How To Check For Unclaimed Money That May Belong to You

You may have unpaid wages, old bank accounts, refunds, or other funds sitting with the government as “unclaimed property” and not know it. This guide explains where to look and how to search safely.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only; you must use official government and financial institution channels to search for and claim any unclaimed money.

Fast Answer: Where to Check First

To check for unclaimed money, you typically need to search state unclaimed property databases, plus a few key federal sites. Most searches are free, quick, and can be done online.

The main places to check are:

• Your state’s unclaimed property office (sometimes called the “State Treasurer” or “Comptroller”)
• Multi-state search portals that connect to many state databases
• Federal sites for specific money types (like tax refunds, savings bonds, VA benefits)
• Former employers or pension plan administrators for retirement or wage-related funds

You do not have to pay a third-party service just to search. Official databases are almost always free to search and usually free to claim, except in limited situations (for example, notarization or postage).

Key Terms (Plain Language)

• Unclaimed property: Money or assets a business or agency owes you but could not deliver (wrong address, closed account, etc.), then turned over to the state.
• Escheat: The process where unclaimed property is sent to the state after a period of inactivity.
• Holder: The company or institution that originally held your money (bank, insurer, employer, etc.).
• Claimant: The person or heir requesting the unclaimed funds.

Your Next Steps: Where and How To Search

Because unclaimed money is handled at both the state and federal levels, you often need to check more than one place. Processes and offices vary by state, so always confirm you are on your official state government website (usually ending in .gov).

1. Start With Your State Unclaimed Property Office

Do this next: Search your current state of residence, then any state where you have lived, worked, or done business.

1. Find your state office.

   • In most states, the unclaimed property program is run by the State Treasurer, Controller/Comptroller, or Department of Revenue.
   • You can find links to official state programs through the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) at the free search portalMissingMoney.com (used by many, but not all, states) or via your state’s main website (e.g., searching “[Your State] unclaimed property” and choosing a .gov result).

2. Run a name search.

   • Enter your first and last name; also try prior last names, common misspellings, or business names if you owned one.
   • Many portals let you filter by city, address, or ZIP code to narrow results.

3. Review matches carefully.

   • Look for entries with addresses where you once lived, former employers, or companies you recognize.
   • Note the claim ID number and type of property (refund, payroll, bank account, etc.).

4. Submit a claim through the state’s site.

   • Typically you will click “File a claim” or “Claim” and follow prompts.
   • What to expect next: You are usually asked to upload or mail documents proving your identity and connection to the address or account.

5. Watch for email/mail from the state.

   • Processing can take weeks to months depending on volume; you may be asked for additional proof before money is released.
   • States generally send payment by check or direct deposit once your claim is approved.

What You’ll Need Ready (Typical Documents)

Having the right documents prepared helps prevent delays. Requirements vary by state and by type of property, but you will commonly need:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
• Proof of prior address if the unclaimed money is tied to an old residence (old tax return, pay stub, lease, or any document with your name and that address)
• Social Security number (often requested, sometimes only last 4 digits)
• Legal documents for special cases, such as:
  • Marriage certificate (if your last name changed)
  • Death certificate + proof of relationship (if claiming as an heir)
  • Letters of administration, will, or court orders (if claiming for an estate)

A common reason claims get delayed is missing or unclear proof of the connection between you and the address or account on record, so match your documentation to what appears in the listing as closely as possible.

Federal-Related Places To Check

States hold the majority of unclaimed property, but certain kinds of unclaimed money are handled directly by federal agencies. These usually are not in state unclaimed property databases.

Consider checking:

You can access these through official federal portals such as irs.gov, treasurydirect.gov, va.gov, and pbgc.gov.

Real-World Friction To Watch For

People often get stuck when the unclaimed property listing shows an old address and they no longer have paperwork tying them to that residence. In many states you can still proceed by submitting any documents you do have, plus an explanation, or by contacting the unclaimed property office to ask what alternative proof they will accept (such as a letter from a landlord or employer).

If your name changed (through marriage, divorce, or another reason), expect to provide legal proof of the name change, or your claim will typically stay on hold.

Avoid Mistakes and Scam Warnings

Because unclaimed money involves personal data and potential payouts, it attracts scams. Use these safeguards:

1. Only search and claim on official government or recognized portals.

   • URLs should typically end in .gov or belong to known official partners like MissingMoney.
   • Avoid lookalike sites that charge just to search or appear in ads without clear government affiliation.

2. Be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

   • Red flag phrases include “guaranteed payout,” “act immediately,” or demands for upfront fees or gift cards.
   • A safe response script: “I don’t give out information over the phone. I’ll contact my state unclaimed property office directly.”

3. Know when a fee might be legitimate.

   • Some states allow “finders” or “locators” to help you for a percentage, but this is optional, and you can usually file on your own for free.
   • If you choose to use a locator, check whether they are registered or recognized by your state program, and read any contract carefully before signing.

4. Protect key identifiers.

   • It is common for official sites to ask for your SSN or partial SSN for verification, but they should use secure (https) forms and never demand payment just to process a claim.
   • Do not email your full SSN or ID images to anyone who contacted you first.

Fixing a Problem if Your Claim Stalls or Is Denied

If you submitted a claim and it is taking longer than the typical timeframe mentioned on your state site, or you receive a denial:

1. Check status through the official portal.

   • Many state systems allow you to log in and see whether your claim is “under review,” “pending documents,” or “denied.”

2. Confirm exactly what is missing.

   • Look for notices listing specific documents the office still needs (such as “proof of prior address” or “copy of death certificate”).

3. Contact the unclaimed property office directly.

   • Phone numbers and email addresses are usually listed on the state program’s contact page.
   • A simple script: “I’m calling about an unclaimed property claim. My claim ID is [ID]. What additional documents do you need from me, and how should I submit them?”

4. Gather stronger documentation.

   • If your claim was denied due to insufficient proof, ask what alternative proof is acceptable in your state (for example, old W‑2s, pay stubs, bank statements, or landlord letters).

5. Ask about appeal or reconsideration options.

   • Some states allow you to appeal or reopen a claim with additional evidence; this process is usually described on the program’s website or in the denial letter.

If You Still Don’t Find Anything

Not seeing results does not always mean there is no unclaimed money; it may simply mean nothing in your name has been reported yet or your information is slightly different in the system.

You can:

• Repeat searches periodically (for example, once a year) in all states where you have lived or worked.
• Try alternative spellings, nicknames, prior last names, or business names.
• If you strongly believe specific money is owed (like a final paycheck or unreturned deposit), contact the former employer, landlord, or company to ask whether they turned funds over to the state and, if so, which office now holds them.

By using your state’s official unclaimed property office, key federal sites, and careful documentation, you can typically check for unclaimed money safely and at no cost beyond basic document handling.