The Best Websites to Find Unclaimed Money: A Practical Guide

Many people have unclaimed money sitting with a government agency or financial institution and never realize it exists. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational website only; to actually search for and claim money you must use official government or financial institution portals.

The “best” website depends on what kind of unclaimed money you’re looking for and where you live, but there are a few trusted starting points that cover most people in the United States.

Fast Answer: Start with These Official Unclaimed Money Websites

For most people in the U.S., the most useful and legitimate websites to find unclaimed money are:

1. State Unclaimed Property Website (via MissingMoney or NAUPA)
The primary place to search is your state’s unclaimed property program, usually run by the State Treasurer, Comptroller, or Department of Revenue.
You can quickly find the right state site through:

• MissingMoney.com (multi-state search; some but not all states participate)
• Unclaimed.org (National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators – NAUPA – links to every official state portal)

These are widely recognized as the safest starting points for state-held unclaimed money like forgotten bank accounts, utility deposits, old paychecks, and insurance payments.

2. Federal Websites for Specific Types of Money

There is no single federal website that shows all your unclaimed money, but different agencies handle specific types:

• IRS refunds (recent years):IRS Where’s My Refund?
• Long-lost savings bonds: Treasury’s TreasuryDirect / savings bond resources
• Pension benefits from old jobs:Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s Missing Participants or unclaimed pensions pages

Each site only covers its own type of funds, so you typically need to search state + federal to be thorough.

Understanding Which Website You Actually Need

There is not one universal “best” site, because unclaimed money is fragmented across different systems. Instead, match the type of money you’re looking for to the appropriate official portal.

Quick terms to know

• Unclaimed property: Money or assets a business or institution couldn’t deliver to you and eventually had to turn over to the state (for example, old bank accounts or refunds).
• Escheat: The legal process where unclaimed property is transferred to a state.
• Heir claim: A claim for money belonging to a deceased relative.
• Dormancy period: How long an account is inactive before it is considered unclaimed (varies by type and state).

Typical types of unclaimed money and where to look

Use this to decide your starting website:

State programs and rules vary by state, but you can always find the correct official portal by going to Unclaimed.org and clicking on your state or territory.

What You’ll Need Ready Before You Search

You can usually search by name only, but to actually file a claim, agencies commonly require more detail. Having some information ready can make things smoother.

Commonly requested information includes:

• Full legal name (and any prior names or spellings you’ve used)
• Current address and previous addresses where you might have lived or worked
• Date of birth
• Last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) for verification (typically requested during claim filing, not just searching)
• Proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease) when you claim
• Proof of identity such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport
• Documents showing your right to the money for heir claims (for example, death certificate, will, or letters of administration)

Real-world friction to watch for: People often get stuck when an old record is under a previous last name, when they no longer have documents tying them to an old address, or when they are trying to claim money for a deceased relative without probate or estate paperwork; in these cases, agencies typically ask for additional legal documents or may direct you to the probate court process in that state.

Your Next Steps: How to Search and Claim Safely

1. Search your state’s unclaimed property database

1. Go to Unclaimed.org.
   • Click on your state or territory to be taken to its official unclaimed property website (usually ending in .gov).
2. Use the search tool to look up your name.
   • Search your current name, then repeat with maiden or former names and any different spellings you’ve used.
   • If possible, also search names of close relatives who have died, especially parents or spouses.
3. Review the results carefully.
   • Look for matches that show an old address, employer, or business you recognize.
   • Ignore records that clearly don’t relate to you (wrong city, middle initial, or employer).

What to expect next: Many state sites allow you to start a claim online by clicking a “Claim” or “File Claim” button next to the record, then walking you through a short form.

2. Use MissingMoney for a multi-state search

Some people have lived or worked in multiple states. In that case:

1. Go to MissingMoney.com.
2. Enter your name and state.
   • Repeat for each state where you have lived, worked, or run a business.
3. If you see a match, follow the link to the official state site to submit or continue your claim.

What to expect next: You may be redirected from MissingMoney to the state’s own .gov site. You’ll then complete that state’s claim steps, which typically include uploading ID and signing an online or paper form.

3. Check key federal sites if relevant

If your issue is specifically federal, add these steps:

1. For IRS tax refunds:
   • Go to the IRS’s official refund tools and guidance pages (like “Where’s My Refund?”) on IRS.gov.
   • Enter your SSN, filing status, and refund amount (as requested) to check recent refund status.
   • For older, unclaimed refund checks, review the IRS’s information on unclaimed or undeliverable refunds.
2. For old savings bonds:
   • Visit TreasuryDirect.gov, search for information about unclaimed bonds or “Treasury Hunt” (note that tools sometimes change; follow current instructions on the site).
3. For pensions:
   • Go to PBGC.gov, then navigate to their tools for unclaimed pensions or missing participants.

What to expect next: Federal sites commonly instruct you to submit specific forms, mail documentation, or contact them by phone or mail if you appear to have unclaimed funds; this often takes longer than a state claim.

Avoid Mistakes and Scam Websites

Because unclaimed money involves potential payouts, scam websites and services are common. A few checks can help you stay safe:

• Always prefer .gov domains for state and federal agencies. If a site wants you to pay to “find” unclaimed money, be cautious; state searches are almost always free.
• Do not pay large upfront fees to third parties who promise to locate money for you. Some “finders” or “locators” may be legal but charge high percentages; state law often limits what they can charge.
• Never share your full SSN or bank information on a site unless you have confirmed it is an official government portal (look for “.gov,” HTTPS, and contact information that matches the agency).
• Beware of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts saying you have unclaimed money and asking for payment or personal information to release it; hang up or ignore and instead go directly to the official .gov sites yourself.
• Check deadlines carefully. While many types of unclaimed property do not expire once with the state, certain federal refunds, retirement accounts, or legal settlements can have time limits; that information should be clearly listed on the official site.

If you want to verify a state unclaimed property office by phone, a simple script could be: “I’m trying to find the official unclaimed property website for [your state]. Can you confirm the correct web address for your office?”

If Something Goes Wrong or You’re Stuck

Common snags (and quick fixes):

• You can’t tell which is the official site:
  • Go to Unclaimed.org or your state government’s main site (for example, “Virginia.gov,” “Texas.gov”), search for “unclaimed property,” and follow only links that stay on official .gov pages.
• You started a claim but are missing documents:
  • Most state sites list acceptable alternatives (for example, other IDs or proof of address). Look for a “Required Documents” or “How to Claim” section, or call the office number listed and ask what substitutes are allowed.
• The online form errors out or freezes:
  • Note the error, then use the site’s contact or help information. Ask if you can print and mail a claim form instead.
• You’re claiming for a deceased relative:
  • States often require legal proof you’re entitled (for example, letters of administration, small-estate affidavit, or a will already processed by a court). Check the “Heir or Estate Claims” instructions on the state site or call for exact requirements in that jurisdiction.
• You suspect a scam:
  • Stop communicating with the questionable source, then contact your state unclaimed property office directly via the phone number listed on the official .gov site to verify any claim.

By starting with state unclaimed property portals via Unclaimed.org, then using MissingMoney and relevant federal sites like IRS.gov, TreasuryDirect.gov, and PBGC.gov, you can typically cover the main places legitimate unclaimed money is held—and you can do it safely, for free, through official channels.