How to Find Your Unclaimed Money: State-by-State Search Guide (2025 Update)

Did you know that $93 billion in unclaimed money is sitting in state treasuries and government agencies across America? Surprisingly, 1 in 10 Americans has unclaimed money waiting to be found.

Whether it’s forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, or abandoned security deposits, this money legally belongs to you. Actually, the average claim amounts to $1,000 – money that could be sitting there with your name on it.

Finding and claiming your lost money isn’t complicated. However, you need to know where to look and how to prove it’s yours. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact steps to search for and claim your unclaimed money across all 50 states in 2025.

Ready to discover if you have missing money? Let’s get started with a state-by-state search approach that leaves no stone unturned.

Understand What Counts as Unclaimed Money

Unclaimed money represents funds and assets that legally belong to you but have remained dormant for a specified period. Understanding what qualifies as unclaimed property is essential before starting your search, as different rules apply to various asset types.

Common types of unclaimed property

Unclaimed property primarily consists of financial assets that businesses, financial institutions, or government agencies owe to individuals but have not been collected. Most states consider property "unclaimed" after a dormancy period of three to five years with no activity or contact from the owner ^[1].

The most common types of unclaimed assets include:

• Financial accounts: Savings accounts, checking accounts, and certificates of deposit that have been inactive
• Uncashed payments: Paychecks, commissions, vendor checks, and refunds that were never deposited
• Insurance funds: Life insurance benefits, policy payments, and premium refunds
• Investment assets: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and dividend payments
• Deposits: Security deposits from apartments, utilities, or services
• Government payments: Tax refunds, pension benefits, and FHA mortgage insurance refunds

Additionally, many people don’t realize that unclaimed property can include customer overpayments, court funds, estate proceeds, mineral royalty payments, and contents from abandoned safe deposit boxes ^[2]. Notably, travelers’ checks must typically be reported after a longer dormancy period—15 years after the date of issue ^[3].

States serve as custodians of these assets, holding them until the rightful owner comes forward. For instance, Maryland law is custodial, meaning the property can be claimed anytime during an individual’s lifetime or by legitimate heirs after the original owner’s death ^[3].

What is not considered unclaimed money

Despite the broad range of assets that qualify as unclaimed property, several important categories are specifically excluded:

First and foremost, unclaimed property does not include real estate ^[4]. This is a common misconception, but land and buildings follow entirely different legal processes when ownership is unclear or abandoned.

Similarly, vehicles, boats, and other physical transportation assets are not part of state unclaimed property programs ^[3]. These tangible items have their own title and registration systems through departments of motor vehicles.

Furthermore, certain business transactions are specifically excluded from unclaimed property reporting requirements in many states. These typically include outstanding checks issued to vendors in the normal course of business and customer purchase rebates ^[3].

It’s worth noting that while physical items from safe deposit boxes (like jewelry or documents) may be auctioned after the dormancy period, the proceeds from those auctions become reportable unclaimed funds that states will hold for the owner to claim ^[5].

Understanding these distinctions helps focus your search efforts on the types of assets most likely to be held by state unclaimed property offices, increasing your chances of finding and successfully claiming what rightfully belongs to you.

Step 1: Start With Your State’s Unclaimed Property Office

The most logical first step in your search for unclaimed money is to contact your state’s unclaimed property division. Each state maintains its own database of unclaimed assets, making these official websites your primary resource for finding forgotten funds.

How to use state websites to search

State treasuries maintain user-friendly online databases that allow you to search for unclaimed money in minutes. Follow these steps to conduct an effective search:

1. Visit your state’s official unclaimed property website – You can easily find it by searching "[your state name] unclaimed property" or by accessing the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) website, which provides links to official state databases.

2. Enter your information correctly – Type your name exactly as it would appear on accounts or official documents. Many search tools allow for partial name matches, but precision yields better results.

3. Try variations of your name – Search using your maiden name, middle initial, common misspellings, and abbreviations of your first name (e.g., Rob instead of Robert).

4. Narrow your search with additional information – Most state systems allow you to refine results by adding your city, ZIP code, or address. This helps distinguish between people with similar names.

5. Review all potential matches – Examine each listing carefully, even those with slight name variations or old addresses. The database might contain limited information due to privacy concerns, so don’t dismiss possible matches too quickly.

Many state websites now feature enhanced search capabilities that can show you the approximate value range of unclaimed funds, the reporting company, and when the property was reported. These details help determine if a listing truly belongs to you before initiating a claim.

Why you should check every state you’ve lived in

Searching only your current state’s database might leave money undiscovered. Here’s why expanding your search is essential:

First, unclaimed property is reported to the state of your last known address according to the holder’s records. Consequently, if you’ve moved between states, your unclaimed money might be held by a state where you previously lived.

