What counts as unclaimed money
USA.gov defines it as money a business, financial institution or government owes you that you never collected, which is then considered unclaimed money or property. The search is in two parts, because the money ends up in two places: most of it with state governments, the rest with the federal agency responsible for that kind of payment.
Step 1: every state you have lived in
USA.gov says state governments hold most unclaimed money. Search the unclaimed property office of your current state through unclaimed.org, then repeat for every other state where you have lived or done business. Use every name you have used, including earlier names, and older addresses.
- Search each state separately through the links on unclaimed.org.
- Search for relatives whose estates you are handling, with the documents the state asks for.
- Note the claim number and the documents each state requires.
Step 2: the federal searches
| What you might be owed | Where to search (USA.gov) |
|---|---|
| Matured savings bonds that stopped earning interest | Treasury Hunt (TreasuryHunt.gov), US Treasury |
| Federal tax refunds you never received | the IRS Where's My Refund? tool |
| Pensions from former employers | the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) search |
| Refunds on FHA-insured mortgages | the HUD database |
| Unclaimed veterans' life insurance funds | the Department of Veterans Affairs database |
| Money from closed banks | the FDIC database |
| Deposits from closed credit unions | the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) |
| Money from investment enforcement cases | the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) database |
Savings bonds deserve a check: an EE or I bond earns interest for 30 years, which the guides EE bonds explained and I bonds explained cover, and Treasury Hunt lists matured bonds that have not been cashed. Money from a closed bank goes through the FDIC, whose coverage rules are in FDIC insurance limits.
Keeping track from now on
- Update addresses with banks, retirement plan administrators and insurers whenever you move.
- Keep a list of accounts, policies and bonds, with where each is held; the net worth calculator is a convenient place to keep it current.
- Keep the records that prove ownership; how long to keep tax records covers the timelines.
This guide follows USA.gov's unclaimed money page. Each state and federal agency sets its own claim process and the documents it needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is unclaimed money?
Money that a business, financial institution or government owes you but that you never collected, which USA.gov says is considered unclaimed money or property.
Where do I search for unclaimed money?
Start with the states. USA.gov says state governments hold most unclaimed money and recommends searching the unclaimed property office of your state, through unclaimed.org, and of every other state where you have lived. Then check the federal sources for the kinds of money states do not hold, such as savings bonds, tax refunds and pensions.
Which federal agencies hold unclaimed money?
USA.gov lists the Treasury for matured savings bonds through Treasury Hunt, the IRS for refunds you did not receive, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for pensions from former employers, HUD for FHA mortgage insurance refunds, the Department of Veterans Affairs for unclaimed life insurance, the FDIC for closed banks, the NCUA for closed credit unions, and the SEC for money from investment enforcement cases.
Should I search every state I have lived in?
Yes. USA.gov recommends checking the unclaimed property office in any other state where you have lived, not only your current one.
How do I keep money from becoming unclaimed?
Keep addresses current with banks, employers' plan administrators and insurers when you move, cash checks promptly, and keep records of accounts and bonds. The guide on how long to keep tax records covers the paperwork worth holding on to.
Sources
General information based on the sources above, not tax, legal or financial advice.