Updated October 12, 2026 · 5-minute read

How to find unclaimed money in your name

Uncashed paychecks, old deposits, refunds and forgotten accounts get turned over to the government when companies can't find you. Searching for it is free and takes a few minutes.

The short version

Search MissingMoney.com, which searches most states at once.
Then search your own state's site through unclaimed.org, and every state you've lived in.
Check federal sources too: savings bonds, IRS refunds, pensions and unpaid wages.
Never pay a fee to search or to claim from a government office.

What kind of money is out there?

Uncashed paychecks, including a last check from an old job
Security deposits and refunds from utilities, landlords and stores
Forgotten bank accounts and credit balances
Insurance payouts, stocks and dividends

Companies must turn this money over to the state after a period of time. The state holds it until you claim it.

Step 1: Search your state

Start with MissingMoney.com.It's a free site run by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, and it searches most states' records at once.
Check your state directly.Go to unclaimed.org and choose your state. Not every state is in MissingMoney.com, and some records only appear on the state's own site.
Search every state you've lived or worked in.Also try your maiden name, old addresses and common misspellings.
Claim it.Follow the state's steps. You'll usually need ID and proof of your old address.

Step 2: Check these federal sources

Old savings bonds: Treasury Hunt
IRS refunds you never got: Where's My Refund?
Pensions from old employers: PBGC unclaimed pensions
Back wages owed by an employer: Department of Labor
Money from a failed bank: FDIC; failed credit union: NCUA
FHA mortgage insurance refund (if you had an FHA loan): HUD refunds
Veterans' life insurance: VA unclaimed funds

The full list is at USA.gov/unclaimed-money.

Watch out for scams

Searching and claiming through a state or federal office is free. Be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue and asks for a fee to "release" your money, and only share personal information on official .gov sites or the sites linked here.

More money you may be owed

Working families may qualify for tax credits worth thousands, like the Earned Income Tax Credit. See the "Money you're owed" section of our full guide.

Want it all on paper?

Found some money? The Debt Freedom Planner shows where it does the most good: emergency cushion, a past-due bill, or paying down debt.

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We sell these. They never change the advice above. How we make money.

Sources

Checked October 12, 2026. Programs change their rules. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount. Found something wrong? Email help@billhelpnow.com.