Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the money that was promised to you disappeared without a trace? If so, then unclaimed money may be just what you need. Unclaimed funds are accounts and assets that individuals, businesses, or government entities have forgotten about or lost track of for various reasons. Below are types of unclaimed money and how to find these forgotten treasures and claim them for yourself.

 

Types of Unclaimed Money

1. Unclaimed Dividend or Interest Payments

These payments are rightfully due to the owner but have not been collected for long. It could result from a forgotten bank account, an unclaimed stock dividend, or an undelivered insurance refund. Failure to claim these payments can lead to them being transferred to the state's unclaimed property office.
 

2. Unclaimed Security Deposits

Often, renters put down a deposit when leasing an apartment or house, to be returned to them once they move out and leave the property in good condition. However, sometimes landlords forget to return the deposit, or the tenant moves out without providing a forwarding address.

Additionally, security deposits can also be held on utility or phone bills. This is often the case when a customer fails to settle his/her bill and then moves out without updating their contact information.
 

3. Unclaimed Wages

Sometimes, employees forget to collect their wages after they leave an employer. This could be due to them being unaware of their rights or because they were never informed that their wages were available. Unfortunately, employers who fail to pay wages on time can face serious penalties from the state government.

 

How to Find Unclaimed Money

 

1. Start by Identifying Your Assets

Identifying the assets that you may have unclaimed is the first step of the process. This can include checking for unclaimed bank accounts, lost stocks, or uncollected insurance policies. Many states have a searchable online database that allows you to investigate whether these assets belong to you.

Moreover, consider contacting previous employers or landlords to see if they owe you money or unclaimed security deposits. By taking the time to identify your assets, you may uncover unexpected sources of income that were previously overlooked. This will make it easier to claim them when you find them.
 

2. Research State and Federal Unclaimed Property Laws

Once you have identified your assets, the next step is to research state and federal unclaimed property laws. This includes understanding how long an asset can be unclaimed before it is turned over to the government and the steps needed to reclaim it.

For example, you may discover that a forgotten bank account must be claimed within three years of the last activity before it is turned over to the state. Knowing this information will allow you to claim your assets promptly and avoid any potential roadblocks.
 

3. Take Advantage of Unclaimed Money Resources

There are numerous resources available to help you identify and claim unclaimed funds. One great resource is the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), which provides state-specific information regarding unclaimed property laws and reclaiming processes.

Additionally, you can utilize online search tools to quickly and easily locate any forgotten assets that may be owed to you. The services provided by these resources offer a great way to find unclaimed money without spending too much time researching individual state or federal regulations.
 

4. Submit the Necessary Forms and Documentation

After identifying the assets you are owed, it is time to submit all the necessary forms and documentation for a successful claim. Depending on the state or federal laws governing your unclaimed money, certain forms may be needed to prove ownership of your assets. Common documents requested include proof of identity such as a driver's license, passport, or Social Security card.

You must also write a letter explaining why you are claiming the assets and how long ago they were lost. Include any relevant details, such as former employers, mailing addresses, and account numbers, in your letter. This will help ensure that your claim is processed quickly and accurately.
 

5. Track the Status of Your Claim

Once your claim is submitted, it is important to track its status. This can be done by contacting the state or federal agency responsible for managing unclaimed funds and asking them about the progress of your claim. Moreover, many states have an online database where you can view the status of your request and see if any additional information is needed.

By staying on top of the paperwork and tracking the progress of your claim, you can ensure that everything is moving forward on time and increase the chances of getting your unclaimed money as soon as possible.



Unclaimed money is a great way to regain the assets and funds you may have forgotten or lost track of. Finding them requires research into state and federal laws and utilizing resources such as online search tools and helpful associations like the NAUPA. With the right knowledge and processes in place, it is possible to reclaim and add these forgotten treasures to your financial portfolio.