Find Unclaimed State Money
The exact quantum of unclaimed money being held by the states is difficult to establish but the best estimates are the there is over $10 billion in unclaimed state money. These same estimates say that over 26 million Americans have unclaimed state money or property due to them which they have no idea about. That’s a large chunk of the population and one of those people could be you. You don’t have to be sure that money is due to you. Even if you think there is a chance there is some unclaimed state money that is rightfully yours, the resources are there to help you find it.
The problem lies in the fact that each state has its own policies and ways of dealing with unclaimed money and their own databases of these funds. To find unclaimed state money, you will need to check separately with each state where you think the unclaimed state money may be located. Most states have websites which will help you in your search. If they don’t, you will have to contact the state unclaimed property administrator’s office.
An easier alternative will be to go to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). NAUPA is the association of state departments that administer unclaimed state money and the website provides access to nearly all the state databases on unclaimed state money. You will still have to search through each state, but you can do it from one place.
Before starting your search, keep all the relevant information ready with you – the address you were living in during the time you want to search, the possible sources of the unclaimed state money and anything else that you know or suspect may be useful. Be patient and careful in your search – the databases of unclaimed state money will contain information as received from the company or agency that was unable to make the payment and there may be spelling errors in the names and addresses. If you are able to locate unclaimed state money that belongs to you or an inheritance that you are entitled to, the websites will guide you in the procedure for making the claim.
