How to find unclaimed money
There may be unclaimed money with your name on it — but how do you find out? NBC’s Vicky Nguyen joins TODAY to explain how to find it and offers tips like checking your state comptroller or treasury office and running an online search in a database.
Click here to buy Funny Debt Free Coffee Mug I Don't Owe Money Mug Debt Free Cup
To find unclaimed money, start by searching your state's unclaimed property database, often managed by the state treasurer's office. You can also utilize MissingMoney.com, a free website sponsored by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, which consolidates search results from participating states. Additionally, explore the U.S. Treasury for unclaimed savings bonds or other Treasury securities.
1. State-Level Searches:
Identify your state's unclaimed property program:
Most states have a dedicated website, often under their treasurer's office, for managing unclaimed property.
Search by name:
Use the state's online portal to search for your name, or the names of deceased relatives.
Check former addresses:
Don't forget to search with any previous addresses or names you may have used.
Colorado example:
In Colorado, you can visit the Great Colorado Payback website or the FindYourUnclaimedProperty.com portal.
2. National Databases:
MissingMoney.com:
This website is a central hub for searching unclaimed property across multiple states and
Canadian provinces.
Unclaimed.org:
The official website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, offering resources and a link to MissingMoney.com.
3. Other Potential Sources:
IRS: Check the IRS website for undeliverable tax refunds.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation: If you believe you have unclaimed pension money, check their website.
U.S. Treasury: Search for unclaimed savings bonds or other Treasury securities.
FDIC and NCUA: If a bank or credit union failed, check the FDIC or NCUA websites for unclaimed funds.
Department of Labor: The Department of Labor has a searchable database for unpaid wages.
4. Locator Services:
Beware of fees:
Some companies offer to find unclaimed money for a fee. While they can be helpful, it's often more efficient to search yourself using the free resources mentioned above.
FOIA requests:
These companies may use the Freedom of Information Act to identify unclaimed checks issued by government agencies.
By diligently searching these various resources, you have a good chance of finding unclaimed money that may be rightfully yours.
In today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, finding lost or unclaimed money owed to you can provide much-needed relief, especially as healthcare costs continue to rise and government benefits face cuts. Many people aren’t aware that they may be entitled to money that’s rightfully theirs, often in the form of unclaimed insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, tax refunds, and much more. Knowing how to locate these funds and why it’s so essential—particularly with rising costs related to Medicaid, Medicare, and healthcare in general—could significantly improve your financial well-being.
Why Finding Lost Money Is Crucial
The financial strain many face today is compounded by the ever-increasing cost of healthcare and the uncertainty surrounding government programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Health-related expenses are often unpredictable, and many seniors, in particular, are struggling to manage these growing costs on fixed incomes. Additionally, cuts to these programs can leave people vulnerable if they don’t have other financial resources to fall back on.
The idea of “lost money” might sound like a myth, but the reality is that billions of dollars are sitting unclaimed across the country. These funds are often the result of uncashed checks, forgotten bank accounts, unpaid life insurance policies, or refunds that people simply didn’t know they were entitled to. Accessing this money could be a lifeline, whether you need help paying for medications, covering a sudden healthcare expense, or securing a more comfortable retirement.
What Types of Lost Money Could Be Owed to You?
1. Unclaimed Bank Accounts
Over time, many people forget about bank accounts or leave funds behind in dormant accounts. These funds could include checking, savings, or even certificates of deposit that haven’t been accessed in years. Even if an account has been inactive for a long period, the money in it remains yours.
2. Unclaimed Tax Refunds
If you’ve ever filed taxes and expected a refund but didn’t receive it—or worse, if you forgot to file one year—you might have an unclaimed tax refund waiting for you. The IRS reports billions of dollars in unclaimed refunds every year.
3. Unclaimed Life Insurance or Annuities
When policyholders pass away, life insurance companies may struggle to find beneficiaries, especially if the person didn’t update their information. As a result, life insurance policies, annuities, and other financial benefits might go unclaimed for years.
4. Uncashed Checks
If you’ve ever received a check that you didn’t cash or deposit, it’s worth checking to see if that money is still out there. Many people let checks expire, not realizing they may still be able to claim the funds.
5. Government Refunds and Rebates
Federal and state governments periodically issue refunds or rebates. These could be from tax overpayments, utilities, or other sources. If you moved or changed your contact information, you might not have received these payments.
6. Unclaimed Wages
If you were employed by a company that failed to pay your full wages, or if there were discrepancies in your paycheck, you may have unclaimed wages waiting for you. This is especially common for freelance workers or employees who have worked on short-term contracts.
7. Social Security Benefits
Social Security overpayments or benefits that were never claimed might also be in the system. People who stop working or fail to file necessary forms might miss out on benefits that are rightfully theirs.
How to Search for Lost Money
Now that you know what kinds of lost money might be out there, the next question is: how do you find it? Fortunately, there are multiple resources to help you locate unclaimed funds.
1. National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA)
The NAUPA is a nationwide organization that helps people search for unclaimed property in every U.S. state. They have a website called **MissingMoney.com** where you can search multiple states at once.
2. State Treasurer’s Office
Every state has its own unclaimed property office. Many states provide free search tools online. You can visit your state’s official website or the state treasurer’s office to search for lost money.
