How to Locate Lost Assets
According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, over $1.754 billion of unclaimed property was returned in 2006. Currently, there is over $32 billion of unclaimed assets that are currently being held in the state treasury departments throughout the United States. Unclaimed assets can come from a variety of sources such as closed financial accounts, utility security deposits, royalty payments, uncased payroll checks and unclaimed money, property or financial instruments transferred through a will.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Contact your state's Treasury Department to request information on their unclaimed assets database. Most states maintain a searchable database that can be accessed online. The Missing Money website maintains information on each state' Treasury Department and also has a searchable feature.
-
2
Provide your first and last name on the searchable database to find out if you have unclaimed assets that are being held in your state. Each state's database will search for assets in their state only. If you have lived in multiple states, you should consider performing a separate search for each state. If unclaimed assets are being held in the state's Treasury Department under your name, you will see a record for each account that corresponds with your name.
-
-
3
Request a claim form from your state's Treasury Department if you locate unclaimed property in the database that you believe belongs to you. To complete the claim form, you will be asked to provide personal information about yourself such as your address, telephone number, date of birth and Social Security number. You will also be required to provide proof of your identity before unclaimed assets will be turned over to you.
-
1
