Every year, billions of dollars in unclaimed money go untouched in the U.S. This could include forgotten tax refunds, utility deposits, closed bank accounts, insurance payouts, or even inheritance. It sounds too good to be true, but it's real and millions of people are eligible without knowing it. Finding out if you’re owed money is easier than you think and claiming it could put hundreds or even thousands back in your pocket.

What Counts as “Unclaimed Money”?

Unclaimed money refers to any funds that have been left behind or forgotten, often due to a move, a name change, or a financial account being closed without the owner claiming the balance.

Here are common examples:

• Uncashed checks (from employers, refunds, or class action settlements)
• Closed bank accounts with leftover funds
• Utility or cable deposits never returned
• Life insurance payouts never claimed by beneficiaries
• Tax refunds from past years you forgot or missed
• Inactive 401(k)s or pensions from previous jobs
• Dividends or stock payouts
• Estate inheritances that were never connected to the rightful heir

This money is typically turned over to the state (or a federal agency) after a period of inactivity, but it's still yours to claim.

Where to Look for Unclaimed Money

You don’t need to hire anyone or pay to find your money. These official sites are free and trustworthy:

1. Your State’s Unclaimed Property Website

Start with the state where you currently live and any states where you’ve previously lived or worked. Each state maintains a searchable database of unclaimed property.

Search here first:
https://www.missingmoney.com (covers 40+ states)
Or search your state treasurer’s site directly (e.g., “Texas unclaimed property”)

What you’ll need:

• Your full legal name (and any previous names)
• Any past addresses

2. IRS Tax Refunds You Never Received

If a tax refund was lost in the mail, misdirected, or never received, you may still be able to recover it.

Use this tool:
https://www.irs.gov/refunds

Note: You typically have three years from the original filing date to claim a refund before it’s forfeited.

3. VA Benefits or Military Payouts

Veterans and family members may be entitled to unpaid benefits or life insurance proceeds from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Search here:
https://www.insurance.va.gov/unclaimedfunds

4. Unpaid Wages from Past Jobs

If a previous employer failed to pay wages owed to you, the Department of Labor may have recovered that money.

Check here:
https://webapps.dol.gov/wow/

5. Closed Bank or Credit Union Accounts

If your bank or credit union closed, and you had a remaining balance, those funds might be held by a federal agency.

Bank accounts:
https://closedbanks.fdic.gov/funds/

Credit unions:
https://www.ncua.gov/services/unclaimed-deposits

6. Inheritance or Life Insurance You Didn’t Know About

If you were listed as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy or in someone’s estate, but were never contacted, you may still be eligible to collect.

Try these steps:

• Search https://www.naic.org to find unclaimed life insurance policies
• Contact your state’s insurance department
• Search county probate court records where your relative lived

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

To make the process smoother, gather the following information:

• Full legal name(s) you’ve used
• Social Security number (for tax or benefits-related searches)
• Addresses from current and previous residences
• Copies of IDs or proof of address (often required when claiming funds)
• Any documents showing your connection to a deceased relative (for inheritance claims)

Red Flags: Avoid These Common Scams

• Don’t pay anyone upfront to help you claim money. The legit sources listed above are free.
• Be cautious of websites that promise “quick access” to your money in exchange for a fee.
• Don’t give out sensitive info (like your full SSN) unless you’re on a verified government site.
• Look for “.gov” or “.org” domains when possible.
• You can also verify suspicious outreach by contacting your state’s treasury department directly.

How Much Could You Find?

Most unclaimed amounts range from $25 to a few hundred dollars, but some people find thousands. In 2023 alone, states returned over $3 billion in unclaimed funds to rightful owners.

Even if you only recover $50 or $100, that’s money that could go toward groceries, bills, savings, or debt payments and it takes just a few minutes to check.

Conclusion

By using trusted sources and searching past addresses or forgotten accounts, you can uncover refunds, deposits, or payouts that were rightfully yours all along. Don’t assume there’s nothing out there. Most people don’t realize they’re owed anything until they check and many are surprised at what they find.