Forgotten Funds, Hiding in Plain Sight
Would you be surprised to learn that every U.S. state holds millions of dollars in unclaimed property, and some of it could belong to you? If you’ve ever forgotten about a bank account, moved without updating your address, or left a check uncashed, you may have funds waiting to be claimed.
What Is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property refers to financial assets that have been lost, forgotten, or abandoned by their rightful owners. This can happen when businesses or institutions lose contact with individuals due to address changes, name changes, or even death.
Common unclaimed property include:
- Bank accounts and safe deposit boxes
- Uncashed checks and money orders
- Refunds from utility companies
- Insurance proceeds (home, auto, life, etc.)
- Stocks, bonds, and dividends
When these assets remain unclaimed for a certain period (usually three to five years, depending on the state) they are turned over to the state's unclaimed property program for safekeeping.
A Special Note for Nevadans & Californians
If you live in Nevada or California (as many of our clients do), both state treasurers maintain a user-friendly online database of unclaimed property. Both states are currently holding hundreds of millions of dollars in unclaimed assets, and it’s easy to check if any of it is yours.
You can search Nevada’s database directly here: Nevada Unclaimed Property Search
You can search California’s database directly here: California Unclaimed Property Search
How to Search Nationwide
If you’ve lived, worked, or done business in multiple states, it’s worth checking each one. Fortunately, the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) offers a free, centralized search tool: MissingMoney.com
Search for:
- Yourself
- Your spouse
- Deceased family members (helpful for estate settlement)
- Business names
How to Claim Your Property
The claims process is generally simple and secure:
- File a Claim – Follow the instructions provided on the state’s official website to submit your claim.
- Provide Documentation – You may need to provide proof of identity, such as a government-issued ID, and documentation linking you to the unclaimed property (e.g., old addresses, bank statements, or other records).
- Wait for Processing – Once submitted, the state will review your claim, which may take a few weeks. If approved, you’ll receive your funds or assets, typically by check or direct deposit.
How Much Does it Cost?
There’s no cost to claim what’s already yours.
Some third-party companies offer to “help” you claim property for a fee. Don’t pay for what’s already free. Always use official state websites or MissingMoney.com to search and file.
Why You Should Check
There’s no deadline to claim unclaimed property, but it’s smart to act sooner rather than later. While some claims might be small (like a $5 refund), others could total hundreds or even thousands of dollars. There’s no limit on the amount, and the property never expires.
Searching also helps protect against identity theft, since unclaimed assets can sometimes be targets for fraud if left unattended.
Next Steps
Whether you live in Nevada, California, or anywhere else in the U.S., unclaimed property is more common than you might think. A quick search today could uncover forgotten funds for you, your family, or your business.
Take a few minutes to check. You might find money with your name on it!
Or, ask us to look for you: Reach out to (775) 827-0670 or schedule a 'Quick Connection' time with us at www.openwindowFS.com/connection.