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If you've ever failed to collect money that was owed to you, then you may be entitled to what's called unclaimed money or unclaimed property. The state where you live or used to live has possession of it, and all you have to do is conduct a free unclaimed money or unclaimed property search, fill out the proper forms with the state and then get your cash. The whole process only take a few minutes, but you can earn some extra cash that'll help you pay your bills.
How to Find Unclaimed Money?
The unclaimed money or unclaimed property that's owed to you may be from insurance, closed bank accounts, overpayments, utility companies and payroll.
For instance, let’s say you went to the hospital and accidentally paid $250 instead of $150 for your visit. If you don’t claim that money after a certain period of time – like one year – then you can search for it through the unclaimed money system.
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Search for Unclaimed Money for Free With Credit Karma
Searching for unclaimed money is so simple thanks to Credit Karma. All you need do is log onto their unclaimed money website, sign up for free and search. Make sure you search under your maiden name if you have one and any other names you’ve gone by in the past. Also, you can search your family members’ names and the names of any deceased relatives who might have given you an inheritance.
The site will show you all your unclaimed money and then prompt you to file a claim and get that money sent to you ASAP. Note that you will also need a copy of your driver’s license or other state-issued I.D., proof of your Social Security number like your Social Security card or IRS Form W-2 and proof of your current and/or previous address, like a paystub. Some states let you file a claim online while others need you to mail in your claim. After that, you will get your claim money in the mail in a few weeks or months.
Who knows – you may have hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unclaimed money waiting for you.
While Credit Karma's free unclaimed money search is by far the easiest way to find unclaimed property, there are other routes you can take.
- Nationwide Unclaimed Money Search
- IRS Unclaimed Tax Returns
- Unclaimed Retirement Funds
- Statewide Unclaimed Property Search
Other Ways to Find Money
1. Look Into Nationwide Free Unclaimed Money Search
In addition to Credit Karma’s free unclaimed property search, you can use a site like MissingMoney.com to look into multiple states and discover if you have anything waiting for you. Just be aware that they only service 39 states; if your states aren’t listed, then prepare to use the free unclaimed property search on those individual websites instead.
You can also use the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators website to find your state’s website for a free unclaimed property search, or Treasury Hunt to find registered Treasury notes, savings bonds or registered Treasury bonds that matured and ceased earning interest.
2. Check the IRS for Unclaimed Tax Returns
If you think the IRS may owe you money, you can file a claim to the IRS to update them about your new address in case the refund check got lost in the mail. And if an employer withholds funds from you, the IRS gives you up to three years to submit a claim to collect the money you are rightfully owed.
To discover whether or not the IRS owes you money, you can use the free Where’s My Refund? website to find out. Just hit “Check My Refund Status,” enter your information and the IRS will let you know.
3. Look for Unclaimed Retirement Funds
You’ve conducted a Credit Karma free unclaimed property search, looked into Treasury Hunt and found out if the IRS is going to send you some refund money. Your last step to discover if you’re owed free money is to search for unclaimed retirement funds.
The National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits will help you find money being held from prior employers, while the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. can assist in your search for money tied into pension plans. These funds will be very helpful, especially if you’re around retirement age.
4. How to Find Unclaimed Money in Your State
To find unclaimed money in your state for free, you can use Credit Karma’s free unclaimed property search or go to each state’s unclaimed property search website and give them your personal information. Remember to input any other names you’ve gone by in order to retrieve your unclaimed money.
State-By-State Guide to Claiming Unclaimed Money
Alabama Unclaimed Money
In Alabama, unclaimed money can be found by going to the Office of State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Division. Simply hit "Get Started" to find your unclaimed property for free.
Alaska Unclaimed Money
The Alaska Department of Revenue Treasury Division can help you find Alaska unclaimed money. Conduct your free search by clicking on Stake Your Claim and entering your information.
Arizona Unclaimed Money
Find Arizona unclaimed money by navigating to the Arizona Department of Revenue website. According to the site, the total value of unclaimed property in Arizona due to owners is $1,534,930,705.
Arkansas Unclaimed Money
You can easily find Arkansas unclaimed money. Go to the state's Claim Your Property website, where you can claim your property now or find out the status of your claim.
California Unclaimed Money
California's State Controller's Office will help you find California unclaimed money. The site has plenty of resources, from the unclaimed property search to a place where you can check your claim status and FAQ about unclaimed property.
