Take Five Minutes to Search Your Name for Cash You Are Already Owed

There may be money sitting in your name right now

Every state keeps a fund of unclaimed money. It comes from old bank accounts, forgotten paychecks, security deposits, insurance payouts, and refunds that never reached the right person.

When a company loses track of you, it eventually turns the money over to the state. The state holds it until you come and claim it. There is no deadline to lose it, and it stays yours.

The best part: searching for your name is free. You do not need to pay anyone to find or claim this money.

How to search every state in five minutes

Because the money is held state by state, you want to check every state where you have ever lived, worked, or done business.

A good place to start is MissingMoney.gov, the official multi-state search backed by state unclaimed property offices. From there you can also link out to each individual state program.

Type in your name and your former names (like a maiden name), then repeat for family members. It only takes a few minutes to see if anything comes up.

Watch out for people who want to charge you

Some companies offer to find and recover your unclaimed money for a fee. They may take a cut of what is yours.

You never have to pay to claim your own money. The official state process is free. If someone pressures you or asks for payment upfront, that is a sign to slow down and go straight to the official state site instead.

Every state has its own program, so search each state where you have lived. You can begin your free search at MissingMoney.gov or your state treasurer or comptroller website.

A quick note on the September 15 tax deadline

If you pay estimated taxes (many self-employed people and gig workers do), the third-quarter estimated tax payment is due September 15.

This is separate from unclaimed money, but it is a good week to get both off your list. Check your unclaimed money first, then make sure your estimated payment is set through the IRS.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to search or claim?

No. Searching and claiming your unclaimed money through official state programs is always free. You never have to pay a company to get your own money.

Is there a deadline to claim unclaimed money?

Most states hold the money for you with no deadline. It stays yours until you claim it, so there is no need to rush or panic.

Why would I have unclaimed money?

It often comes from old bank accounts, final paychecks, security deposits, insurance payments, or refunds from a company that lost track of your address.

What if a company offers to recover the money for me?

You do not need them. They may charge a fee for something you can do yourself for free at MissingMoney.gov or your state's official site.