What unclaimed money searches do and don't do
An unclaimed money search using your Social Security number is a way to look through public databases that list money sitting in state accounts — usually from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, or utility deposits. You enter your name and Social Security number into a search tool, and the database tells you whether any records match. If a match appears, you then contact the state agency or the original source to claim the money yourself.
These searches are free and take a few minutes. But they are not a service that claims money for you, and they do not may provide you will find anything. Many people search and find nothing. The databases are maintained by state governments, and the search tools themselves are run by those states or by third-party vendors the states hire.
Key Takeaways
- Each state maintains its own unclaimed property database, so you may need to search multiple states where you have lived or worked.
- The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) runs MissingMoney.com, a multi-state search tool that covers most states in one search.
- You can also search individual state treasurer or comptroller websites directly without using a third-party tool.
- If you find a match, you will need to contact the state agency or the original company to submit proof of ownership and claim the money yourself.
- Legitimate unclaimed money searches are always free; services that charge upfront fees or promise results are not trustworthy.
Using MissingMoney.com for a multi-state search
MissingMoney.com is the easiest starting point because it searches multiple state databases at once. Go to the site, enter your first and last name, and optionally your Social Security number. You can search by name alone, but adding your Social Security number narrows the results to records more likely to be yours.
The search covers most U.S. states and some U.S. territories. Results appear when ready and show the state where the money is held, the type of property (such as a bank account or insurance payout), and the amount if it is listed. If you find a match, the site provides a link to the state agency you need to contact to claim it.
MissingMoney.com is run by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, a nonprofit organization of state officials. The site itself is free and does not ask for payment or sensitive information beyond your name and Social Security number.
Searching individual state databases directly
If you prefer to search a specific state or want to double-check a result, you can go directly to that state's unclaimed property program. Most states call it the State Treasurer's Office or State Comptroller's Office. Search online for "[Your State] unclaimed property" and you will find the official state website.
State websites vary in how they work. Some let you search by name and Social Security number. Others ask for name only. Enter the information as requested and review any results. If you find a match, the state website will explain what documents you need to submit to claim the money — usually a form of ID and proof that you are the person named in the record.
Searching directly also lets you look for money in states where you may have lived or worked years ago. Many people find unclaimed property in states they have not lived in for decades.
What happens after you find a match
If a search returns a match with your name and Social Security number, the next step is to contact the state agency or the original source of the money. Do not send money to anyone who contacts you claiming to help you claim unclaimed funds — that is a common scam.
The state agency or company will ask you to prove you are who you say you are. Typical proof includes a copy of your driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID. Some states also ask for a notarized affidavit or a completed claim form. The process usually takes several weeks to a few months.
Once the state verifies your identity, it will send the money to you by check or direct deposit, depending on the amount and the state's rules. There is no fee to claim unclaimed money from the state. If a third party offers to claim it for you in exchange for a percentage of the money, that is a red flag — you can always claim it yourself for free.
Red flags and how to avoid scams
Scammers use unclaimed money to trick people into paying upfront fees or giving out personal information. Here are the warning signs: a website or person asking you to pay a fee before searching or claiming, a may provide that you will find money, pressure to act quickly, or requests for your full Social Security number, bank account, or credit card information upfront.
Legitimate unclaimed money searches are always free. State agencies never charge to search their databases or to claim money. If you find a match, the state may ask for ID and proof of ownership, but it will never ask for payment before sending you the money.
Stick to official state websites or MissingMoney.com. If you are unsure whether a website is legitimate, search for the state treasurer's office phone number independently and call to ask whether the site is official.
Why money goes unclaimed in the first place
Unclaimed money usually comes from accounts or payments that were forgotten or lost track of over time. A bank account might be left dormant for years. A security deposit from an old apartment may have been mailed to an address you no longer use. An insurance company might have issued a check that was never cashed. A utility company may be holding a deposit from service you cancelled.
States hold this money in perpetuity — there is no time limit on how long you can claim it. The money does not disappear or go to the state permanently. It sits in a state fund waiting for the rightful owner to come forward. That is why unclaimed property databases exist: to help people find money that belongs to them.
Searching for family members or deceased relatives
You can search for unclaimed money in someone else's name if you have their Social Security number. This is useful if you are settling an estate or managing affairs for a family member. However, the person who claims the money must be the rightful owner or their legal representative — usually an executor of an estate or a power of attorney holder.
If the person is deceased, you will need to provide a death certificate and proof that you have the legal authority to claim on their behalf. Each state has different rules about who can claim unclaimed property for a deceased person, so contact the state agency directly to learn what documents you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search using just my Social Security number without my name?
Most search tools require at least your name. Some allow you to search by name alone without a Social Security number, but adding your Social Security number makes results more accurate and reduces false matches. MissingMoney.com accepts both approaches.
What if I find money in a state where I never lived?
This can happen if you worked in that state, had a bank account there, or received a check from a company based there. Contact the state agency listed in the search result. You will need to prove your identity and explain your connection to the account or payment to claim it.
How long does it take to receive unclaimed money after I claim it?
Processing times vary by state and by the type of property. Most claims take four to twelve weeks from the time you submit all required documents. Some states are faster; others are slower. The state agency will give you a timeline when you submit your claim.
Is there a fee to search for or claim unclaimed money?
No. Searching is free, and claiming money from the state is free. If anyone charges you a fee to search or to claim money on your behalf, they are running a scam. You can always search and claim for yourself at no cost.
What if I cannot find my money even though I think I should have some?
Not all forgotten money ends up in unclaimed property databases. Some accounts may have been closed by the bank or company without creating a record. Try searching in multiple states where you have lived or worked. You can also contact banks or companies directly if you remember which ones held your money.