Unclaimed Paychecks & Wages
Millions of uncashed paychecks, final wages, and expense reimbursements are turned over to state governments every year. If you left a job without cashing your last paycheck, that money is waiting for you.
What Are Unclaimed Paychecks?
Unclaimed paychecks are payroll checks issued by employers that were never cashed by the employee. The most common situations include final paychecks when employees leave a company, uncashed bonus checks, and expense reimbursement checks mailed to an old address.
Most states require employers to report and transfer uncashed payroll checks to the state after a dormancy period of 1 to 3 years. Once turned over, the funds appear in the state's unclaimed property database and can be claimed at any time.
Aside from regular paychecks, unclaimed wage-related property can also include pension and retirement account distributions, profit-sharing checks, and severance payments that were never cashed.
How to Recover Unclaimed Paychecks
- 1
Search the state where the employer was located
Uncashed paychecks are turned over to the state where the employer is headquartered or where you worked. Search that state's unclaimed property database, even if you no longer live there.
- 2
Search all states where you worked
If you have worked in multiple states, search each one. Remote work and multi-state employers can complicate this, so search broadly.
- 3
Contact former employers
If the dormancy period hasn't passed yet, your old employer's payroll department may still have the check. Contact HR with your name, employment dates, and last known address.
- 4
Check for Department of Labor claims
For unpaid wages (not uncashed checks), the US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division may be able to assist with recovering wages you are legally owed.
States with the Most Unclaimed Wage Property
States with large corporate headquarters and major employment centers hold the most unclaimed paycheck and wage property:
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to uncashed paychecks?
When a paycheck is not cashed within a certain period (typically 1 to 3 years, depending on the state), the employer is required to report the funds as unclaimed property and turn them over to the state government. The state holds the money indefinitely until the rightful owner claims it.
How long does an employer keep uncashed payroll checks?
Most employers are required to report uncashed payroll checks to the state after 1 to 3 years of inactivity. Many employers hold checks for at least a year before escheatment. The exact dormancy period varies by state, with most states requiring reporting within 1 to 3 years.
Can I claim an old paycheck?
Yes. Once an uncashed paycheck has been turned over to the state, you can claim it through the state's official unclaimed property program. Search the state where the employer was located, not necessarily where you currently live. You will need to provide proof of your identity and your employment with that company.
What if my employer went out of business?
If your former employer went out of business, any uncashed paychecks they held would have been transferred to the state as part of the business closure or bankruptcy process. Search the state where the company was headquartered. You may also be able to contact the state's department of labor for assistance with unpaid wages claims.
Are unclaimed wages taxable when I claim them?
Yes. Recovered wages are generally considered taxable income in the year you receive them. The state may issue a 1099 or other tax form when they return your unclaimed wages. You should consult a tax professional if you have questions about the tax treatment of recovered wages.