The Kinds of Money Your State May Be Holding for You

About 1 in 7 people have money waiting

There are billions of dollars in unclaimed property held by state governments across the United States. According to NAUPA (the group behind Unclaimed.org), about 1 in 7 people have unclaimed cash or property waiting for them.

This money is already yours. You just have to find it and claim it. Searching is free, and you never have to pay a middleman to get it back.

What counts as unclaimed property

Most people picture a forgotten savings account. That is one kind, but there are many more. Knowing the types helps you recognize your money when you search.

Common forms of unclaimed property include: checking or savings accounts, stocks, uncashed paychecks and dividends, refunds, certificates of deposit, customer overpayments, and utility security deposits.

It also includes insurance payments and refunds, life insurance policies, annuities, trust distributions, mineral royalty payments, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes. In some states, unredeemed money orders or gift certificates count too.

How money becomes 'unclaimed'

When an account or payment sits with no activity and no contact with the owner for a set time (called the dormancy period), the law requires the company to turn it over to the state.

That period is often one year or longer. A big reason this happens is a change of address. If a company cannot reach you, your money may end up with the state treasury until you come looking for it.

A real example: a $500 security deposit

Joe rented an apartment in Knoxville, Tennessee, then moved to Nashville for a new job. He updated his address with his bank and credit cards, but not with his old landlord.

His landlord owed him a $500 security deposit but could not reach him. After the one-year dormancy period, that $500 was turned over to the Tennessee Department of Treasury.

Later, Joe searched the official NAUPA website, Unclaimed.org, which pointed him to his state's official program. There was a match. He claimed his $500 at no cost.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to search or claim?

No. Searching through the official NAUPA site and your state's program is free, and claiming your money is free. You never need to pay a company to recover property that is already yours.

What kinds of money should I look for?

More than bank accounts. Look for uncashed paychecks, utility security deposits, insurance refunds, old dividends, refunds, and even safe deposit box contents.

Why would my money end up with the state?

Usually because a company could not reach you, often after a move. After a dormancy period with no contact, the law requires them to turn it over to the state.

Where do I start?

Go to Unclaimed.org, open the Find and Claim section, and use the map to launch your state's official program for a free search.