How to Track Down and Claim Your Unclaimed Money

If you’ve ever had a bank account, paycheck, utility deposit, or insurance policy you stopped using, there’s a real chance some of that money is now sitting in an official unclaimed property system waiting for you. To find it, you usually need to search state unclaimed property portals, federal refund systems, and sometimes courts or pension databases, then file a claim with proof that you are the rightful owner.

Rules, search tools, and claim forms vary by state and situation, so you’ll need to follow the process for where the money is being held and where you lived or did business.

Quick summary: where to look and what to do

  • Start with your current state’s unclaimed property portal (run by the state treasurer or comptroller).
  • Also search states where you used to live or work.
  • Check federal sources like the IRS for uncashed tax refunds and the U.S. savings bond system.
  • Gather proof of identity and address before filing claims.
  • Submit claims only through .gov portals or by mail to state treasury/unclaimed property divisions.
  • Expect to wait several weeks and possibly answer follow-up questions or provide more documents.
  • Do not pay upfront fees to “find” your money—this is a common scam area.

1. Where unclaimed assets are actually held and how to search

In the U.S., most unclaimed assets are handled by state unclaimed property programs, usually inside the state treasury, state comptroller, or department of revenue. Companies that owe you money (like banks, insurers, employers, utilities) are required to turn over abandoned accounts to these offices after a set number of years.

Here are the main official systems you should search:

  • State unclaimed property portals – for bank accounts, checks, utility deposits, stock, and some insurance payouts.
  • State insurance department or life insurance locator tools – for unpaid life insurance benefits.
  • IRS and state tax agency systems – for uncashed tax refund checks or undelivered refunds.
  • Federal systems – for unclaimed U.S. savings bonds, some pensions, and federal benefit payments.
  • Court registries and bankruptcy courts – for money from legal settlements, overpayments, or foreclosure surplus funds.

Your first concrete step today:
Search for your state’s official unclaimed property portal, making sure the site ends in .gov, and run a search on your legal name (and any previous names you’ve used).

When you run that search, the state portal typically shows a list of possible matches with your name, last known address, and the type of asset (for example “checking account,” “wages,” “insurance proceeds”), along with a button or link to start a claim.

Key terms to know:

  • Unclaimed property — Money or financial assets a business or agency owes you but couldn’t deliver, eventually turned over to the state.
  • Holder — The company or institution that originally held your money (bank, employer, insurer, etc.) before sending it to the state.
  • Dormancy period — The number of years an account must be inactive before being labeled “unclaimed” and reported to the state.
  • Claimant — The person or entity filing to get the unclaimed asset back.

2. Documents you’ll typically need

To prevent fraud, state unclaimed property divisions and federal agencies usually ask for documentation before releasing money.

Documents you’ll typically need:

  • Government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport to prove your identity.
  • Proof of address that matches the old address on the claim, such as an old utility bill, lease, bank statement, or tax return.
  • Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number, like a W‑2, to match you with the record if required.

Depending on the asset type, you might also be asked for:

  • Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if your name has changed.
  • Death certificate and proof of relationship if you’re claiming on behalf of a deceased person’s estate.
  • Company documents (like articles of incorporation or EIN letters) if the asset belongs to a business you own or manage.

If you don’t have old proof of address, some state unclaimed property offices will accept alternative evidence such as old employment records, school transcripts, or notarized statements, but you usually need to call or email them to ask what they will accept.

3. Step-by-step: how to search and file a claim

1. Make a list of places to search

Write down:

  • Every state you have lived in.
  • States where you have worked, owned property, or run a business.
  • Any large employers or banks you had accounts with, and any old last names you used.

This list will guide which state portals and systems you search.

2. Search your current state’s unclaimed property portal

  1. Find your state’s official unclaimed property site by searching for your state name plus “unclaimed property” and choosing a .gov result.
  2. Use the site’s search tool to look up:
    • Your full legal name.
    • Any previous names (maiden name, hyphenated names).
    • Common misspellings of your name.
  3. Note any results that look like you (correct or nearby city, past addresses, familiar company names).

