Free Ways To Track Down Your Unclaimed Money
One out of every 10 Americans has unclaimed cash or property, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. Use the following resources to find any money you are due.
Find Money From the State and Federal Government
State governments hold unclaimed property from a variety of sources. Start your search with your state's unclaimed property program to find money from state tax refunds, bank accounts, insurance payouts, and more. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may also have undelivered or unclaimed tax refunds in your name. To check, contact the IRS by phone.
Search for Money From Insurance, Banking, and Investments
Various agencies track unclaimed insurance refunds and bank and investment account balances. Continue your search for unclaimed money by contacting:
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC): Balances from failed banks
- National Credit Union Administration (NCUA): Balances from failed credit unions
- TreasuryHunt: Matured savings bonds no longer earning interest
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): VA life insurance payouts
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): FHA mortgage insurance refunds
Discover Money Employers and Borrowers Owe
When employers break labor laws, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) often requires them to issue back pay to employees. Use the DOL's search tool to find out if a former employer owes you money. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) handles pension payouts for companies that went out of business. Contact the PBGC by phone for assistance. If someone owed you or your small business money, you may have unclaimed bankruptcy funds. Access the U.S. Courts Unclaimed Funds Locator to search for them.