How to Locate and Claim Unclaimed Money in the United States

In 2023, Americans held roughly $70 billion in unclaimed property—including uncashed paychecks, forgotten rebates, inactive brokerage accounts, and life-insurance benefits—according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). In the fiscal year that ended in June of the prior year, states returned more than $4 billion to owners, NAUPA reported.

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Individuals seeking lost assets can begin with a targeted approach. For forgotten private-sector pension benefits, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation maintains a searchable database of unclaimed pensions. For a broader sweep, NAUPA endorses MissingMoney.com, a clearinghouse that aggregates state-level records. Users may enter their name (or a business name) and optionally limit the search to states where they have lived or conducted business.

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Seat notes that the default rule sends unclaimed property to the state of the owner’s last known address; if that address is unknown, the property goes to the state of incorporation for a business. State procedures differ by property type, so claimants should follow the specific instructions provided after a claim is submitted.

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After initiating a claim through MissingMoney.com, the relevant state contacts the claimant with required documentation to prove ownership. Required proof may include identification, proof of address, and evidence linking the claimant to the asset (e.g., old statements or tax records). Because each state’s rules vary, claimants should review the instructions carefully to avoid delays.

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Financial therapist and Kansas State University professor Megan McCoy cautions that unexpected windfalls can disrupt “mental accounting” and lead individuals to spend the money in ways that do not advance long-term financial goals. She recommends developing a plan before cashing any unclaimed assets.

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