Guide · 6 min read
How to find unclaimed money in your name
Billions of dollars sit in state unclaimed property programs, and a lot of it belongs to people who simply moved, changed banks, or forgot about an old account. Searching is free and takes about ten minutes. Here is exactly where to look.
What counts as unclaimed money
When a business cannot reach you, it must eventually turn your money over to the state where your last known address was. That includes old checking or savings balances, uncashed paychecks, refunds, utility and rental deposits, insurance payouts, stock and dividends, safe deposit box contents, and uncashed settlement checks. The state holds it for you, usually with no deadline to claim.
1. Search your state, and every state you have lived in
Each state runs its own official search. Search every state where you have lived or worked, and where your employers or banks were based. Our state-by-state unclaimed property list links each official site.
2. Run a multi-state search
MissingMoney.com is endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (unclaimed.org) and searches many states at once. A few states are not included, so pair it with step 1.
3. Check federal sources
Federal money is not held by states. Check these separately:
- Tax refunds: IRS Where's My Refund.
- Savings bonds: TreasuryDirect Treasury Hunt.
- Lost 401(k) or pension: the Department of Labor Retirement Savings Lost and Found and the PBGC unclaimed pensions search.
- Failed bank deposits: the FDIC unclaimed funds page.
- FHA mortgage insurance refunds: through HUD.
4. Search smart
- Search your last name only, then add a first initial, since names are often misspelled or abbreviated.
- Try maiden names, old married names, and nicknames.
- Search old business names and the names of relatives who have passed away.
- Repeat once or twice a year. New property is reported to states regularly.
5. File the claim
- Select the property on the official state site and start a claim.
- Verify your identity, usually with a photo ID and sometimes your SSN, since the state is paying out money in your name.
- Prove the address, with an old bill, statement, or lease that shows the address on the record.
- Submit and track your claim. Small, simple claims are often paid by check or direct deposit within weeks.
What you will need, by situation
| Property in your own name | Photo ID, your SSN or last four digits if asked, and proof of the address on the record, such as an old utility bill, bank statement, lease, or tax form. |
|---|---|
| Property for a deceased parent or spouse | A death certificate, proof you are the heir or executor (a will, small estate affidavit, or letters of administration), and your own ID. |
| Property for a business | Proof you are an officer or owner, the business EIN, and documents linking the business to the address on the record. |
| Stocks or mutual fund shares | The same ID and address proof. Some states sell securities after a holding period and pay you the sale proceeds instead of the shares. |
Small claims, often under a few hundred dollars, may be approved online with almost no paperwork. Larger claims get more checks, which is a good thing: it protects your money from someone else claiming it.
Do not pay a finder
Companies called "finders" or "heir finders" may contact you offering to recover your money for a percentage. Many states cap or regulate these fees, and you can always claim directly through the state for free. Never pay an upfront fee to get unclaimed money.
Do not forget open settlements
Unclaimed property only holds money that was already paid out. Open class action settlements are money you can still claim before a deadline. See how to find out if you are owed a settlement, or start with these:
- Concora Credit - Unwanted Calls $250 - $650 · by Oct 19
- VSL Pharmaceuticals - Probiotics $20 Per Unit · by Oct 20
- Lands’ End - Data Breach $60 - $5,000 · by Oct 22
- Equinox - Data Breach $100 - $5,000 · by Oct 23
- TED Foundation - Data Privacy $5 · by Oct 26
- Pork Prices Varies · by Oct 29
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to search for unclaimed money?
Yes. Every state's official unclaimed property search is free, and claiming your own property through the state is free too.
Is MissingMoney.com legit?
Yes. MissingMoney.com is endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators and searches participating states at once. Not every state participates, so also check your state's own site.
How long does it take to get unclaimed money?
Simple claims with matching ID can be paid in a few weeks. Claims that need extra documents, or that involve a deceased relative, can take several months.
Can I claim unclaimed money for a deceased relative?
Often yes, if you are the legal heir or the estate representative. Expect to provide a death certificate and proof of your relationship or authority, such as a will or letters of administration.