Second, some companies, especially national corporations, might report unclaimed property to their state of incorporation rather than your residential state. For instance, many businesses are incorporated in Delaware, making it worthwhile to check there regardless of your residence history.

Third, if you’ve worked for employers in different states without living there, those states might hold unclaimed wages or tax refunds in your name.

Given these factors, conduct a methodical search of every state where you have:

• Resided at any point
• Maintained bank accounts or investments
• Worked for employers, even remotely
• Had insurance policies
• Attended school
• Operated a business

To simplify this process, consider using the multi-state search tools available through NAUPA’s MissingMoney.com or individual state websites that offer broader search capabilities. Although these consolidated databases don’t include every state, they provide an excellent starting point before checking individual state treasuries.

Remember that timing matters as well—states regularly receive new unclaimed property reports. Therefore, repeating your search periodically might yield new results, particularly if you’ve moved recently.

Step 2: Expand Your Search to Federal and Other Sources

After exhausting state-level resources, your next step is to explore federal government databases that hold billions in unclaimed funds. Unlike state programs, there’s no single centralized database for all federal unclaimed money. Instead, you’ll need to search specific agencies depending on the type of funds you’re seeking.

Where to find unclaimed tax refunds and back wages

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) holds over $1 billion in unclaimed tax refunds for approximately 1.1 million people who haven’t filed their tax returns. For tax year 2021 alone, the IRS estimates the median refund amount at $781 ^[6].

To check for unclaimed tax refunds:

• Visit the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov
• Create or log in to your IRS Individual Online Account for faster access
• Check within three years of the filing deadline – otherwise, the money becomes U.S. Treasury property

Moreover, if you were eligible but didn’t receive Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), you may need to file or amend your tax return to claim a recovery rebate credit ^[5].

For unpaid wages from former employers, check the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) database. When the WHD finds labor law violations, they collect unpaid wages on behalf of workers. If they cannot locate these employees, they hold the back wages for three years while continuing search efforts ^[7].

Searching for unclaimed pensions and savings bonds

Unclaimed pension benefits represent another substantial source of missing money. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) maintains a searchable database for unclaimed pensions from former employers ^[5]. To use this resource, you’ll need to provide your last name and the last four digits of your Social Security Number ^[8].

For savings bonds that have matured but remain unredeemed:

• Visit TreasuryHunt.gov to find matured savings bonds that have stopped earning interest
• The tool searches for Series E, EE, and I paper bonds as well as electronic securities
• It also helps locate undeliverable payments for interest, maturity, and redemptions ^[9]

This service is particularly valuable since many Americans purchase savings bonds as gifts that are forgotten decades later when they mature.

Databases for failed banks and insurance refunds

Bank failures can leave account holders unaware of what happened to their deposits. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) maintains a database for unclaimed funds from closed financial institutions ^[5]. Their BankFind Suite provides complete information on bank failures from 1934 to the present ^[10].

Similarly, if you had accounts with credit unions that closed, check the National Credit Union Administration’s unclaimed deposits database ^[5].

For insurance-related unclaimed funds:

• VA life insurance funds – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs database helps veterans find unclaimed insurance funds
• FHA insurance refunds – If you had a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, search the HUD database to see if you’re eligible for a refund ^[5]

In addition to these resources, other specialized federal databases include:

• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for money from investment enforcement cases
• U.S. Courts Unclaimed Funds Locator for money owed after bankruptcies
• Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Trust Funds Administration for Individual Indian Money accounts ^[5]

Remember, there’s no fee to search these government databases. If you receive letters claiming they can help find your money for a fee, be cautious—while some "locator services" are legitimate businesses, you can search these databases yourself at no cost ^[11].

Step 3: File a Claim and Submit Required Documents

Once you’ve located your unclaimed money, the crucial next step is proving it belongs to you. Filing a claim requires specific documentation and patience as states verify your identity before releasing funds.

What documents you’ll need to prove ownership

The documentation required varies depending on who’s filing the claim. Generally, states require:

• Personal identification: A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) that shows your current address. If your ID doesn’t reflect your current address, include additional proof like a utility bill.

• Proof of ownership: Documents connecting you to the property, which might include Social Security numbers, previous addresses, bank statements, or correspondence from the reporting company.

• Special circumstances documentation: For deceased owners, you’ll need a certified death certificate plus documentation establishing your right to the property. This might include a will, probate documents, or a Declaration Under Probate Code form.

Importantly, claims exceeding $1,000 typically require notarization for verification purposes. Likewise, all claims for securities or safe deposit box contents must be notarized regardless of value.

