Why States Are Holding $77 Billion in Unclaimed Property (And How to Get Yours)
Why States Are Holding $77 Billion in Unclaimed Property (And How to Get Yours)
Did you know that U.S. states are currently holding over $77 billion in unclaimed property? That’s right—billions of dollars in forgotten paychecks, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and even stocks and bonds are just sitting, waiting to be claimed. And some of it might be yours.
What is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property refers to financial assets that have been inactive or untouched for a certain period—typically 1 to 5 years. When banks, businesses, or institutions can’t reach the rightful owner, the money is turned over to the state for safekeeping. This includes:
- Forgotten bank accounts
- Uncashed payroll or refund checks
- Utility deposits
- Insurance policy payouts
- Unclaimed inheritances
- Safe deposit box contents
Why Is There So Much of It?
Life happens. People move, change jobs, forget about old accounts, or pass away without informing family about existing assets. Without up-to-date contact information, companies are legally required to transfer these funds to the state’s unclaimed property division.
Multiply that by millions of Americans, and it’s easy to see how the total has grown to $77 billion—and it’s still increasing every year.
How to Check If You Have Unclaimed Property
It’s easier than you think to find out if you’re owed money. Start with these trusted resources:
- https://theunclaimedtreasure.com/ – a national database supported by most U.S. states.
- Your state’s treasury or unclaimed property website — each state maintains its own database.
Steps to Reclaim Your Funds
- Search your name (and any variations, such as maiden names or middle initials).
- Verify the claim by reviewing the property details.
- Submit a claim with proof of identity (such as ID or old utility bills).
- Wait for processing—this can take a few weeks depending on the state.
Tips for Success
- Check every state you’ve ever lived in.
- Look up family members or deceased relatives.
- Search frequently—new claims are added regularly.
Final Thoughts
Unclaimed property isn’t a scam—it’s real money that rightfully belongs to someone, possibly you. Whether it’s a forgotten $25 check or a $5,000 windfall, it’s worth your time to look.
Start your search today. The states are holding billions. Make sure your piece of it doesn’t stay lost.
