Millions of dollars in unclaimed funds are waiting to be reunited with their rightful owners in New York State. Banks, insurance companies, utilities, and other businesses are legally required to surrender inactive accounts to the state. These funds, often referred to as “lost,” “abandoned,” or “unclaimed” property, are held in custody by the state until claimed.
The Office of the New York State Comptroller acts as the custodian of these assets. If you can establish proof of ownership, the Comptroller’s Office will return the money to you, free of charge, regardless of how much time has passed. Until claimed, these funds benefit New York State, supporting various programs and services for its residents.
Start your search for unclaimed funds in New York now by visiting the official website: https://www.osc.state.ny.us/unclaimed-funds.
For detailed information on eligibility requirements and the claims process, you can explore the resources available on the Comptroller’s website.
Expand Your Search Nationally
To broaden your search beyond New York, consider using missingmoney.com. This website is officially endorsed by New York and numerous other states to list unclaimed property owners. Searching is free, and there is no charge to request a claim form. Simply follow the instructions on the missingmoney.com website to initiate your claim. If your state is not listed on missingmoney.com, the site provides guidance on how to contact the relevant unclaimed property office in that state.
Explore Federal Databases for Unclaimed Assets
Don’t forget to check for unclaimed assets at the federal level. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Management Service offers a website with resources to help you locate unclaimed federal funds. Visit their site and navigate to the A to Z Index, then click on “U” and select “Unclaimed Assets, FAQ” for more information and search options.
Tips to Enhance Your Search
To make your search for lost money in NY more effective, keep these tips in mind:
- Search variations: Try searching for yourself, family members, or businesses you are associated with. For individuals, use your last name (current or former) and first name (full or partial). For family searches, only a last name is needed. Business searches require the business name.
- Claim eligibility: You can search on behalf of anyone, but you can only file a claim for property that belongs to you or if you are the legal heir. Business owners can also claim on behalf of their businesses.
- Refine common names: If you have a common name, narrow your search by specifying the city and/or state where you have resided.
- Deceased relatives: You can search for deceased family members, but only the rightful heir(s) can claim the property.
For more specific search advice, consult the search tips section on the missingmoney.com website.
Contact the New York State Comptroller’s Office
For any inquiries regarding unclaimed funds in New York, you can contact the New York State Comptroller’s Office directly through their website or by phone. Visit https://www.osc.state.ny.us/unclaimed-funds for contact details and further assistance in your search to Find Lost Money Ny.