What to expect next: Many portals let you “add to cart” or select multiple claims at once, then create an account and start the online claim process.

3. Search other states and key federal systems

Repeat the same search process on:

  • Other state unclaimed property portals where you lived or worked.
  • Your state tax agency to see if they show undelivered refunds or checks.
  • The IRS by checking the status of your federal refund for recent years or calling their refund hotline if a check was never received.
  • Federal tools for unclaimed U.S. savings bonds and certain pensions by searching your name and location.

If you’re unsure which federal system to check, you can contact your local IRS taxpayer assistance center or a legal aid office and ask which federal unclaimed property tools apply to your situation.

4. Start a claim for each item that clearly matches you

On each state unclaimed property portal:

  1. Select the property that clearly matches your name and address and choose the option to file a claim.
  2. The portal typically asks how you are related to the asset (owner, heir, business representative).
  3. You will usually be prompted to create an online account or provide contact information before uploading or mailing documents.

What to expect next: The system often generates a claim number and either lets you upload documents right away or instructs you to mail a signed claim form with copies of your ID and supporting proof.

5. Gather and submit the requested documents

Before submitting:

  1. Check the claim instructions carefully for exact documents required for that claim type (owner vs. heir vs. business).
  2. Make clear copies (or scans) of your photo ID, proof of address, and any legal documents related to name changes or estates.
  3. If mailing, follow instructions about not sending originals unless required and where to send your packet (usually the state unclaimed property division at the treasury or comptroller’s office).

What to expect next:

  • The office typically reviews claims in a few weeks to a few months, depending on backlog and complexity.
  • You may receive a letter, email, or portal message requesting additional information or clarifications.
  • If approved, payment is usually made by check mailed to your current address, or occasionally by direct deposit for certain programs.

Real-world friction to watch for

A common delay happens when the address or name on the old account doesn’t perfectly match your current documents—for example, if you changed your last name after marriage, or you no longer have any paperwork showing that old address. In that case, the unclaimed property office may put your claim on hold and send a letter asking for specific alternate proof, and your claim won’t move forward until you provide what they request or call to discuss acceptable substitutes.

4. Avoiding scams and knowing you’re on the right site

Because unclaimed assets involve money and identity details, this area attracts scams.

To stay safe:

  • Use only .gov websites for searches and claims; ignore lookalike domains.
  • Never pay upfront fees or a percentage of your claim to someone who contacts you out of the blue. Some “finders” are legal but charge high fees for something you can do free through official sites.
  • Do not send your Social Security number, ID images, or bank details by text or to personal email addresses—official state and federal agencies use secure upload portals, secure email, or physical mail.
  • If unsure, call the customer service number listed on the official state treasury or unclaimed property division site and ask if a letter, email, or phone call you received is legitimate.

A simple phone script you can use:
“I received a notice about unclaimed property in my name. Before I respond, I want to confirm through the state unclaimed property office whether this is legitimate and what I should do next.”

5. Getting help if you’re stuck or can’t find proof

If you can’t find documents or your claim is complicated (for example, you’re handling an estate or a business asset), there are free or low-cost help options:

  • State unclaimed property office help lines – Staff can often tell you exactly what alternate documents they will accept and may email or mail you the right forms.
  • Legal aid or nonprofit consumer law clinics – Useful if you’re dealing with estate issues, court funds, or complicated documentation.
  • Local tax assistance or VITA programs – These can sometimes help you track down old tax records or explain how to handle unclaimed tax refunds.
  • Financial counseling nonprofits – Some licensed nonprofit credit or financial counselors help with organizing paperwork and understanding letters from agencies.

Your most effective next move if you’ve already found a potential match but feel stuck is to call the phone number listed on your state’s treasury or unclaimed property division site, give them your claim number, and ask exactly what documents are missing and what alternatives they will accept in your situation. Once they clarify the requirements, you can gather or request those records and resubmit, which usually restarts the review process.