How to Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name — Free Official Search

Billions of dollars in unclaimed money are sitting with state governments right now — forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, utility deposits, insurance payouts, and old stock dividends. The money is yours. The government is holding it until you claim it.

Here's how to find and claim it for free using only official sources.

What Is Unclaimed Money?

When a financial institution, employer, or company loses contact with you — or you simply forget about an account — they're legally required to turn over the dormant funds to your state government. The state holds it indefinitely until the rightful owner claims it.

Common sources of unclaimed money include forgotten checking or savings accounts, uncashed payroll or insurance checks, utility security deposits, stock dividends and brokerage accounts, safe deposit box contents, and refunds from overpaid bills.

There is no deadline. Money held by your state doesn't expire. You or your heirs can claim it at any time.

How to Search for Unclaimed Money for Free

Step 1: Search Your State's Official Unclaimed Property Database

Every state maintains its own unclaimed property database. Start with the state where you currently live, then search every state where you've previously lived, worked, or held accounts.

Go to your state's official unclaimed property website — typically run by the State Treasurer or State Controller's office. Searchadex links directly to every state's official portal on our Unclaimed Property page at searchadex.com/unclaimed-property.

Search using your full legal name (try variations — maiden name, middle name, nicknames), your current and previous addresses, and your business name if you've ever owned one.

Step 2: Search MissingMoney.com

MissingMoney.com is an official multi-state search tool endorsed by NAUPA (National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators). It searches participating state databases simultaneously and is completely free. This is the fastest way to check multiple states at once.

Step 3: Search Federal Sources

State databases don't capture everything. Check these federal sources separately: FDIC BankFind for accounts at failed banks; NCUA for failed credit union accounts; Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for unclaimed pension benefits; HUD for FHA mortgage insurance refunds; IRS for uncashed tax refund checks (call 1-800-829-1040); and Treasury Hunt for matured, unredeemed U.S. savings bonds at treasurydirect.gov.

Step 4: Search for Deceased Relatives

You can also search on behalf of a deceased parent, spouse, or relative if you are the legal heir or executor of their estate. Search using their name in every state where they lived. The claims process will require proof of your relationship and their death certificate.

How to File a Claim

Once you find a match, click through to your state's official portal and submit a claim — most states have an online process. Provide proof of identity (government-issued ID) and proof of your connection to the account (old statements, prior address documentation). Wait for processing — most states process claims within 60-90 days.

There is no fee to file a claim. If anyone charges you to claim your own unclaimed property, it is a scam.

How Much Could You Find?

The average unclaimed property claim in the United States is around $1,000 — but some claims run into tens of thousands of dollars, particularly for forgotten brokerage accounts or life insurance policies. California alone holds over $10 billion in unclaimed funds.

It costs nothing and takes about five minutes to search. There is no reason not to check.

Search Official Unclaimed Property Portals by State

Searchadex links directly to every state's official unclaimed property portal — no paywalls, no third-party aggregators. Browse all states at searchadex.com/unclaimed-property.

Searchadex links only to official government and verified sources. We do not charge for searches and do not resell your data.