How to Get Your Forgotten or Lost Money without Breaking the Bank

Mary Singleton
Published Apr 16, 2024

How to Get Your Forgotten or Lost Money without Breaking the Bank

Everyone knows that feeling of frantically searching for something you know you had just a second ago.

You look in all the usual places, but you give up, resigned to the fact that you'll never see it again.

But, what if you discover a way to find that missing something?

What if you found out that that missing something was money waiting for you in some government office somewhere?

It may sound too good to be true, but, every year, millions of people find out they have unclaimed money waiting for them.

In most cases, all it takes is one quick search on the internet.

 

Here's a quick step-by-step how: 


1. Go to Your State's Unclaimed Money Official Website

Most states have an official website where you can go check for unclaimed money.

You can find the link for this on your state's main website.

You can also contact your state's treasury office or department of revenue.
 

2. Search for Your Name or the Name of Your Business

Once you're on the website, look for a search bar.

Enter your name or the name of your business into this search bar.

You can also check the website's FAQ page for instructions on how to search the database. 
 

3. Look Through the Results 

The results will show you a list of all the money currently unclaimed in your state.

Each result will show you the following:
  • The amount of money,
  • The name of the person or business owed the money; and
  • A brief description of why the money remains unclaimed

4. Research Each Result

Some sample research methods you can try are:  
  • Researching the company's name on Google to see if anyone has reported it as a scam,
  • Visiting the company's website to see if it looks legitimate; and
  • Contacting the company directly to inquire.

5. Claim the Money

If you're confident that the result is legitimate, claim your money.

The process varies depending on the state, but you'll likely need to provide some personal information and documentation to prove your identity.

Here are the things to keep in mind when claiming your money:
  • Be patient: The claims process can take several months.
  • Be prepared: Gather all the necessary documentation.
  • Be aware of the fees: Some companies charge a fee for their services.
  • Search through other databases.
    Example: The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, a searchable database of unclaimed property.

Securing your unclaimed money brings benefits like financial security, emergency funds, and peace of mind.

The process is easy and cost-free, so start searching for and enjoying these benefits today.


Read more:
The State By State Guide To Unclaimed Assets
How To Track Down Unclaimed Money

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