Across the U.S., billions of dollars in unclaimed assets sit in government databases—often waiting for individuals who don’t even realize the money exists.
These forgotten funds may come from old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, stocks, or even utility refunds. Fortunately, there are secure ways to search for unclaimed property in your name and begin the process of reclaiming it.
This guide explains what unclaimed assets are, how to find them, and what steps to take to recover what may legally belong to you.
What Are Unclaimed Assets?
Unclaimed assets refer to financial property that has been inactive or unclaimed for a set period of time—typically due to a change in address, death of the owner, or oversight.
Common types include:
Bank or credit union accounts
Uncashed paychecks or dividends
Life insurance payouts
Utility and security deposits
Stock and mutual fund shares
Safe deposit box contents
Trust distributions or court settlements
After a period of inactivity (often 1–5 years), the funds are turned over to state governments for safekeeping.
How to Search for Unclaimed Property
Each U.S. state maintains its own unclaimed property database. Start your search with:
MissingMoney.com – A multi-state search tool backed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA)
State Treasury or Comptroller websites – Search your name in the official unclaimed funds database for your current or previous states of residence
Use variations of your name (e.g., with or without middle initials) and prior addresses to improve results.
You can also check:
Federal sources (e.g., IRS for uncashed tax refunds, FDIC for closed banks)
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation – For unclaimed retirement funds
U.S. Treasury – For savings bonds or matured treasury securities
Avoid third-party services that charge fees for searches—most
legitimate platforms are free.Who Is Eligible to Claim These Assets?
The original owner
Heirs or legal representatives of a deceased owner
A business representative if the asset was in a company name
To claim, you’ll typically need to prove your identity and connection to the asset with documents such as:
Government-issued ID
Proof of past address (utility bills, tax returns)
Death certificate (for heirs)
Legal documents (wills, power of attorney, probate orders)
How Long Does It Take to Get Paid?
Processing times vary by state and claim type, but in general:
Simple claims: 2 to 8 weeks
Claims involving estates or businesses: 2 to 6 months or longer
Most states offer status tracking once your claim is submitted. Payment is usually issued via check or direct deposit once approved.
Important Tips for Claiming Unclaimed Assets
Search annually: States receive new unclaimed funds every year from banks, employers, and insurance companies
Search every state where you've lived: You may have assets in multiple places
Keep your documents organized: The faster you submit supporting evidence, the quicker your claim is processed
Watch for scams: Avoid services that ask for upfront fees or request sensitive information by email
State governments and official websites will never ask for payment to search or file a claim.
Final Thoughts
Unclaimed assets are surprisingly common, and there’s a real possibility that you—or a relative—have money waiting to be claimed. With secure online databases and simplified application processes, it only takes a few minutes to start your search.
Begin by checking your name in state and federal databases and gather the necessary documentation. Even small refunds or old accounts can add up, and claiming them is free. It’s your money—make sure it finds its way back to you.