Found Money for Your Family: How to Search Every State for Free This Back-to-School Season

Money that could already be yours

Every year, billions of dollars end up sitting with state governments as unclaimed property. This can be a forgotten security deposit, a final paycheck, an old bank account, an insurance payout, or a refund that never reached you.

This is not a loan or a giveaway. If your name is on it, the money belongs to you. And with back-to-school costs adding up, an unexpected few dollars (or a few hundred) can help.

The search is completely free. You never need to pay anyone to find or claim your own unclaimed property. The official tools are run by NAUPA, the national association of state unclaimed property programs.

Start with MissingMoney.com to search many states at once

MissingMoney.com is a free national database managed by NAUPA. Most states take part, so you can search several state records in one place.

This is a smart first step if you have moved between states, worked in more than one state, or had accounts in different places over the years.

Type your name and see what comes up. If you find a match, the site will point you to the official state program to file your claim, at no cost.

Then check your own state's official site too

Not every record shows up on MissingMoney.com, so it is worth also checking your own state's official program directly. Unclaimed.org has an interactive map and a full list of states and provinces that link straight to the official government site for each one.

Check any state where you have lived or worked, and consider searching under a maiden name, a nickname, or a former address. Each state runs its own program, so checking both MissingMoney.com and your state site gives you the fullest picture.

Every state has its own unclaimed property program, and you can search yours for free through Unclaimed.org.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to search or claim?

No. Searching MissingMoney.com and your state's official site is free, and claiming your own property is free. You never need to pay a middleman to get money that is already yours.

What kinds of money can I find?

Common examples include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, security deposits, insurance payouts, and old refunds that a company could not deliver to you.

Should I check more than one state?

Yes. Check every state where you have lived or worked. Not all records appear on the national site, so also search your own state's official program directly.

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

You do not need them. The official government tools are free. Be cautious of anyone who pressures you or charges a fee to claim money that already belongs to you.