How long it takes to receive your money

The timeline for receiving your unclaimed money varies based on several factors:

Simple cash claims are usually processed within 30-60 days after submitting complete documentation. More complex claims involving high-dollar amounts, securities, or those filed by heirs generally take up to 180 days for processing.

Most states have legal requirements to process claims within a specific timeframe. For instance, California law requires the State Controller’s Office to consider all claims within 180 days from receipt of a complete claim package.

Following approval, expect to receive payment within 2-4 weeks. Payments are typically issued via paper check mailed to your address, not electronic transfers.

Tips for avoiding claim rejections

To minimize delays and prevent rejections:

First, read all instructions carefully before submitting. Each state has specific requirements, and overlooking even minor details can result in delays.

Second, provide all requested documentation in one submission. Incomplete claims are the primary reason for processing delays and rejections.

Third, respond promptly to any additional information requests. States will contact you if they need more documentation.

Fourth, be wary of third-party services charging fees. While "finders" or "asset locators" may be legitimate, they can charge up to 10-15% of your property’s value for services you can perform yourself for free.

Finally, remember that claiming your unclaimed money is always free through official state programs—never pay upfront fees or provide sensitive information to unsolicited offers promising to find your money.

Step 4: Check Annually and Avoid Future Unclaimed Funds

Finding your unclaimed money today isn’t enough—millions of dollars continue flowing into state treasuries annually. Proactive management prevents your assets from becoming unclaimed in the first place.

Why you should search every year

States continuously receive new reports of unclaimed property. In fact, over $489 million sits in Iowa’s unclaimed property program alone ^[12]. Even if your initial search yielded no results, subsequent searches might prove successful.

The reality is that 1 in 10 people have unclaimed property ^[12], and your odds increase with time as companies regularly report dormant accounts. Meanwhile, numerous life changes—moving, changing jobs, opening new accounts—create opportunities for property to become separated from you.

Searching annually takes minimal effort compared to the potential reward. Setting a calendar reminder for an annual search is a simple way to ensure you don’t miss out on funds that rightfully belong to you.

How to keep your accounts from becoming unclaimed

Prevent your money from becoming unclaimed by following these essential practices:

Keep accounts active: Make at least one deposit or withdrawal annually from checking, savings, and investment accounts. Setting up automatic payments might be an easy solution to maintain activity ^[12].

Update contact information: Whenever you change addresses, email, or phone numbers, promptly notify all businesses and financial institutions where you have accounts ^[12]. Most accounts become unclaimed because companies lose contact with owners.

Maintain a master list: Create and regularly update a comprehensive list of all your financial accounts, safe deposit boxes, insurance policies, and investments ^[13]. This serves as both your reference and a guide for heirs if something happens to you.

Cash all checks promptly: No matter how small, deposit or cash checks as soon as possible ^[12]. With digital banking, many institutions now offer mobile deposit options for physical checks.

Respond to all communications: Review and respond to all correspondence from financial institutions, even if they appear routine ^[13]. Non-responsiveness could lead institutions to mark your account as inactive.

Following these practices ensures your money remains yours, not among the billions waiting in state treasuries.

Conclusion

Finding your unclaimed money requires methodical searching through state and federal databases, though the effort certainly pays off. Actually, with $93 billion waiting to be claimed and average amounts of $1,000 per person, taking time to search thoroughly makes financial sense.

Remember these key steps for success: Start with your state’s unclaimed property office, expand searches to every state where you’ve lived or worked, check federal sources, and submit complete documentation when filing claims. Most importantly, prevent future unclaimed funds through active account management and regular contact information updates.

The process might seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes recovering your lost money straightforward. Make searching for unclaimed funds part of your annual financial review – those few minutes spent searching could lead to unexpected money coming your way.

References

[1] – https://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/unclaimed-funds.asp
[2] – https://www.osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds/resources/about-unclaimed-funds
[3] – https://marylandtaxes.gov/unclaimed-property/property-faqs.php
[4] – https://cfo.dc.gov/page/unclaimed-property-frequently-asked-questions
[5] – https://www.usa.gov/unclaimed-money
[6] – https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-should-act-now-to-claim-more-than-1-billion-in-refunds-for-tax-year-2021-with-the-april-15-deadline-fast-approaching
[7] – https://webapps.dol.gov/wow/
[8] – https://www.pbgc.gov/wr/find-unclaimed-retirement-benefits
[9] – https://www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/treasury-hunt/
[10] – https://banks.data.fdic.gov/explore/failures
[11] – https://fiscal.treasury.gov/unclaimed-assets.html
[12] – https://www.iowatreasurer.gov/media/cms/Tips_to_Prevent_Property_From_Becom_69738AF030BE8.pdf
[13] – https://www.cuofco.org/resources/how-prevent-your-account-becoming-unclaimed-property