How to Locate Unclaimed Money From the Federal Government

The federal government may be holding unclaimed funds in your name.

Every year, millions of dollars in cash and other valuable property is classified as "unclaimed property." Most of these bank accounts, bonds, stocks, refund checks, safety deposit boxes and other valuables appear to be abandoned. In such cases, management of the accounts generally reverts to the state government, but some unclaimed funds are managed by federal agencies. You can search for any unclaimed accounts in your name at several online websites.

Instructions

1. Search at Treasury Hunt for unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds. Treasury Hunt identifies holders of bonds that have stopped earning interest, but have never been redeemed for cash. Search the database by entering your Social Security number.

2. Search the Department of Housing and Urban Development website for unclaimed mortgage refunds. Many government-insured mortgages are eligible for a refund on insurance payments. Enter your last name in the search field to see if your mortgage is included on the list of refunds that have not yet been claimed.

3. Review the "unclaimed deposits" list from the National Credit Union Administration. This federal agency has oversight of the nation's credit unions and manages the assets of failed credit unions. Check the list of unclaimed deposits at their website to see if your name is listed.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you also check unclaimed funds held by state governments. You can search almost all states at once at missingmoney.com by entering "ZZ" in the state field.

References

• U.S. Department of Treasury: Treasury Hunt
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Does HUD Owe You a Refund?
• National Credit Union Administration: Unclaimed Deposits

Resources

• U.S. Treasury Department: Unclaimed Money and Assets