Unique Ways to Find Unclaimed Assets from the Government

• Author: Bryan Miller
• Posted: 2022-08-11

You could search through the government's website or try contacting various departments directly to see if you're eligible for any unclaimed money or property. Many private organizations can help you find unclaimed funds and property, so be sure to check with them. The following information provides specific tips on how to search for unclaimed funds and property from the government:

Search the Funds and Property by State

Different states have different rules and regulations on claiming unclaimed money or property. The US government has a central website that helps direct you to the correct state website. However, it is not a one-stop-shop because you will still need to look on the specific state website. For example, the website for the State of California provides a database where you can search for unclaimed property.

Look For Missing Money from Previous Employers

Many people don't realize that they may be entitled to unclaimed money from previous employers. Enquire about this with your past employers to see if they hold any unclaimed money for you. The strategy applies to deceased family members too. However, many employers forward the unclaimed funds to the state's unclaimed property division.

You can conduct a free search of your name (or your family member's name) to see if any money has been turned over to the state. The website for this is www.missingmoney.com, which is a national database of unclaimed property. If you find a match, you'll need to fill out a claim form and submit it to the state. 

Contact Various Insurance Companies

Did you know that insurance companies have billions of dollars in unclaimed funds and property? There are many different insurance policies, and each one has its own set of rules and regulations regarding unclaimed funds and property. However, there are a few general tips that can help you get started in your search:

Check with all of the insurance companies you've ever had a policy with, even if it was just for a short period.

If you're not sure if you had a policy with a particular company, try contacting them anyway. They may have records of your policy even if you don't.

Don't forget to check with any private organizations you're a member of, as they may also have unclaimed funds and property for you. 

Visit Different Banks and Investments

The government keeps track of many different types of money, from taxes to Social Security benefits. So, one of the best places to start your search for unclaimed funds is your local bank or investment firm. The financial institutions must turn over any unclaimed money to the state, so it's worth checking with them to see if they have any money or property that belongs to you. 

Unclaimed Money from Bankruptcy

Did you know that there is money waiting for you from previous bankruptcies? If you have ever filed for bankruptcy, there is a good chance that you have some money waiting for you. You can search for unclaimed money from bankruptcies online or contact the court where you filed the bankruptcy. For this reason, ensure that you get expert help when searching for unclaimed money from bankruptcies. You should have all the court documents related to your bankruptcy case, your Social Security number, and your date of birth.   

Unpaid Foreign Claims

These are funds that the government has seized from foreign countries, and they're just waiting to be claimed by their rightful owners. If you think you may be owed some of these unclaimed funds, you can search the government's website to see if your name is on potential claimants. 

Unclaimed Money from Tax Refunds

Millions of people are eligible for unclaimed tax refunds every year. Therefore, don't hesitate to contact the tax office to see if you're owed any money. The secret is to be proactive and check every year because the records keep updating.

Above are just a few ways to find unclaimed money or property from the government. You could also try contacting your state's revenue department or the comptroller's office to see if you're eligible for any unclaimed funds. Remember to keep vigilant and track your finances so that you don't unintentionally lose any money or property to scams.