Unclaimed funds, forgotten accounts, and misplaced pensions—could there be money waiting for you? This guide provides ten proven ways to track down your unclaimed cash and finally get what’s rightfully yours. Let’s dive in and answer the age-old question: “Show Me The Money!”
1. Search for Miscellaneous Money
Forgotten security deposits, uncashed checks, lost insurance refunds—these often end up held by state governments. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) offers a free website, www.unclaimed.org, connecting you to your state’s unclaimed property department. Important: Use the .ORG website, not .com, to avoid paid services. Finding unclaimed money is always free.
2. Explore MissingMoney.com
www.missingmoney.com allows you to search multiple states simultaneously for unclaimed funds. Start with your home state, then broaden your search to “all states and provinces.” Note: Not all states participate. Check the website’s map and use www.unclaimed.org for non-participating states.
3. Track Down Unclaimed Savings Bonds
Savings bonds often mature after 30-40 years, making them easily forgotten. The Treasury Department provides a search tool (http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/tools/tools_treasuryhunt.htm) to locate bonds using your social security number. Note: Some bonds require manual searches – details are available on the Treasury website.
4. Locate Missing Federal Tax Refunds
Didn’t receive your tax refund? The IRS offers a “Where’s My Refund?” tool (http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html?portlet=4) on their website. Enter the refund amount and your social security number to track it down.
5. Find Lost Life Insurance Policies
Unclaimed life insurance proceeds might appear in your state’s unclaimed property search. If not, consider using MIB Solutions (www.policylocator.com), a private company with access to life insurance application information, for a fee-based search.
6. Recover Funds from Failed Banks
If your bank failed before you withdrew your money, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) likely insured your account. Search for your funds here: http://www2.fdic.gov/funds/index.asp.
7. Retrieve Money from Failed Credit Unions
For funds lost in a failed credit union, visit the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) website: http://www.ncua.gov/resources/assetmgmtcenter/unclaimed.aspx.
8. Locate Misplaced Pensions
Contact the company directly if it still exists or was acquired. For pensions from defunct companies, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) safeguards them. Search their website: http://www.pbgc.gov/wr/trusteed/plans.html.
9. Find Lost Retirement Money
The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) helps reunite individuals with their retirement funds, sometimes even taking legal action. Access their services: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/.
10. Recover Lost 401(k)s
A dedicated search engine, https://www.unclaimedretirementbenefits.com/, created by 401(k) plan administrators, can help you locate your lost 401(k), even if your former employer is out of business.
From forgotten savings bonds to misplaced pensions, there are numerous ways to uncover lost cash. “Show me the money” is more than a catchphrase; it’s a call to action. Utilize these resources and reclaim what’s yours.
