How to find unclaimed money in your name (for free)

The quickest way to find unclaimed money in your name is to search MissingMoney.com, then search the official unclaimed property site for every state where you've lived or worked. If you find a match, you file a claim with that state, prove who you are, and wait for payment. It's free through the official state program, so there's no reason to pay anyone to do it for you.

What unclaimed money is

When a bank, employer, utility, or insurer owes you money but loses touch with you, it can't hold on to that money forever. After a stretch with no activity or contact (called the dormancy period, which each state sets by law), the business has to report the money and turn it over to the state. The state then holds it until you claim it.

Common examples include forgotten checking or savings accounts, uncashed paychecks, refunds, utility deposits, insurance payouts, stock dividends, and the contents of safe deposit boxes. States generally hold this property for the owner or their heirs with no deadline to claim, so even money from years ago is worth looking for.

How to find unclaimed money, step by step

1. List every state that might hold your money. NAUPA recommends checking each state you've lived in or done business in. Think about old apartments, past jobs, college towns, and places where you had a bank account.

2. Search MissingMoney.com. It's free, sponsored by NAUPA, and searches records from participating states at once. Try your current name, any past names (like a maiden name), and common misspellings. Search with and without your middle initial.

3. Search each state's official site too. Most states take part in MissingMoney.com, but not all, and each state keeps its own database. The map at unclaimed.org links to every state's official program, so start there to avoid lookalike sites.

4. Search for family members and old businesses. If a parent or other relative has died, heirs can often claim their unclaimed property, though you should expect to provide more documents. If you've ever run a business, search its name as well.

5. File your claim on the official site. Each state sets its own rules. NAUPA says you'll generally need proof of identity (such as a copy of your driver's license) and proof of ownership (such as a pay stub or utility bill that ties you to the name and address on file). Send everything the state asks for, since missing documents can slow things down.

6. Track your claim. Save your claim number and check its status on the state's site. Timing varies by state and by how complicated the claim is.

Some states now send small amounts automatically

A few states have started returning certain money without making you file a claim. Illinois (through its Enhanced Money Match program) and Pennsylvania (through Pennsylvania Money Match) can mail checks for some simple, single-owner amounts when the state can verify who the owner is using its own records. Pennsylvania's program covers single-owner property worth up to $500.

These programs leave out more complicated cases. Illinois, for example, says property with multiple owners, stocks and bonds, escrow accounts, and safe deposit box contents aren't part of its program. So searching yourself is still the surest way to find what's yours. If a letter or check from one of these programs shows up, confirm it on the state treasurer's official website before you act on it.

How to avoid fees and scams

Searching and claiming through your state's official program costs nothing. Here's what to watch for:

• Finders and locators. Some companies track down unclaimed property and offer to claim it for a percentage of the money. NAUPA notes these services are legal in most cases and some states limit their fees, but you can do the same steps yourself for free. If you're considering one, check with your state's unclaimed property office first.
• Calls and texts about "unclaimed funds." In a March 2026 alert, the FTC warned that scammers use real-sounding (but fake) government agency names. If someone asks for an upfront "processing" fee or your personal information, or says time is running out, it's a scam. The FTC also notes that state unclaimed property programs won't text you alerts.
• Links in messages. Don't click them. Go to unclaimed.org or MissingMoney.com on your own and start from there.

If you spot a scam, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Tips that make a difference

• Search again from time to time. Businesses keep reporting new unclaimed property to states, so an empty search today doesn't mean you'll have nothing next year.
• Keep proof of old addresses. Old addresses are often what connects you to a record. A past lease, utility bill, or tax return can help your claim go through.
• Don't skip small amounts. Even a small match is your money, and claiming it is free.
• Update your info. When you move, give your new address to banks, insurers, and old employers so less of your money ends up unclaimed in the first place.

How Stu will help

Stu is in development and has a waitlist. When it launches, Stu will help you keep an eye out for money that may be owed to you, like unclaimed property, and point you to the official place to claim it. Stu will always ask before it does anything, and you'll review and submit any claim yourself.

Sources

• NAUPA: Search for your unclaimed property (it's free)
• NAUPA: Is it really free to search?
• NAUPA: Claim your found property
• NAUPA: What is unclaimed property?
• MissingMoney.com
• Illinois State Treasurer: Enhanced Money Match FAQ
• Pennsylvania Treasury: Money Match announcement (March 2026)
• FTC: How to handle unexpected calls about unclaimed funds
• FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov