12 Ways to Find Out If You Have Unclaimed Money Waiting for You
Many people don't know they could have money waiting for them that they haven't claimed yet. This money could come from several sources, such as forgotten bank accounts, insurance policies, or tax returns.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
It’s more common than you think for people to lose money. The money could be in government accounts, banks, or even private companies waiting for you to claim it. From state databases to old insurance policies, there are many sources to look for money that hasn’t been claimed. This article discusses 12 different ways to check to see if there is money in your name that hasn’t been claimed yet. If you take the time to look into these options, you might get a nice financial surprise and get back what’s rightfully yours.
1. Check the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA)
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The NAUPA is a great place to start looking for lost or stolen property in the United States. You can search for lost or abandoned items from all 50 states for free through this group’s website. To start the search, you only need your name and sometimes your last known address.
2. Search State Government Websites
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Every state has a program to find people who own forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and other financial assets. You can use these services for free, and many states have websites where you can look for lost money immediately. Find the website for your state’s unclaimed property and fill out the form to see if there’s money waiting for you.
3. Use the U.S. Treasury’s Unclaimed Funds Database
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You can look for unclaimed money in a U.S. Department of Treasury database. This includes federal tax refunds, savings bonds, and money paid by the government for work done. You can use your name or Social Security number to look for money the federal government owes you.
4. Look Into Old Bank Accounts or Insurance Policies
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If you haven’t used an old bank account, insurance policy, or investment in years, you may have forgotten about it. After a certain amount of time, many banks have to give the state control over assets left behind. You can call or visit the websites of your old banks and insurance companies to find out about accounts or policies that are no longer being used.
5. Check With the IRS for Unclaimed Tax Refunds
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If you ever forgot to file your taxes, the IRS might owe you money in the form of a tax refund that you haven’t claimed yet. Visit the IRS website to find out if you are owed any refunds you didn’t receive. They even have a tool called “Where’s My Refund” that lets you check on the progress of your refund.
6. Search for Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits
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You may be able to get unclaimed life insurance benefits if you’ve lost track of a policy or if a loved one died without leaving information about their policy. You can call the insurance companies directly or use websites designed to find people who haven’t claimed their life insurance payouts. You should check because policies can go years without being paid if no one makes a claim.
7. Check with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
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If you’ve ever had a closed bank account, the FDIC might still have your unclaimed deposits. The FDIC handles funds that haven’t been claimed from banks that have gone bankrupt. On the FDIC website, you can look for deposits left behind by banks that have closed.
8. Look for Unclaimed Pension Benefits
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If you used to work for a company with a pension plan, you might not remember the benefits you got. Talk to your old bosses or the people in charge of the plan to see if you are due any pension money. Many people forget to claim their pension when they quit their jobs, and it can sit there for years without being claimed.
9. Search the Unclaimed Funds Database for Federal Employees
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If you worked for the government, you might be able to get money from a pension or retirement plan that you haven’t claimed yet. Federal workers can use a tool from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to see if they have any retirement funds they forgot to set aside. To keep track of your benefits, keeping your records up to date is important.
10. Use MissingMoney.com
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MissingMoney.com is a national website where you can look for lost money from all over the United States. The NAUPA backs it and works with state governments to provide a safe and easy way to find any money owed to you. Checking if you have any unclaimed property is a simple first step.
11. Look for Unclaimed Refunds from Utility Companies
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People can get utility refunds if they don’t claim them, especially if they overpaid their bills or were owed a refund after moving out of a service area. Check with your local utility companies to see if they have any deposits or credits in your name that you haven’t claimed yet. Utilities are supposed to give these funds back, but many people forget to follow up.
12. Inquire About Unclaimed Court Settlements
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You might have unclaimed money waiting for you if you’ve ever been a part of a class-action lawsuit or a legal settlement. Unclaimed funds from many settlements are never used because the people who are supposed to get them never file a claim. Talk to the person in charge of the settlement or look for news about any class-action lawsuits you might have been able to join.