Surprising Ways to Access Unclaimed Funds and Reap the Benefits
- Author: Johnnie Padberg
- Posted: 2023-04-04
It may surprise you that an estimated $58 billion in unclaimed money and assets sit in the United States. It includes forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, stocks, insurance benefits, and tax refunds. If you take the initiative and claim your share, it won't be long before you reap the rewards of accessing these funds.
1. Check with State Revenue Offices
Have you ever wondered what might be waiting for you in forgotten bank accounts, unclaimed tax refunds, or utility deposits? It's amazing how much money can slip through the cracks but may not be lost forever. When filing your taxes each year, make sure to check with your State Revenue Office to see if you may have any unclaimed funds.
Every state has a database of unclaimed funds from dormant accounts and forgotten deposits. Apply a search tactic that includes variations of the spelling of your name and previously listed addresses to maximize your chances of locating these funds.
2. Use Online Resources for Unclaimed Property Searches
Currently, most state agencies have sites with search functions that make it easy to determine if you or someone else is entitled to an inheritance. Many of these sites also provide helpful tips about the documents needed to file a claim and information about the claims process. You can confidently tackle the daunting task of searching for an unclaimed property through these accessible resources.
3. Review Retirement Accounts and Safety Deposit Boxes of Deceased Relatives
Deceased relatives may leave unclaimed funds behind in retirement accounts and safety deposit boxes without knowing. Therefore, review these areas to find forgotten savings bonds, life insurance policies, or checking and savings bank accounts. Many states keep lists of unclaimed money and post them online. Therefore, it's a good idea to search for your relative's name before taking further steps; however, you may need professional help to track down all available funds.
4. Search Property Records
People can search property records to find out if they have any unclaimed funds they're eligible for. But one must be careful to check the proper channels when filing a claim, as fraudulent sources claiming guaranteed funds may exist.
Once you identify unclaimed funds, it is possible to follow online filings with the state or designated agencies and ensure they receive their rightful property. The beauty is that it's easy to track the status of their claims and stay notified every step of the way.
5. Contact Real Estate Brokers
Contacting real estate brokers is one of the quickest and most effective ways to track down any unclaimed funds that may belong to you. The brokers have access to residential, commercial, and industrial-related records likely to contain information about unclaimed funds left behind by the owners. They can also offer advice on how to claim back what is rightfully yours. With their vast knowledge and understanding of the real estate market, real estate brokers are invaluable when looking for unclaimed funds in your name.
6. Research Bank Failures and Receive Compensation from the FDIC
The FDIC provides an online resource that outlines the process for searching for failed banks and filing a claim. Once you have tracked down whether a failed bank holds any of the assets in your name and have completed the claim form, you can submit it electronically or via mail to the FDIC.
At that point, you will need to wait for case processing and collect your unclaimed funds if successful. Receiving compensation from failed banks doesn't need to remain a dream but could become real through this strategy.
7. Ask Employers About Forgotten Payroll Deposits or Checks
One of the best methods for maintaining a healthy financial future is to ask employers about forgotten payroll deposits or checks. Doing so can help uncover unclaimed funds you may never know. It is an important yet often overlooked step in securing your financial standing.
Additionally, with the rise of gig work and freelancing, checking for unclaimed funds can benefit almost anyone, regardless of their working situation. Furthermore, completing this simple step may result in a pleasant surprise if you have money coming your way that you didn't know about, especially unpaid remote assignments.
With minimal research and effort, you can uncover unclaimed funds that will provide a significant financial return. Taking hold of unclaimed funds could make the most of your hard-earned money and put it to good use rather than waste. You can take advantage of what is rightfully yours by staying diligent and consistently monitoring for unclaimed funds.
