According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) — which is a network of the National Association of State Treasurers — there is an estimated $70 billion in unclaimed property in the United States. Around 10% of the population has unclaimed property.

This property is held by state governments, the federal government, and businesses. The most common types of unclaimed property include:

• Bank accounts
• Insurance policies
• Stocks and bonds
• Uncashed checks
• Refunds
• Wages
• Security deposits
• Lottery winnings

The average amount of unclaimed property per person can vary greatly. Some people may have no unclaimed property, while others may have thousands or even millions of dollars.

Searching for Unclaimed Property

If you believe you may have abandoned property, there are several steps you can take to determine if this is the case.

• Check your state’s unclaimed property database: Many states have a searchable database of unclaimed property, such as unclaimed funds from bank accounts or forgotten safety deposit boxes. You can search for your name or other identifying information to see if you have any unclaimed property.
• Contact your bank or financial institution: If you have a bank account or other financial account that you may have forgotten about, contact the institution to see if you have any unclaimed funds or assets.
• Contact previous employers: If you have changed jobs in the past, you may have left behind retirement accounts or other benefits. Ask your previous employers to see if you have any unclaimed benefits.
• Check with the state treasury or comptroller’s office: If you have unclaimed property or funds, they may have been turned over to the state treasury or comptroller’s office. You can contact these offices to see if they are holding any unclaimed property or funds in your name.
• Hire a professional: There are companies and professionals who specialize in finding unclaimed property. You can hire one of these professionals to help you locate any unclaimed property that may be in your name. However, be cautious of scams and only work with reputable firms.

It’s important to note that the process of claiming abandoned property can vary depending on the type of property and the state in which it is located. Be sure to do your research and follow the appropriate steps to reclaim any property that may belong to you.

My Own Experience

Perhaps the easiest first step in searching for unclaimed property is to search for it using the NAUPA’s website or the website of your state’s unclaimed property office. The process for claiming unclaimed property varies from state to state. So, you will need to follow the instructions on the website where you found the property.

I entered in my name into the website, as well as several states in which I had resided. Some states make it very easy to search, while others require you to register. However, if you use https://www.missingmoney.com/, it enables you to at least do a first level search before you have to visit a specific state’s website.

I found one record of unclaimed property for me and two for my son. I have started the process to reclaim this property.

If you are successful in finding unclaimed property, you will be required to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number. You may also be required to provide documentation, such as a copy of your driver’s license or birth certificate.

It is important to note that unclaimed property is not considered abandoned until it has been held by the government or business for a certain period of time. This period of time varies from state to state, but it is typically five years. After this period of time, the property may be turned over to the state or business.

The process of claiming unclaimed property can take several weeks or even months. However, it is a worthwhile process. You could potentially receive a significant amount of money that you never knew you had.

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