Colorado Unclaimed Money
In Colorado, unclaimed money can be found on the Official State Web Portal. It's part of the Great Colorado Payback Office, and you can search for both unclaimed personal property and unclaimed business property.
Connecticut Unclaimed Money
The Connecticut unclaimed money search tool is on the state's official website. Just go to the site and enter your name to get started with your unclaimed property search.
Delaware Unclaimed Money
Delaware unclaimed money can be located through the state's Office of Unclaimed Property. According to the site, more than $300 million has been returned to owners in the past three years.
Florida Unclaimed Money
By going to FLTreasureHunt.gov, you can find Florida unclaimed money through their Unclaimed Property Search. You can run a basic search or an advanced search if your name yields too many results because other people have the same name.
Georgia Unclaimed Money
Go to the Georgia Department of Revenue's website to search for your Georgia unclaimed money or to see the status of your unclaimed property filing. The search is completely free.
Hawaii Unclaimed Money
The Official Website of the Aloha State is where you can find Hawaii unclaimed money in just a few minutes. Enter your first and last name and see what results pop up.
Idaho Unclaimed Money
In Idaho, unclaimed money can be found on YourMoney.Idaho.gov. According to the site, since January 1, 2020, the state has paid out more than $2.6 million in unclaimed property.
Illinois Unclaimed Money
The Treasurer's Office website will let you search for Idaho unclaimed money. Since 2015, the state has returned more than $700 million in assets to the rightful owners.
Indiana Unclaimed Money
The State of Indiana's Office of the Attorney General will help you find Indiana unclaimed money. So far in 2020, more than $26 million has been returned to citizens of Indiana.
Iowa Unclaimed Money
Find Iowa unclaimed money on the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt website. Iowa unclaimed property totals several million dollars per year, according to the website.
Kansas Unclaimed Money
In Kansas, unclaimed money can be located on the Kansas State Treasurer website. The average paid claim for Kansas unclaimed property is $220.46.
Kentucky Unclaimed Money
Find Kentucky unclaimed money on the Kentucky State Treasurer website. The site lists thorough details on how to ensure you correctly search for your Kentucky unclaimed property.
Louisiana Unclaimed Money
In Louisiana, unclaimed money can be discovered on the Louisiana State Treasurer website. Just hit "Search for Unclaimed Property" to get started with your free search.
Maine Unclaimed Money
Find Maine unclaimed money by navigating to the State Treasurer website and starting your free search. According to the site, Maine unclaimed property totals $261,303,847; now, you can see if any of it is yours.
Maryland Unclaimed Money
Go to the Comptroller of Maryland website to start your Maryland unclaimed money search for free. It's part of the Maryland Taxes Online Services department.
Massachusetts Unclaimed Money
Massachusetts unclaimed money can be located on the Unclaimed Property Division part of its official state website. There are an easy search tool and an email contact you can use if you're having any issues finding your Massachusetts unclaimed property.
Michigan Unclaimed Money
In Michigan, unclaimed money can be located on the state's Department of Treasury website. More than $400 million was paid to Michigan citizens in the last five years.
Minnesota Unclaimed Money
The Minnesota Commerce Department website is where you can find Minnesota unclaimed money. According to the website, Commerce receives millions of dollars worth of unclaimed property each year.
Mississippi Unclaimed Money
The State Treasurer website is where you can locate Mississippi unclaimed money. On the site, all you have to do is put in your last name and hit "Go!" to start your free Mississippi unclaimed property search.
Missouri Unclaimed Money
The Missouri State Treasurer holds Missouri unclaimed money for its residents. If you live in the state, don't wait to start your free Missouri unclaimed property search.
Montana Unclaimed Money
Montana Unclaimed Money can be found on the Montana Department of Revenue website. Navigate to the site, hit the TransActionPortal and enter your information to start your free search.
Nebraska Unclaimed Money
In Nebraska, unclaimed money can be easily found on the Nebraska State Treasurer's Office website. Currently, there is $170 million in Nebraska unclaimed property.
Nevada Unclaimed Money
The Nevada State Treasurer website is where you can find Nevada unclaimed money. You can search for Nevada unclaimed property, file a claim and check the status of the claim at any time.