3. The U.S. Department of the Treasury
For people who are owed federal funds, the U.S. Department of the Treasury maintains several programs for unclaimed refunds or checks. Their website provides a direct link to claim any funds from tax refunds, government benefits, or uncashed checks.
4. The IRS
The IRS maintains a database of unclaimed tax refunds. If you’re missing a refund or suspect you haven’t filed in years, you can search using the IRS’s online tools or contact them directly.
5. Life Insurance Companies
If you suspect that you are a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, you can contact the insurance company directly to inquire about any claims. Many states also have unclaimed life insurance benefit databases.
6. Credit Bureaus
Sometimes, lost money comes in the form of credit refunds, forgotten debts, or previous credit balances. You can contact the major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to investigate any potential refunds or claims.
7. Federal Agencies
If you are receiving benefits from Medicaid, Medicare, or other government assistance programs, regularly checking with the respective agencies to ensure all benefits are being distributed correctly is critical. Overpayments or underpayments can result in unclaimed funds.
How Finding Lost Money Can Help with Rising Healthcare Costs
With the rising costs of healthcare, particularly under programs like Medicaid and Medicare, finding unclaimed funds can make a significant difference in your financial health. Here’s how it can help:
1. Extra Funds for Medical Expenses
Unexpected medical expenses are common, and rising healthcare costs make it increasingly difficult to afford necessary treatments and prescriptions. Unclaimed funds can be used to help cover these costs, potentially saving you from having to make difficult financial decisions.
2. Cover Gaps in Medicare
Even with Medicare coverage, there are still gaps in what is covered. Finding unclaimed money can help cover the cost of premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and other healthcare-related needs that are not fully paid for under the standard program.
3. Support for Long-Term Care
Medicaid is increasingly difficult to qualify for, and many seniors face challenges when it comes to paying for long-term care. Accessing lost funds can help fill the gaps where Medicaid falls short, especially for individuals who need help with nursing home care or home health services.
4. Buffer Against Cuts in Healthcare Programs
As cuts to Medicaid and Medicare continue to be a looming concern, having additional financial resources can buffer against unexpected changes in healthcare policy. With unclaimed funds, you can create a safety net to prepare for reductions in healthcare benefits or eligibility.
5. Reducing Financial Stress
Financial stress exacerbates health problems. By finding money you didn’t even know you were owed, you can alleviate some of that burden, knowing you have a financial cushion to rely on.
Conclusion
In a time when healthcare costs are rising, government benefits are uncertain, and people are increasingly concerned about their financial futures, finding lost money is more important than ever. Whether it’s forgotten bank accounts, unclaimed tax refunds, or even long-forgotten life insurance policies, there’s a good chance that money is owed to you. The process of finding this lost money isn’t as difficult as it might seem, and the benefits it provides—especially for healthcare—can make a tremendous difference in your life.
The next time you’re facing a healthcare bill or unsure how to cover rising medical costs, take the time to search for lost money. It could be the financial lifeline you need.
The Social Security Act, Section 207, protects Social Security benefits from garnishment, with some exceptions. This federal law was enacted on August 10, 1939
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law designed to protect consumers from abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. Enacted in 1977, it restricts what third-party debt collectors can do when trying to collect debts from consumers
HELPS Non-profit law firm helps seniors protect their Social Security Checks. CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO ON HOW THEY HELP
We provide links to more information to what we're writing about unlike others. We want to provide proof. We provide it on ALL our websites, because we believe we're in a Constitutional Crisis (Read definition by clicking here) and others need to know. We don't expect you to believe us just because we say so. We want to provide facts and the research to back those facts. NEVER blindly trust someone, just because they say so, especially a malignant narcissistic abusing sociopath!
Click here to read Save Your Vote
Click here to read All the President's Profiting
Click here to read Current Legislative Activities
Click here to read Find Bills by Subject and Policy Area
Click here to read Find Bills in legislature in my state
Click here to read Find Bills in Washington
Click here to read Find YOUR local legislator
Click here to read Find YOUR Representative
Click here to read Find your Representative
Click here to read How much money did donald trump make as president 2017 to 2021
Click here to read Lauren Boebert Bills supporting (NOT A FAN - tracking her lies)
Click here to read State Legislature Websites
Click here to read Washington legislators
Click here to read Trump and Ivana Russia 1987
Click here to read Trump and Russia 7 Charts
Click here to read Trump colluded with Russia
Click here to read Elon Musk's Russian Ties
Click here to read Elon Musk’s Twitter bid leans on financier linked to Russian tycoon
Book - How to stop fascism (Bookshop Affiliate link)
Book - On Tyranny (Bookshop Affiliate link)
Book - The Constitution of the United States of America(Bookshop Affiliate link)
Want some insight into MAGA? Read Steven Hassan's book 'The Cult of Trump' (Bookshop Affiliate link)
Strict Rules U.S. Presidents Must Obey While In Office
Click here to read Lawmaker wounded at Jonestown massacre compares Trump to cult leader
Matthew 7:15
True and False Prophets
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
Click here to order your Trump Products on CafePress
Click here to order your Trump Products on Zazzle
Click here to order your The Reckoning: Our Nation's Trauma and Finding a Way to Heal
Click here to order your Who Could Ever Love You: A Family Memoir
Click here to order your The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents with Commentary
Click here to read 46 Things to Ask Trump Supporters
