Learn about key resources to find unclaimed money and assets owed to you. Discover how government agencies and online tools can help recover dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance, tax refunds, retirement benefits, and more. This guide provides essential steps to locate and claim your rightful property efficiently.

Essential Resources to Find Unclaimed Funds and Assets

Discovering unclaimed money, like forgotten savings or unclaimed deposits, can be a pleasant surprise. Even more satisfying is locating significant funds owed to you. Around 10% of Americans have unclaimed property waiting to be claimed. Understanding what qualifies as unclaimed assets and knowing where to look can help recover these lost funds and secure what belongs to you.

What Are Unclaimed Assets?
Unclaimed assets are financial holdings that organizations, government bodies, or financial institutions cannot contact or locate owners for after a specific period.

When funds remain unclaimed for extended periods, they are transferred to government custody until the rightful owners come forward. Typical examples include dormant bank accounts, forgotten bonds, unclaimed insurance payouts, unpaid wages, retirement benefits, or refunds.

Methods to Find Unclaimed Property

Explore various government agencies and online platforms to locate unclaimed assets:

National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits
When changing jobs, retirement accounts may be overlooked. Use this national registry to find unclaimed retirement savings from previous employers. It’s a free resource to reconnect individuals with their retirement funds.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Unclaimed funds from old bank accounts, including insurance refunds, deposit holdings, dividends, or escrow monies, can be checked via the FDIC or NCUA websites, especially related to failed banks or credit unions.

State Tax Departments
Unclaimed tax refunds occur if the department cannot reach you due to outdated contact info. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators can help locate unclaimed state tax refunds based on your previous state of residence.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Overpaid taxes or unclaimed refunds may be outstanding due to address issues or relocation. Contact the IRS for details on unclaimed refunds or missing tax checks.

U.S. Department of the Treasury
Lost or unclaimed savings bonds and Treasury-held assets can be claimed by filing Form 1048 with the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. Unclaimed IRS refunds are also forwarded here after three years.

Social Security Administration
If a loved one has recently passed, you might be entitled to life insurance benefits or unclaimed policies from demutualized companies. The SSA can help locate these unclaimed benefits or policies.