How to Find Unclaimed Money — Complete Guide
Over $70 billion in unclaimed property is held across all 50 US states. This 7-step guide will show you exactly how to search — completely free — so you don't miss money that belongs to you.
7-Step Guide to Finding Unclaimed Money
- 1
Search your current state first
Start with the state where you currently live. Visit your state's official unclaimed property website (find all 50 states below) and enter your full legal name. Also try your name without a middle initial, and try maiden names or previous surnames.
- 2
Search all previous states where you lived
Unclaimed property is held by the state where the holder (the bank, employer, or insurance company) is located — not necessarily where you currently live. Search every state where you have lived or worked, going back as far as you can remember.
- 3
Use MissingMoney.com for a multi-state search
MissingMoney.com is the free official multi-state search tool endorsed by NAUPA (National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators). It searches most states simultaneously and is a great starting point.
- 4
Search for deceased relatives
Search using the names of deceased parents, grandparents, and spouses. As an heir, you may be entitled to claim unclaimed property belonging to relatives. You will need death certificates and proof of relationship to file a claim.
- 5
Check federal databases
The federal government also holds unclaimed funds. The IRS may have unclaimed tax refunds (irs.gov), HUD may have FHA mortgage insurance refunds (hud.gov/escrow), and the PBGC (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation) may have unclaimed pension benefits.
- 6
Search old employer states
If you worked in a state different from where you lived (common for remote workers or those with long commutes), search the state where your employer was headquartered. Uncashed paychecks and 401(k) distributions are often held there.
- 7
Use insurance policy locators
For life insurance, use the free NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator at naic.org. For annuities and other insurance products, contact the insurer directly or search the state database where the policy was issued.
What Types of Unclaimed Property Should I Search For?
Almost any financial asset can become unclaimed property if the holder loses contact with the owner. Common types include:
Bank Accounts
Dormant checking, savings, and CD accounts
Life Insurance
Unclaimed death benefits and annuity payments
Paychecks & Wages
Uncashed payroll checks and final wages
Utility Deposits
Security deposits from electric, gas, and water
Stocks & Dividends
Lost certificates and uncashed dividends
Tax Refunds
Uncashed IRS and state tax refund checks
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states should I search?
You should search every state where you have lived or worked, plus any state where you had significant financial activity (banking, investing, insurance). At minimum, search your current state and any previous states of residence. The more states you search, the more likely you are to find something.
Can I search for free?
Yes. All 50 states maintain free, publicly accessible unclaimed property databases. There is never a charge to search or file a claim directly with the state. Be cautious of third-party services that charge fees — they offer no advantage over the free state databases.
How often should I search?
We recommend searching at least once a year. New property is reported to states on an ongoing basis, so a search that turns up nothing today might find something 12 months from now. Setting a calendar reminder to search annually is a good habit.
What information do I need to search?
Most state databases only require your first and last name to search. Some allow you to also search by address, company name, or Social Security number. To file a claim, you will need a government-issued ID, proof of your Social Security number, and documentation linking you to the property (such as old bank statements or a previous address).
Can I search for someone else?
You can search any name in state unclaimed property databases — the searches are public. However, you can only file a claim for property you are legally entitled to. This includes your own property, property belonging to a business you own, and property of deceased relatives for whom you are the legal heir or estate representative.