Five Minutes This Week Could Find Money With Your Name On It

There may be money waiting for you right now

Old bank accounts. A final paycheck you never got. A utility deposit or insurance refund. A check that got mailed to an address you moved away from years ago.

When money like this goes unclaimed, it does not disappear. In most cases it gets turned over to the state as unclaimed property, where it waits for the rightful owner to come and get it. There is no deadline for most claims, so money from years ago may still be there under your name.

July is a good time to check. It is a slow month, and five minutes at your kitchen table is all it takes to search.

This is free, and you never have to pay to search

Every state runs its own official unclaimed property program. Searching and claiming are free. You should never pay a fee to find or receive your own money.

You may see companies or 'finders' that offer to track down money for you for a cut. You do not need them. The same databases they use are open to you at no cost.

If someone contacts you demanding a fee or personal details up front to release 'your funds,' treat it as a warning sign. The real state programs do not work that way.

How to search every state, step by step

Start with the official multi-state search tool run by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) at MissingMoney.gov. It covers most states in one place.

Then check the individual program for any state where you have lived or worked, since not every account shows up in the shared tool.

Search your name a few different ways: your full name, your maiden name, common misspellings, and past addresses. Also try names of relatives whose estates you may handle.

Frequently asked questions

Is there really no cost to claim my money?

Correct. Searching and claiming through official state programs and MissingMoney.gov is free. You never have to pay a fee to get money that is already yours.

How long do I have to claim it?

Most states hold unclaimed property with no expiration date, so money from years ago may still be waiting. Check your state's official site for its specific rules.

What if a company offers to find my money for a fee?

You do not need them. The official databases are free and open to you. Be cautious with any service that charges a cut or asks for money up front.

What proof do I need to claim?

Usually a photo ID and something that ties you to the listed address, like an old bill or statement. The state site will tell you exactly what to send.