Every year, billions of dollars in unclaimed money and assets are left sitting in state and federal coffers across the United States. These funds, which rightfully belong to citizens, remain untouched simply because the rightful owners are unaware of their existence. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through exactly how to locate and claim your unclaimed government funds using official, verified sources — all at no cost.
What Is Unclaimed Money?
Unclaimed money refers to financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their owners after a specific period of inactivity, often due to outdated contact information or unawareness. The funds can originate from a wide range of sources including:
- Dormant bank accounts
- Uncashed checks
- Unpaid wages
- Refunds and overpayments
- Life insurance benefits
- Utility deposits
- Trust distributions
- Tax refunds
- Unredeemed money orders
- Retirement accounts or pensions
- Savings bonds and matured treasury instruments
Once an asset is deemed unclaimed, it is turned over to a government agency, often at the state level, where it remains until claimed by the rightful owner or their heirs.
Start with State Unclaimed Property Programs
Search State Databases Where You’ve Lived
The vast majority of unclaimed funds are held by state governments, managed by their respective Unclaimed Property Divisions. To begin your search:
- Visit the official website of your current or previous state’s unclaimed property office.
- Use their free searchable database to enter your name or business.
- Repeat this process for every state you have lived or worked in.
Some reliable starting points include:
- MissingMoney.com – Supported by many state governments
- Unclaimed.org – The official site of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA)
Be thorough. Even if you only lived in a state briefly, unclaimed assets may still be listed under your name.
Federal Agencies Holding Unclaimed Funds
While states hold the majority of unclaimed assets, several federal agencies maintain their own databases for specific types of unclaimed money.
1. Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Tax Refunds
If you never received a federal tax refund or it was returned due to a change of address:
- Use the Where’s My Refund? tool to track your refund.
- For older tax years, file a paper claim or contact the IRS directly.
- Note: You typically have three years to claim a tax refund before it’s forfeited.
2. U.S. Department of Labor: Unpaid Wages
The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) may hold unpaid wages from closed employers or settled investigations. Search the Workers Owed Wages (WOW) tool by name to see if any claims are available.
3. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
If you were enrolled in a private pension plan that ended, you may still be owed pension benefits. Visit the PBGC Missing Participants Program to search for unclaimed retirement benefits.
4. U.S. Treasury: Savings Bonds and Securities
Billions of dollars in unredeemed savings bonds remain unclaimed. Many were issued decades ago and may no longer be earning interest. Use TreasuryHunt.gov to locate matured U.S. savings bonds.
5. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
If you had money in a failed bank, the FDIC may still be holding your funds. Search their Unclaimed Funds Database for assistance.
6. National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
For closed credit unions, check the NCUA Asset Management and Assistance Center to recover your deposits.
7. U.S. Courts: Bankruptcy Funds
If you were involved in a bankruptcy case, you may be entitled to distributions held by the court system. Search for unclaimed bankruptcy funds via the U.S. Courts Unclaimed Funds Locator.
Military and Veterans Unclaimed Funds
Veterans and military families may be entitled to:
- Unclaimed life insurance funds from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Life Insurance programs. Use the VA Unclaimed Funds Search.
- Refunds from FHA insurance for veterans who financed homes using Federal Housing Administration loans. Search the HUD/FHA Refunds database.
Unclaimed Native American Funds
The Department of the Interior maintains a list of individuals owed funds through the Individual Indian Money (IIM) accounts or tribal distributions. Search the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration database for possible matches.
How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Funds
Claiming unclaimed money is usually free and straightforward. Follow these key steps:
- Verify your identity. You’ll typically need to provide:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Social Security number
- Current and past addresses
- Proof of ownership or relationship (e.g., death certificate for heirs)
- Submit your claim. Use the official state or agency portal to upload documents or complete claim forms.
- Wait for verification. Processing times vary but generally range from 2 to 12 weeks depending on complexity.
- Avoid third-party services. There is no fee to claim your money directly through the government. Some companies offer to find money for a cut of your claim — these are unnecessary and should be avoided.
Common Pitfalls and Red Flags
Beware of Scams
Many fraudulent entities pose as government agencies or “recovery agents.” To avoid being scammed:
- Always use .gov websites.
- Never pay upfront fees.
- Do not share your full Social Security number with unofficial sources.
- Be wary of high-pressure calls or emails offering to “unlock” funds.
Can Heirs Claim Unclaimed Money?
Yes. If a family member has passed away and has unclaimed assets in their name, legal heirs or estate representatives can file claims on their behalf. Requirements usually include:
- Death certificate
- Proof of kinship or will
- Legal documents establishing the right to claim
Why You Should Check Regularly
Unclaimed funds can surface years after they’re first reported. It’s wise to check every year, especially during tax season or after major life events like moving, changing jobs, or a relative’s death.
Take Action Now
There is over $70 billion in unclaimed money currently held by U.S. states and federal agencies. A few minutes of your time could uncover money that rightfully belongs to you or your loved ones.
Visit USA.gov/unclaimed-money today and begin your search — it’s free, secure, and might just surprise you with a hidden windfall.
Claim what’s yours. Don’t let forgotten funds stay lost. With this guide, you’ve got the tools and knowledge to recover what’s rightfully yours — no middlemen, no fees, and no hassle.
