Every year, billions of dollars in unclaimed money sit idle, waiting for their rightful owners to claim them. Whether it’s forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, or utility refunds, many Americans have money they don’t even know exists.
Fortunately, each state in the U.S. maintains a database for these funds, commonly referred to as “unclaimed property.” If you’re wondering how to find out whether your name—or a family member’s—appears on one of these lists, this article will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property is any financial asset that has been inactive or untouched for a period of time, typically one to five years, and has then been turned over to the state. This happens when companies, banks, or other institutions are unable to locate the rightful owner. The types of assets that can become unclaimed property include:
- Checking or savings account balances
- Uncashed payroll checks or tax refunds
- Security deposits from utilities or landlords
- Stock dividends and mutual funds
- Insurance benefits or payouts
- Gift certificates or prepaid cards (in some states)
- Inactive safe deposit box contents
It’s important to note that this money does not get absorbed by the state indefinitely. Instead, it is held until the rightful owner—or their heir—comes forward to claim it.
Who Maintains the Lists?
In the U.S., the responsibility for unclaimed property is handled at the state level. Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and some territories have their own laws and procedures for managing and distributing these funds. This means there isn’t a single, national “list of people with unclaimed property,” but rather individual databases that can be searched online.
However, some services consolidate these searches for convenience, which we’ll discuss below.
Can You Really See a List of Names?
While you won’t find a full downloadable list of every person with unclaimed property for privacy reasons, you can search for specific names through official websites. These searches are free and do not require payment or subscription. Some states may show partial addresses, last known employers, or the source of the funds to help verify identity.
How to Search for Unclaimed Property
Step 1: Use National Aggregator Sites
The best place to start is:
- MissingMoney.com
This is the official site endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). It allows you to search across multiple states simultaneously. How to use it:- Visit the homepage.
- Enter your first and last name.
- Optionally, enter the state or leave it as “All States.”
- Review the results and look for entries that match your name and past addresses.
- Click “Claim” and follow the instructions to start the process.
Note: Not all states participate in MissingMoney.com (notably California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, and Oregon). For these, you’ll need to search their official state sites separately.
Step 2: Search Individual State Websites
If you lived in or had dealings in a non-participating state, you should check its own unclaimed property portal. Here are some examples:
- California: ucpi.sco.ca.gov
- Delaware: unclaimedproperty.delaware.gov
- Georgia: dor.georgia.gov/unclaimed-property-program
- Oregon: unclaimed.oregon.gov
Each site typically has a search bar where you can input a name and begin the claims process.
Step 3: File a Claim
If you find a match that you believe is yours, the next step is to file a claim. Here’s what the process usually looks like:
- Click “Claim” or “Request” next to the entry.
- Provide proof of identity, such as a government-issued ID.
- Submit documentation showing your connection to the property—this could be a utility bill, old tax return, or other official document.
- Wait for verification, which can take several weeks depending on the state.
- Receive your payment, typically via check or direct deposit.
The process is free and does not require payment to third parties. Be wary of anyone asking for fees to “help you claim your money.”
Tips for a Successful Search
- Search multiple states: If you’ve ever moved, worked, or opened accounts in other states, make sure to check each one.
- Try name variations: Include middle initials, maiden names, or common misspellings.
- Search for deceased relatives: Heirs can often claim unclaimed property by providing a death certificate and proof of relationship.
- Check regularly: New entries are added throughout the year, so it’s worth rechecking every 6–12 months.
What About Scams?
With so much money involved, scammers try to exploit the unclaimed property process by sending fake emails, texts, or letters claiming you have funds to collect. They’ll then ask for personal information or even an upfront fee.
To stay safe:
- Always use official state websites or MissingMoney.com.
- Never pay a fee to claim your money.
- Never give out personal information to unsolicited contacts.
If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact your state’s unclaimed property office directly.
Final Thoughts
Checking for unclaimed property is one of the simplest ways to potentially uncover money that’s rightfully yours. The U.S. makes it easy to search for and claim these assets through official, secure websites. Best of all, it costs you nothing—except a few minutes of your time.
So go ahead—take a moment, run a search, and you might just discover money you didn’t know you had. It’s your property. Claim it.