How to Check for Unclaimed Money

Imagine waking up to a sum of money you didn’t even know existed… How would it feel to have an extra $100, $200 or even $500 right now?

Well, that can be a reality because there is a website that lets you check to see if you are missing money and it’s free and easy to do! It is known as unclaimed money.

What is unclaimed money?

Unclaimed money is when a company owes you money that you never claimed. Typically it is in the form of cash or in a check that was never cashed that was issued in your name. For example, if you left an employer but they owed you money (perhaps a check for wages) and they couldn’t get ahold of you or didn’t know your new address, you may have unclaimed wages from them.

That is just one example but you can be owed money from several other companies such as an IRS refund on taxes, utility company payments, rebates, stocks, mutual funds, safe deposit box contents, savings accounts you forgot about, 401K accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, and the list goes on!

Basically, it’s FREE MONEY that is just waiting for you to claim it.

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Does it cost anything to check for unclaimed money?

Absolutely not. It is a free service. Unfortunately, there are many websites that will ask you to put in credit card information so they can check to see if you have unclaimed money. Don’t fall for these scams. The website I am referring to is completely free and it will tell you if you have unclaimed money in your name or not in minutes.

Do I have unclaimed money?

I have no idea, you will have to check for yourself. Now, it’s important to know, not everyone will have a wad of cash waiting for them to claim it.

The good news is, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, nearly 1 in every 7 people has unclaimed property or in other words, “unclaimed money.” I like those odds and it’s definitely worth checking if you ask me!

So, if you fall into one of these categories it is worth checking to see if there is any unclaimed money in your name:

• Recently moved (or have ever moved)
• Started a new job
• Bought a house
• Sold a house
• Purchased medical or life insurance
• Purchase home or car insurance
• Changed bank accounts
• Changed wireless phone services
• Changed internet service
• Submitted any rebates
• File taxes and expect refunds
• Taken out a loan
• Started or stopped a business
• Started or stopped a 401K
• Have ever purchased life insurance
• Purchased a money order
• And the list goes on!!

How to Check if You Have Any Unclaimed Money

First, go over to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators website. You can also check other databases like Unclaimed.org, Missing Money, or the Unclaimed Money directory on USA.gov.

Scroll down and you will see a map of the United States. Click on your state (the one you currently reside in) and you will be redirected to the unclaimed money website for your state.

NOTE: The Missing Money website you are redirected to will typically have a web address ending with .gov or .org. These are secure state websites.

Enter your name (or business name) and click “Enter”.

Give it a few minutes and the website will populate a list of names. Search to see if any name matches your name and sounds like somewhere you’ve lived, worked, paid or even visited before.

If you do find your name, click “Claim” and follow the process to claim your money.

It will typically ask you a series of questions to prove it is you so be prepared to answer those. That may include bank info, home address, name, birthdate, etc. They have to verify you are who you say you are.

Also, make sure that your mailing address is correct so you receive the unclaimed money to the correct address.

Once your claim is filed, it is sent to your home state unclaimed money division. You may end up receiving a letter in the mail stating they are processing your claim.

That’s it! Hopefully, you have a bunch of money or assets waiting for you!

Note: Make sure you also check any maiden names or other names you have ever gone by. Also, check under any business names you are associated with.