How to Find Lost Money

Many people have money that is owed to them and they don't even know about it. Whether it's a paycheck that was never picked up, a tax return check that was sent back to the IRS or something else, you might be surprised to know how much lost money you have waiting to be claimed. Below, you'll find out how to find lost money using online resources.

Instructions

1. Check out www.Unclaimed.org. The first thing you'll need to do is visit Unclaimed.org. This website is linked to other websites which allow you to search and see if you have unclaimed money. Individuals who have forgotten about a utility deposit or an old savings account may find that they are due money from one or many sources. This website is a great place to start.

2. Find Your State. On the website, you'll click on your own state. If you've lived in another state for a long period of time in the past, you may want to check that state as well. When you click on the state, you'll be taken to that state's treasury website. This is the office of your state that deals with unclaimed money. Typically, somewhere on the website you'll find a link that says 'unclaimed money.' Click on that link. There will be an option for you to enter your last name or first and last name. From here, you'll search for money that is unclaimed and listed under your name. For instance, if you reside in Illinois, you can visit http://www.treasurer.il.gov/programs/cash-dash/cash-dash.aspx to obtain information about your unclaimed money.

3. Obtain Your Unclaimed Money. If you've found money that is yours and you want to get it, there is a process you'll need to complete. The process will depend upon whether the money is yours or you're an heir of someone who has passed away and the money belonged to them. If the money belongs to you, find the 'claim form' which should be available on the website along with the address to mail it to. Print and fill out the form and mail it to the correct address. Be sure to include all information required in order to get your unclaimed money.

   If the money belongs to a relative and you're the heir, you can find the specific form for that situation on the website as well. You'll need to fill it out and send it to the correct address.

4. Don't forget about Unclaimed Bonds. Some of the money that is unclaimed (in fact, more than $15 billion) is matured bonds that have never been cashed. Some bonds may have been lost and you might think they cannot be replaced, but they can if it can be established that they were never cashed. To determine whether you have any unclaimed money in the form of bonds, visit www.publicdebt.treas.gov.

   This may even include bonds that have belonged to your family members that are now deceased - if you're the heir to assets. By using the steps above, you can determine whether you are owed any money and if so, how you can get that money back.

Resources

• Look for unclaimed money here
• Search for unclaimed bonds.