Are you one of the many Kansans who could be owed unclaimed money? Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson is reminding residents that the state is currently holding onto over $575 million in unclaimed property. With National Unclaimed Property Day observed on February 1st, now is the perfect time to see if some of that money belongs to you, your family, or your friends.
It’s more common than you might think to have unclaimed funds. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) estimates that around one in seven people across the nation has unclaimed property waiting for them. This could be forgotten funds from various sources, and Kansas is actively working to return this money to its rightful owners.
What is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property refers to financial assets or items of value where the owner hasn’t had any activity for a period of time. When companies or financial institutions can’t locate the owner of these assets, they are legally required to turn the property over to the state treasury.
Common examples of unclaimed property include:
- Unpaid life insurance benefits
- Stocks and bonds
- Forgotten bank accounts
- Contents of safe deposit boxes
These funds aren’t lost forever; they are securely held by the state until the rightful owners come forward to claim them.
Why Check for Kansas Unclaimed Money?
Treasurer Johnson emphasizes the importance of checking for unclaimed funds, stating, “It is estimated that one in seven people nationwide has unclaimed property – so it’s worth checking regularly to see if you, your family or friends have funds available to claim.” National Unclaimed Property Day serves as an annual prompt to encourage everyone to take a few minutes and conduct a search.
How to Search for and Claim Your Kansas Unclaimed Money
The process to search for and claim your unclaimed money is completely free and straightforward. You can easily do it online through the Kansas State Treasurer’s official website: https://kansascash.ks.gov.
Steps to Find Your Unclaimed Funds:
- Visit KansasCash: Go to the official website: https://kansascash.ks.gov.
- Search Your Name: Use the search tool on the website to enter your name and any previous addresses you may have had in Kansas.
- Review Results: If your search yields results, carefully review the details to see if any of the listed properties belong to you.
- File a Claim: Follow the instructions on the website to initiate a claim for your unclaimed property. The website will guide you through the necessary steps and documentation.
For Kansans who have lived in other states, it’s also recommended to search the national database at MissingMoney.com. This is the only national unclaimed property database endorsed by NAUPA and the National Association of State Treasurers, making it a trustworthy resource for your search.
Beware of Third-Party “Finders”
While some legitimate third-party services offer assistance in recovering unclaimed property for a fee, it’s crucial to be cautious. Treasurer Johnson warns against potential scams, stating that some “finders” may use the promise of help as a way to deceive individuals. Always remember that searching and filing a claim directly through the official state website is free.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
With millions of dollars waiting to be claimed in Kansas, take a few minutes today to search for your unclaimed money. Visit https://kansascash.ks.gov and see if you have funds to claim. It’s your money – go get it!
