How to Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name

Unclaimed money is usually your own money that a business or agency could not deliver to you, so they turned it over to a government office for safekeeping. You typically won’t be notified directly, so you have to search for it yourself.

HowToGetAssistance.org provides general information only; you must use official government websites and offices to search for and claim any unclaimed money.

Fast Answer: Where to Search First

To find unclaimed money, you generally need to check multiple official databases, because there is no single nationwide list that covers everything.

Here are the main places to search:

State unclaimed property websites
Each state (and Washington, DC) has an official unclaimed property program, usually run by the state treasurer, comptroller, or revenue department.
- Go to your current state’s unclaimed property website.
- Also check any state where you previously lived, worked, or held accounts.
- A good starting hub is the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) at the U.S. Treasury–linked site MissingMoney.com, which many states use or reference.
Federal refunds and payments
Some types of unclaimed money are handled by federal agencies, not states. Common examples:
- Unclaimed federal tax refunds – via the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or prior-year refund pages on IRS.gov.
- Unclaimed savings bonds – via the U.S. Treasury’s site TreasuryDirect.gov.
Other specialized databases
Depending on your situation, you may also want to search:
- Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for unclaimed pensions.
- FDIC or NCUA for failed banks/credit unions.
- Department of Veterans Affairs if you are a veteran and suspect unpaid benefits.

State rules, portals, and search tools vary, so you will typically need to use the specific website for each state where you might be owed money.

Key Terms You’ll See (Plainly Explained)

Unclaimed property – Dormant financial assets (not physical items) like old bank accounts, paychecks, or refunds that businesses turned over to the state.
Holder – The company or institution that originally held the money (bank, employer, insurer) before sending it to the state.
Escheat – The legal process where unclaimed funds are transferred to a state agency after a period of inactivity.
Claim – The formal request you submit to the state or agency to have the money released to you.

Understanding these terms helps you read state websites and claim forms more confidently.

Your Next Steps: How to Search and File a Claim

Step 1: Gather Basic Information

Before you search, have this information handy:

Full legal name (and previous names such as maiden names).
Current and past addresses (at least city and state).
Date of birth.
Last 4 digits of your Social Security number (some states request this to narrow results).

If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased relative or an estate, you’ll often need proof of relationship and estate documents (such as a death certificate or letters of administration).

Step 2: Search State Unclaimed Property Databases

Start with your current state.
Search for: “[Your State] unclaimed property” and look for an official .gov site (usually labeled “State Treasurer,” “Comptroller,” or “Department of Revenue”).
Use your name(s).
Enter your last name and first name as requested. Try:
- With and without middle initial.
- Any prior last names.
Review matches carefully.
Check: name spelling, last known address, holder name (bank, employer, utility company), and approximate amount (some states show a range, not exact numbers).

What to expect next: Many state sites let you add multiple properties to a basket and then start a claim online; others will ask you to print and mail a claim form.

Step 3: Submit a Claim with Required Documents

Once you identify a property that looks like yours, you will typically be asked to provide:

Government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
Proof of address that matches the record (old utility bill, bank statement, tax document) when possible.
Social Security number or Tax ID Number (often required, but entered through the secure portal or form).
Name-change proof if your current name differs (marriage certificate, court order).

Typical sequence:

Complete the online claim form (or print and fill it out if mailing is required).
Upload or attach copies of required documents.
Submit the claim through the portal or mail it to the address listed.
Wait for processing. Many states indicate that claims may take several weeks or longer to review, depending on complexity. There is no guaranteed timeline.
Watch for follow-up requests. You may receive a letter or email requesting additional documents before payment is approved.

Real-world friction to watch for: One frequent snag is missing or outdated proof of address, especially for older claims. In these cases, people often need to request archived statements from a former bank, contact past employers for old pay stubs, or use tax records that show residency at the listed address.

What You’ll Need Ready (So You Don’t Get Stuck)

Having the right documents prepared usually speeds up your claim. Commonly requested items include:

Current photo ID – Must be unexpired in many states.
Proof of former address – Old lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, or tax form with your name and the address tied to the claim.
Social Security card or other proof of SSN – Sometimes requested alongside ID.
Bank or employer records – If the holder is an employer or bank, old pay stubs or account statements can help if there is a dispute.
For deceased owner claims:
- Death certificate.
- Documents showing you are the executor/administrator or legal heir.

If you do not have old proof of address, request copies from prior banks, landlords, or employers, or see if past tax returns (from IRS or your state revenue department) show the address in question.

Costs, Deadlines, and Typical Outcomes

Most official unclaimed property programs:

Do not charge a fee to search or submit a claim directly through the state’s own website or a federal site like IRS.gov or TreasuryDirect.gov.
Do not have a standard deadline for you to claim; in many states, the state holds the money indefinitely, but rules for certain assets (like retirement accounts) may differ.

However, you may see:

Finders/locators who offer to help you claim money for a percentage fee or flat charge. In many states this is legal but regulated. You are typically not required to use them and can go directly to the official agency at no cost.
Document costs, such as fees to order a certified copy of a death certificate or name-change order, if needed.

Because laws and time limits can vary, check your state’s official unclaimed property site for any specific deadlines related to the type of asset in question.

Avoid Mistakes and Scam Warnings

Because unclaimed money involves identity verification and payments, it attracts scams. Keep these safeguards in mind:

Common snags (and quick fixes)

Unofficial websites charging a fee “just to search” → Use only .gov or clearly official state portals; searching should usually be free.
Emails or calls saying “You must pay a processing fee to release funds” → Hang up or delete; contact your state unclaimed property office directly using the number from its official website.
Requests for full Social Security number or bank login on non-government sites → Only provide sensitive data through secure, official portals or mailed forms you verified yourself.

Basic safety rules:

Never send money, gift cards, or wire transfers to “unlock” unclaimed funds.
Verify you are on a legitimate site by checking the URL ends in .gov and matches the official state or federal agency.
If you’re unsure, you can call your state treasurer or equivalent office using the phone number listed on the official state government website and ask how to find the correct unclaimed property portal.

A simple phone script if you’re stuck:
“Hi, I’m trying to check for unclaimed property in my name and want to make sure I’m using the correct official website. Can you tell me the exact web address and what documents I’ll need to submit a claim?”

If You Don’t Find Anything (Or Think Something’s Missing)

If no results show up but you suspect you’re owed money, take these steps:

Check all relevant states.
Search every state where you:
- Lived or received mail.
- Worked or had an employer.
- Owned property or had a utility account.
Search with different details.
Try:
- Old last names or spellings.
- Just your last name and city.
- Searching for close relatives if you’re handling an estate.
Consider other agencies.
Depending on the type of money:
- Old federal tax refund → Check tools on IRS.gov.
- Old savings bonds → Use search tools on TreasuryDirect.gov.
- Possible pension from a former employer → Check the PBGC’s “unclaimed pensions” page.
Contact the agency directly.
If you know a specific bank, employer, or insurer owes you, ask if they ever turned funds over to a state, and if so, which state and when.

If you still don’t find anything, there may simply be no unclaimed property in your name at this time. Many people check once a year (for example, during tax season) in case new property has been reported by holders.

Quick Summary (Unclaimed Money Search Checklist)

Do this next: Search your state’s unclaimed property website and any state you’ve lived or worked in.
Use official .gov portals or the NAUPA-approved hub at MissingMoney.com as a starting point.
Have ID, proof of address, and any prior names ready to submit a claim.
Understand that processing can take weeks or longer and there are no guaranteed timelines.
Never pay fees just to search; use free official tools and be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails offering “guaranteed” money.