Find Your Unclaimed Money in the United States

What Is Unclaimed Property in the United States?

Unclaimed property — also called abandoned property or escheat — is money or assets that have been left dormant by their owners for a legally defined period, typically 3 to 5 years. Under US law, financial institutions and businesses are required to hand these assets over to their state government for safekeeping. The money stays there indefinitely, waiting for the rightful owner to claim it.

The most common sources of unclaimed money in the US include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll or insurance cheques, security deposits, stock dividends, court settlements, and tax refunds. According to NAUPA's FY2024 annual report, nearly $70 billion is currently held by US states across almost 33 million accounts — and roughly one in seven Americans has an unclaimed asset waiting for them.

Which Databases Do We Search?

How to Claim Unclaimed Money in the USA

Once you find a match, click the result to go directly to the official state portal. Most US states allow you to submit a claim entirely online. You'll typically need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID and provide proof of your address at the time the account became dormant. Most claims are processed within 60–90 days and paid by cheque or direct deposit. There is no fee — claiming directly from the government is always free.

Important: Never pay a third-party "recovery" company to claim your money. They often charge 10–30% of your claim amount for work you can do yourself for free in minutes.