New Hampshire Unclaimed Money
In New Hampshire, unclaimed money can be found on the State Treasury's Abandoned Property Division website. The state has returned more than $143,411,546 in New Hampshire unclaimed property.
New Jersey Unclaimed Money
The New Jersey Unclaimed Property Administration website will help you find New Jersey unclaimed money in no time. Go to the site to search for claims for free and check your claim status.
New Mexico Unclaimed Money
On the state's Taxation & Revenue website, you'll be able to find New Mexico unclaimed money. The website even explains to you what unclaimed property is just in case you need a refresher.
New York Unclaimed Money
In New York, unclaimed money can be found on the Office of the New York State Comptroller website. Since the beginning of 2020, $175,792,592 in New York unclaimed property has been returned.
North Carolina Unclaimed Money
The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer website will help you locate North Carolina unclaimed money. The site has a FAQ section in case you have any questions about your North Carolina unclaimed property search.
North Dakota Unclaimed Money
Find North Dakota unclaimed money on the Official Portal for North Dakota State Government website. Enter your first and last name to get started with finding your North Dakota unclaimed property.
Ohio Unclaimed Money
The Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds website will help you locate your Ohio unclaimed money. Go to the "Find Missing Money" section to begin your free search.
Oklahoma Unclaimed Money
Oklahoma unclaimed money can be found on the Oklahoma State Treasurer website. Hit "Search for Unclaimed Property" to find your unclaimed property.
Oregon Unclaimed Money
In Oregon, unclaimed money can be found on the Oregon Unclaimed Property website. The state has returned more than $405,069,254 in Oregon unclaimed property.
Pennsylvania Unclaimed Money
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property website is where you can conduct your free search for Pennsylvania unclaimed money. There is more than $3.5 billion in Pennsylvania unclaimed property.
Rhode Island Unclaimed Money
In Rhode Island, unclaimed money can be located on the Official of the General Treasurer website. Hit "Find Your Missing Money" to get started with your Rhode Island unclaimed property search.
South Carolina Unclaimed Money
The State Treasurer of South Carolina website is where you can find your South Carolina unclaimed money. You can search for South Carolina unclaimed property as well as track your claim for free.
South Dakota Unclaimed Money
In South Dakota, unclaimed money can be searched for on the State Treasurer website. Use the "Unclaimed Property" link and enter your information to get started.
Tennessee Unclaimed Money
The Tennessee Department of Treasury is where you can search for your Tennessee unclaimed money. According to the site, there's more than $976 million in Tennessee's unclaimed property fund.
Texas Unclaimed Money
In Texas, unclaimed money can be found on the Texas Unclaimed Property website. Conduct your search for free to find Texas unclaimed property swiftly.
Utah Unclaimed Money
Go to MyCash.Utah.gov, the state's official Utah unclaimed money website, to locate your lost funds. According to the site, the state has returned more than $315,026,870 in Utah unclaimed property.
Vermont Unclaimed Money
In Vermont, the Office of the State Treasurer website allows you to look for Vermont unclaimed money simply by entering your last name. You can also enter your town for a more specific Vermont unclaimed property search.
Virginia Unclaimed Money
In Virginia, unclaimed money can be found on the website called Virginia Treasury's Unclaimed Property Program. Just hit "Click to claim your property" to begin your free search for Virginia unclaimed property.
Washington Unclaimed Money
Find Washington unclaimed money on ClaimYourCash.org, from the Department of Revenue in Washington State. According to the site, chances are one in two that you, or someone you know, has unclaimed property waiting for them.
West Virginia Unclaimed Money
Go to the West Virginia State Treasurer website to find your West Virginia unclaimed money. Type in your first and last name to begin your free search for West Virginia unclaimed property.
Wisconsin Unclaimed Money
In Wisconsin, unclaimed money can be found on the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue website. Just go to the site and hit the big "Search" button to start looking.
Wyoming Unclaimed Money
Find Wyoming unclaimed money on the Wyoming State Treasurer website. Search Wyoming unclaimed property for free and check the status of your claim all on one site.
Ryan Tronier
Ryan Tronier is a personal finance expert and writer. His work has been published on NBC, ABC, USATODAY, The Mortgage Reports, Yahoo Finance, MSN, and more. Ryan is the former managing editor of the finance website Sapling, as well as the former personal finance editor at Slickdeals. Find him online at ryantronier.com.
