How to Track Down Unclaimed Money Owed to You

Unclaimed funds are usually handled by state unclaimed property programs and, for tax-related money, by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or your state tax agency. In practice, finding this money means searching a few official government databases, submitting a claim with proof of identity, and then waiting for the agency to verify and release the funds.

Quick Summary: Where and How to Search

  • Start with your state’s unclaimed property office (usually part of the state treasurer or comptroller).
  • Search by your legal name and past addresses in each state where you’ve lived or worked.
  • Also check tax-related sources like the IRS (for uncashed refund checks or stimulus payments) and your state tax department.
  • Gather ID and proof of address before you file a claim.
  • File claims only through official .gov sites and never pay a fee up front.
  • Expect processing to take weeks or longer, and you may be asked for more documents.

1. What “Unclaimed Funds” Actually Are (and Where They Sit)

Unclaimed funds are money that legally belongs to you but is being held by a government or financial institution because it was never delivered, cashed, or claimed under your name.

Common examples include old bank accounts, utility deposits, paychecks, tax refunds, insurance payouts, and retirement account leftovers that were turned over to the state after a period of no activity, a process called “escheatment.”

Key terms to know:

  • Unclaimed property — Catch-all term for money or property a business or institution turned over to the state because it couldn’t reach the owner.
  • Escheat / escheated funds — The legal transfer of dormant money or accounts from a company (like a bank) to the state.
  • Holder — The company or institution that originally held your money (bank, employer, insurer, utility).
  • Heir claim — A claim made by a spouse, child, or other legal heir for unclaimed funds belonging to someone who has died.

There is no single master list for all unclaimed funds; you typically must check at least:

  • Your state unclaimed property office
  • The IRS or your state tax agency for tax-related money
  • Sometimes pension/retirement databases for old employer plans

Rules and processes can vary by state and situation, so you may see slightly different steps or documents depending on where you live or where the money is held.

2. Where to Search Officially (and How to Avoid Scams)

The two main system touchpoints for most people are:

  • Your state unclaimed property program (often under the state treasurer, controller, or comptroller)
  • The IRS or state tax agency for unclaimed federal or state tax refunds and certain credits or payments

To stay safe and avoid scams, always:

  • Search for your state’s official “unclaimed property” or “state treasurer” portal, and make sure the address ends in .gov.
  • For taxes, look up the IRS or your state’s “department of revenue” or “taxation” site and use only their official tools and phone numbers.

You might also find funds through:

  • State workforce/unemployment offices for old benefit payments that were issued but never received.
  • Pension benefit guaranty or retirement plan finders for long-ago employer retirement money.

If you’re unsure, you can call your state treasurer or controller’s office using the phone number listed on the official government website and ask, “Which site do I use to search for unclaimed property held by the state?”

3. What to Gather Before You File a Claim

You can usually search with just your name, but claiming the funds almost always requires documents that prove who you are and connect you to the money.

Documents you’ll typically need:

  • Government-issued photo ID — For example, a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
  • Proof of address or old address — A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, W‑2, or bank statement showing the address listed on the unclaimed property record.
  • Proof of name change or relationship — For example, a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate and will/estate papers if you’re claiming for a deceased relative.

Some state portals let you upload clear photos or scans of these documents; others may require mailing copies or even bringing them to an office in person if the claim amount is higher.

If you are claiming funds from an old employer or retirement account, you may also be asked for:

  • An old pay stub showing the employer’s name.
  • A 1099-R or other retirement/tax form referencing that account.

4. Step-by-Step: How to Search and Claim Unclaimed Funds

Step 1: Search your state’s unclaimed property database

  1. Search for your state’s official unclaimed property portal by typing “[Your State] unclaimed property .gov” into a search engine.
  2. On the site, enter your first and last name, and optionally previous names or middle initial.
  3. Repeat the search for every state where you have lived, worked, or gone to school, especially if you moved often.

What to expect next: The site normally lists any matches under your name (or similar names) with a general description, such as “bank account,” “wages,” or “insurance,” and often only partial address details for privacy.

Step 2: Identify which records are really yours

  1. Compare the listed address or city with your past addresses to confirm it likely belongs to you.
  2. If the name matches but the address is unclear, you can often click “view details” or similar to see more hints.
  3. Select the records you believe are yours and add them to a claim request.

What to expect next: The system usually creates a claim number for each item or a group of items and shows you the next required documents and the preferred way to submit them (online upload, mail, fax).

Step 3: Gather and submit your documents

  1. Collect your ID and address documents that match what the portal lists (for example, an old utility bill for that address).
  2. Follow the portal’s instructions to upload, mail, or fax copies; many states prefer PDF or clear photo files if uploading.
  3. Make sure your documents are legible and show your full name, address, and dates where applicable.

What to expect next: After submission, most systems send an email or on-screen confirmation that your claim has been received, but they usually do not make instant decisions.

Step 4: Check for unclaimed tax refunds and payments

  1. Go to the IRS official website or call the IRS using the phone number listed on the .gov site to ask about missing refunds or stimulus-type payments.
  2. Your state department of revenue or taxation may also have a tool for “Where’s my refund?” or an unclaimed refund process.
  3. Be ready to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and approximate refund amount if you’ve filed taxes in prior years.

What to expect next: The IRS or state tax agency may confirm if a check was issued but never cashed or returned; you may be sent reissue forms or instructions for claiming or amending past returns.

Step 5: Track your claim and respond to any follow-ups

  1. Save your claim number from the state unclaimed property portal and any IRS or tax references.
  2. Check your claim status on the state portal every couple of weeks, or call the customer service number listed.
  3. If the agency requests more documents or clarification, respond as soon as you can with the additional information.

What to expect next: Once the agency verifies your identity and right to the funds, they typically issue a check or direct deposit, though timing varies widely and can be several weeks or more, especially for complex or estate claims.

5. Real-World Friction to Watch For

Real-world friction to watch for

A common delay happens when the address or name on the unclaimed record doesn’t exactly match your current ID (for example, it’s under a maiden name or an old address you can’t easily document). In that case, agencies typically ask for extra proof such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or older bills or tax records, and your claim will often sit in “pending” status until you supply them.

6. Staying Safe, Fixing Snags, and Getting Legitimate Help

Because unclaimed funds involve money and identity information, scam operations commonly pretend to be “recovery experts” or fake government portals.

Use these safeguards:

  • Never pay up-front fees to “help find your money” before seeing details; state unclaimed property offices typically do not charge to claim your own funds.
  • Only enter your Social Security number on secure .gov sites or over the phone with agents you reached via a published government phone number.
  • Be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming you have unclaimed funds and demanding immediate payment or personal details.

If you are stuck or confused:

  • Call your state unclaimed property office or state treasurer’s office using the number listed on the state’s .gov site and say, “I believe I have unclaimed property in my name; can you walk me through what documents you need and how to submit them?”
  • If you think tax-related funds are missing and you can’t figure it out alone, consider contacting a qualified tax assistance program, such as a low-income taxpayer clinic or a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site listed by the IRS.
  • For complex estate or heir claims, a legal aid office or probate court self-help center in your area can often explain what proof you’ll need to show that you’re a rightful heir.

Once you have searched your state’s unclaimed property portal, identified likely matches, and submitted a claim with the requested documents, the main next step is simply to monitor your claim status and be ready to provide any extra proof the agency asks for until they complete their review.