What Counts as Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed property (also called abandoned property) is financial assets that have been dormant or uncommunicated for a period of time — typically 3–5 years — and that the holder (bank, insurance company, employer, etc.) has turned over to the state as required by state escheat laws. Common types of unclaimed property: bank and savings account balances, uncashed payroll, cashier's, or traveler's checks, insurance policy proceeds, security deposits on rentals, utility refunds, stock dividends and certificates, mutual fund accounts, pension or 401(k) plan distributions, contents of safe deposit boxes, and gift cards in some states.

States hold this property indefinitely and are required to attempt to notify the rightful owner. The property doesn't expire — you can claim it decades after it was turned over to the state.

MissingMoney.com is an official website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) that simultaneously searches unclaimed property records from participating states. Enter your first name, last name, and state — the search returns any unclaimed property records matching your name. Run searches with variations of your name (maiden name, middle name included/excluded, Jr./Sr. etc.) and for prior states where you've lived.

MissingMoney.com doesn't include all states — some states require you to search their own database directly. But it's the fastest first step and covers most of the country in a single search.

Searching Your State Database Directly

Every state has its own unclaimed property database, typically accessible through the state treasurer's or comptroller's website. Search "unclaimed property [your state]" or "unclaimed money [your state]" to find your state's official search tool. Search every state where you've lived, worked, or had financial accounts — unclaimed property is held by the state associated with your last known address on file with the holder, not necessarily your current state.

Federal Unclaimed Money Sources

Beyond state databases, several federal sources hold unclaimed funds: PBGC (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation) — pension benefits from terminated pension plans at pbgc.gov/search-find/find-your-pension; FHA insurance refunds — HUD mortgage insurance premium refunds at hud.gov/refunds; VA life insurance — proceeds at benefits.va.gov/insurance; U.S. Savings Bonds — Treasury bonds that have stopped earning interest at treasuryhunt.gov; Credit union accounts — accounts at failed credit unions through NCUA at ncua.gov.

IRS Unclaimed Refunds

The IRS holds unclaimed tax refunds when a return was filed but the refund was not successfully delivered (address change, account number error) or when a taxpayer was entitled to a refund but never filed a return. Unclaimed federal tax refund balances must be claimed within 3 years of the original filing deadline. Check your refund status at irs.gov/refunds. For prior-year unfiled returns that would have generated a refund, file within 3 years of the original due date to claim it. See Unclaimed IRS Refunds Guide.

Pension and Retirement Benefits

Old pension benefits are frequently unclaimed when workers change jobs and lose contact with former employers. The Department of Labor maintains a searchable database of terminated pension plans at dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/public-disclosure/abandoned-plan-program. The PBGC (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation) insures most private-sector pension plans and holds unclaimed benefits at pbgc.gov. For 401(k) accounts from former employers, see Forgotten 401k Accounts.

How to Claim What You Find

Claiming unclaimed property is free — the state will never charge you to claim your own money, and no legitimate service should charge you a percentage of your claim to help you file. The typical process: submit a claim through the state's online portal or by mail, provide proof of identity (photo ID), and proof of your right to the property (documentation of the original account or asset). The state reviews the claim and issues payment — typically a check or direct deposit — within a few weeks to a few months depending on the claim type and state. Use the Forgotten Account Finder to organize your search across multiple states and databases.