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Unclaimed Money: How to Find Cash That Already Belongs to You
Old paychecks, deposits, refunds and settlements go unclaimed every year. Here's how to search for yours for free.
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Unclaimed Money & Settlements
Old paychecks, deposits, refunds and settlement checks — search free for money that’s already yours.
Every year, forgotten bank accounts, final paychecks, utility deposits, insurance payouts and refunds get turned over to state governments when companies can’t find the owner. It isn’t lost — it’s waiting for you to claim it.
Searching is free, and claiming is free. You never need to pay a “finder” to get your own money.
Official places to search (all free)
Unclaimed.org (NAUPA) NonprofitThe association of state unclaimed property programs — links to every state’s official search.unclaimed.org ↗MissingMoney.com FreeSearch many participating states at once. Also search each state where you’ve lived directly.missingmoney.com ↗TreasuryDirect GovLook for matured savings bonds that have stopped earning interest.treasurydirect.gov ↗IRS — Where’s My Refund? GovCheck on a federal refund, including ones that went undelivered.irs.gov ↗PBGC Unclaimed Pensions GovSearch for pensions from companies whose plans ended or were taken over.pbgc.gov ↗FTC Refunds GovSee current refund programs from FTC cases against companies that cheated consumers.ftc.gov ↗FDIC GovLook for unclaimed deposits from failed banks.fdic.gov ↗NCUA GovUnclaimed deposits from closed credit unions.ncua.gov ↗HUD — FHA Refunds GovSome past FHA-insured mortgage borrowers may be owed a refund of insurance premiums.hud.gov ↗NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator FreeHelp locating a life insurance policy or annuity of a family member who has passed away.content.naic.org ↗VA Life Insurance GovInformation on VA life insurance benefits, including unclaimed policy funds.va.gov ↗
How to do a thorough search in 20 minutes
List every state you’ve lived or worked in
Money is usually held by the state of your last known address with the company, so search each one.
Search name variations
Try maiden names, nicknames, middle initials and common misspellings. Search your business name too if you’ve had one.
Search for family members
Heirs can often claim funds belonging to a parent or spouse who has passed away, with the right paperwork.
File the claim on the official state site
You’ll usually need ID and proof of address. Some small claims are approved quickly; larger ones take longer.
Set a yearly reminder
New property is reported all the time. Search again each year.
Class action settlements: what to know
When companies settle lawsuits, people who bought a product or had an account may be eligible for a payment. Amounts are often small, but they add up.
Check official settlement sites
Legit settlements have an official claims website named in the court notice. Never pay a fee to file.
Read the proof rules
Some claims need a receipt; many don’t. You sign under penalty of perjury, so only file claims you’re truly eligible for.
Watch the deadline
Claim windows close. Payouts can take months after the court gives final approval.
Beware of fakes
Scammers send “settlement” emails asking for bank logins or fees. Go to the site yourself instead of clicking links.
More on finding money you’re owed