What Is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, securities, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and forgotten retirement accounts. When a business loses contact with you, state law requires them to turn those funds over to the state.
There is no deadline to claim your money. Searching is always free — use official state websites and never pay a third-party recovery service.
Free Unclaimed Money Tools
🔍
Unclaimed Money Checklist
$1,700+
Average claim amount
Step-by-step checklist to search every source — state databases, IRS refunds, lost 401(k)s, pension funds, and more.
Start My Checklist →
💲
EITC Tax Credit Estimator
Up to $7,830
Maximum 2026 EITC
Missed the EITC in prior years? You can claim up to 3 years back — estimate your refund now.
Estimate My Credit →
🎯
Benefits Match Quiz
15+ programs
checked at once
Answer 5 questions and see every benefit your household may qualify for — SNAP, Medicaid, Section 8, and more.
Take the Quiz →
Where to Search for Unclaimed Property
Types of Unclaimed Property — Where to Search
All searches are free
| Type | Where to Search | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|
| State unclaimed property | Unclaimed.org | $50–$10,000+ |
| IRS refunds | IRS.gov Where's My Refund | $300–$3,000+ |
| Lost 401(k) | FreeERISA.com & DOL database | $500–$50,000+ |
| Pension | PBGC.gov | Varies |
| Insurance | NAUPA.org | $1,000–$100,000+ |
| Deceased relative | Probate court & state databases | Varies |
Always search official government and nonprofit databases. Never pay a recovery service — the process is always free.
How to Find and Claim Your Unclaimed Money
1
Search MissingMoney.com
MissingMoney.com searches multiple state databases simultaneously using your name. Start here for the broadest coverage.
How to Find Unclaimed Money →
2
Check Each State Where You Lived
Search every state where you lived, worked, or had accounts. Use each state's official unclaimed property website.
State Unclaimed Property Databases →
3
Search IRS Unclaimed Refunds
The IRS holds billions in unclaimed tax refunds. Use the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool and check prior year returns.
IRS Unclaimed Refunds Guide →
4
File Your Claim Directly
Once you find a match, file a claim directly with the state or institution. You'll need to verify your identity with a government ID and proof of address. No fee, ever.
Find Other Benefits You May Have Missed
Take the free Benefits Match Quiz — SNAP, Medicaid, EITC, housing assistance and more, all in one place.
All Unclaimed Assets Articles
See All →
Find
How to Find Unclaimed Money — Complete 2026 Guide
›
By State
State Unclaimed Property Databases — Search All 50 States
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IRS
Unclaimed IRS Refunds — How to Get Money the IRS Owes You
›
Deceased
How to Claim a Deceased Relative's Unclaimed Assets
›
401k
Forgotten 401(k) Accounts — How to Find and Recover Them
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