How to Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name (for Free)

Billions of dollars in forgotten bank accounts, refunds and deposits are waiting to be claimed. Here's how to search official databases at no cost.

State governments hold billions of dollars in unclaimed property belonging to people who don't know it exists: forgotten bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, utility deposits, insurance payouts, refunds and more. When a business can't reach the owner for a period of time, it must turn the money over to the state, which holds it until the owner claims it. Searching is free and takes just a few minutes.

What counts as unclaimed property?

• Dormant checking and savings accounts
• Uncashed paychecks and vendor checks
• Security and utility deposits
• Insurance policy proceeds and refunds
• Stocks, dividends and mutual fund accounts
• Safe deposit box contents
• Overpayments and credit balances

Step 1: Search your state's official database

Each state runs its own unclaimed property program, usually through the state treasurer or comptroller. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) runs Unclaimed.org, which links to every state's official site. Many states also participate in MissingMoney.com, a free multi-state search endorsed by NAUPA.

Search under:

• Every state where you've lived or worked
• Maiden names, previous names and common misspellings
• Your business names, if you've run one
• Deceased relatives, if you may be an heir

Step 2: File a claim

If you find a match, follow the state's instructions to file a claim. You'll usually need to prove your identity and connection to the property — for example, with a photo ID, your Social Security number and proof of a past address. Small claims can often be approved online quickly; larger or complicated claims, especially for heirs, may require more documents. Processing time varies by state.

Other places to look

• Unclaimed tax refunds: If you didn't file a federal return in a year when you were owed a refund, you generally have three years from the original due date to claim it. The IRS periodically announces unclaimed refunds; check IRS.gov.
• Savings bonds: Use the Treasury Hunt tool on TreasuryDirect.gov to find matured U.S. savings bonds that stopped earning interest.
• Retirement plans: The U.S. Department of Labor's Retirement Savings Lost and Found database can help you find old employer retirement plans.
• Pension benefits: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) lists unclaimed pensions from plans it has taken over.
• Failed bank deposits: The FDIC can help locate unclaimed funds from failed banks.
• Life insurance: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free Life Insurance Policy Locator for beneficiaries of deceased relatives.

About "finder" services

Some legitimate companies offer to recover unclaimed property in exchange for a percentage of the money. They are not scams by definition, but you rarely need them — you can usually claim the same money yourself for free. Some states limit the fees these services can charge.

Make it a habit

New property is reported to states regularly, so search again once a year. Prevent future losses by keeping your contact details updated with banks, employers, insurers and investment accounts, cashing checks promptly, and keeping a simple list of your accounts for your family.