Did you know that the U.S. government is holding onto billions of dollars that actually belong to everyday citizens?
Across the country, state and federal agencies are sitting on unclaimed funds because the rightful owners simply don’t know the money exists.
If you’ve ever moved, changed jobs, or forgotten about an old bank account, some of that money could be yours. Here is everything you need to know about finding and claiming your missing cash for free.
What Is Unclaimed Money?
Unclaimed money is any financial asset that has had no activity for a long time.
When a company (like a bank or utility provider) cannot find the owner of the money, they are legally required to hand it over to the government for safekeeping.
Common examples include:
- Forgotten savings or checking accounts.
- Uncashed paychecks.
- Refunds from utility companies or insurance payouts.
- Inheritances from deceased relatives.
- Tax refunds that were never delivered.
How to Search for Free
The most important thing to remember is that you should never pay a fee to find your own money.
While private companies may offer to find your funds for a percentage of the payout, you can do it yourself for free using official government tools.
1. Check Your State’s Database
Every state has an unclaimed property office with a searchable website. You can search by your name and address. If you have lived or worked in multiple states, be sure to check each one.
Pro Tip: Use MissingMoney.com. This is a free website endorsed by the government that lets you search multiple state databases at once.
2. Check Federal Records
For specific types of federal money, you may need to visit these specific sites:
- TreasuryHunt.gov: For forgotten savings bonds or Treasury securities.
- IRS.gov: Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool if you think you missed a tax refund check.
How the Process Works
Finding your money is usually quick, and claiming it is straightforward:
- Search: Use your full legal name and any previous names (like a maiden name).
- File a Claim: If you find a match, you will fill out a claim form on the official state or federal website.
- Verify Your Identity: You will likely need to provide proof of who you are, such as a copy of your ID or proof of your previous address.
- Get Paid: Once the agency verifies your claim, they will send you your money via a check or electronic transfer.
Stay Safe from Scams
When searching online, always look for websites that end in .gov. This ensures you are on an official government site.
Be wary of any person or website that asks for your credit card information or a "finder's fee" up front.
The Bottom Line
Government agencies are holding these funds specifically so they can return them to the rightful owners.
It only takes a few minutes to check, and you might find anything from a small $20 refund to a life-changing sum of money. There is no cost to look, so start your search today!
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