottery. It's yours, and the state is the custodian.
Where to search (official sites only)
Every state and the District of Columbia runs its own free search. Use the state finder on this page or the full table at the bottom of the unclaimed money category, which links to each state's official treasurer or comptroller site.
Two rules that find the most money:
- Search every state you've ever lived, worked, or had an account in. The money goes to the state of your last known address with that company, which is often not where you live now.
- Search every version of your name: maiden name, middle name or initial, common misspellings, and the names of your spouse, parents, and children.
MissingMoney.com searches most states at once. It's run for the states by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) and is free. A few states aren't on it (check the state site directly).
How to file the claim
- Find the record. Results show the name, city, the company that reported it, and usually a dollar range ("over $100", "$100–$500") or the exact amount.
- Start the claim online. Most states let you claim directly from the search results. You'll create a claim and get a claim ID.
- Prove it's you. Typical requirements: a photo ID, proof of your Social Security number (for larger amounts), and proof you lived at the address on record (an old bill, tax return, or lease). For a business, incorporation documents. For a deceased relative, see claiming unclaimed money of a deceased relative.
- Upload or mail the documents. Many states now accept uploads; some still want notarized forms by mail for larger amounts.
- Wait. Simple claims are paid in 2 to 8 weeks; claims with estates or missing documents can take 3 to 6 months. You'll receive a check or direct deposit.
What it's worth
Most claims are between $50 and $500, but life insurance, stock, and old brokerage accounts can be thousands. Securities are usually sold when they're turned over (or held as shares in some states), and you receive the cash value plus any dividends. No state charges a fee to claim. Some states pay interest on interest-bearing property; most don't.
Avoid the "finder" scams
- Nobody legitimate asks for money up front. Licensed "finders" (also called locators or heir hunters) exist, but state laws cap what they can charge (often 10% or less) and they're paid from the claim, never before.
- Never send your SSN or bank details by email in reply to a letter or message saying you have unclaimed funds. Search the state site yourself; if the money exists, you'll see it there.
- Official notices come from the state treasurer or comptroller, arrive by postal mail, and never ask for payment.
Other money that isn't in the state database
State unclaimed property doesn't include everything. Check these separately:
- IRS refunds and stimulus payments you never received: see unclaimed IRS refunds.
- Savings bonds (now claimed through your state or Treasury forms), pensions (PBGC), 401(k)s from old jobs: see savings bonds, pensions and old 401(k)s.
- Bank failures (FDIC unclaimed funds) and credit union failures (NCUA).
- HUD/FHA mortgage insurance refunds if you paid off an FHA loan early.
- Class action settlements and FTC refunds: see how settlements work.
FAQ
Is there a deadline to claim?
No. States hold unclaimed property indefinitely. A few states sell securities or dispose of safe-deposit contents after a period, but the cash value stays claimable.
Do I have to pay taxes on it?
The principal isn't income (it was already yours). Interest or dividends paid out with it may be taxable; the state will send a 1099 if so.
Can I claim for a family member?
Yes, with authorization: a power of attorney for a living person, or estate documents (death certificate, letters testamentary, or a small-estate affidavit) for someone who died.
Why does the search show only a range, not the amount?
Some states hide exact amounts to deter fraud. You'll see the exact figure once your claim is approved.