Introduction
If someone owed you money and forgot to pay you, would you want to know? Of course, you would! But what if we told you that there could be money owed to you that you don’t even know about? That’s right – there could be unclaimed money waiting to be claimed by you or your family members. In this article, we will help you discover the top websites to find unclaimed money, how to determine if you are entitled to any unclaimed money and provide you with the ultimate guide on how to claim it.
Top 5 Websites to Discover Unclaimed Money
When it comes to finding unclaimed money, there are numerous websites that you can use. The top five websites are:
1. MissingMoney.com -This website is endorsed by National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) and includes information from 38 different states. It is a free website and allows you to search in multiple states simultaneously.
2. Unclaimed.org – This website provides links to individual state’s unclaimed property programs and is also managed by NAUPA. It is a free website and includes policies, rules, and regulations regarding unclaimed property for individual states.
3. Treasurydirect.gov. – This website is managed by the US Department of Treasury and includes unclaimed savings bonds as well as checking or savings accounts that have been closed for more than a year, matured Treasury bonds or notes, and unredeemed payments issued by the government.
4. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) – This website provides a tool to search for unclaimed pensions due to people who have worked for private companies and have failed to collect their pensions.
5. Credit Karma – Credit Karma, a personal finance company, offers free credit reports, credit monitoring services, and offers guidance on how to find and claim various types of unclaimed money.
In recent years, searches for unclaimed money have shown great success, with some users claiming to have obtained tens of thousands of dollars. For example, one woman in Connecticut found $32,000 while searching for unclaimed money online.
Are You Entitled to Unclaimed Money? How to Find Out
Determining eligibility for unclaimed money is relatively easy. State and federal agencies that hold unclaimed money often provide search engines on their websites where individuals can perform searches. To conduct your search, you will need your full name, current address, Social Security number or driver’s license number.
Go to the website of each of the states in which a person has resided in the past. Some states, like California, allow you to search for unclaimed property by address. Other states, like New York, require you to do a name search. Follow the prompts on the websites to conduct your search.
When conducting a search, use different variants of your name, like middle initials or nicknames to ensure a complete search. If the search pulls up a record, follow the instructions on the screen to claim your property.
The Benefits of Using a Website to Finding Unclaimed Money
It’s a good idea to check for unclaimed money regularly. The chances are, unclaimed money will continue to pile up in your name over time, without you realizing it. By using a website, you can conduct your searches from the comfort of your home, reduce the chance of procrastination, and increase your chances of retrieving your money. Website searches also save you the hassle of contacting multiple offices or spending hours on hold.
Here are some added benefits of using websites to find unclaimed money:
1. Confidentiality – Your personal information is guaranteed to stay confidential when you conduct a search or file a claim.
2. Convenience – Searching for unclaimed property online removes the possibility of missing out on unclaimed property due to geographical distance.
3. Efficiency – Conducting a search online is sure to be more efficient than conducting a manual search by mail or telephone.
A Guide to Finding YOUR Unclaimed Money Online
Now that you understand the benefits of finding unclaimed money and have the top 5 websites to use, let’s walk through the process of finding specific unclaimed money online.
For the purpose of this article, we will use MissingMoney.com as an example. The following steps apply to almost all unclaimed money search engines:
1. Go to the website and select the state you want to search. If you want to search multiple states, select “National.”
2. Enter your first and last name and click the search button. Variants of your name will automatically be searched.
3. Review the results and look for property that you know you have owned or possibly inherited.
4. Once you have found a property that belongs to you, click the “Claim Property” button.
5. You will be required to fill out some basic information – after which you need to upload identification documents like a Driver’s License, a passport, or a birth certificate as proof of identity.
6. After submitting your claim, you will receive a confirmation email or postcard by mail acknowledging receipt of your claim.
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Unclaimed Money Online
Finally, it is essential to understand what unclaimed money is, why it exists and how to claim it.
Unclaimed money consists of lost, forgotten, or unclaimed financial assets, such as savings or checking accounts, uncashed payroll checks, safe deposit boxes, and other forms of property. These assets are considered lost and are usually turned over to the state or federal government after a period of dormancy and are held in the state or federal coffers until someone files a claim.
The federal government does not offer a centralized online database to search for unclaimed property. Still, many states have established unclaimed property programs and offer convenient online searches through official websites, where residents and legal heirs can claim any assets that the state is holding in their names.
It’s also vital to know how to claim your money properly. Be wary of organizations that offer to find your unclaimed money for a fee as it’s unlikely these companies have any information you don’t already have. To claim unclaimed money without intermediaries, you should:
1. Visit the official state government Unclaimed Money website.
2. Enter your name or the names of deceased relatives using their full names along with any relevant personal information.
3. Review the list of returned results and compare your information with the list of unclaimed funds.
4. Once you have found a match, follow the instructions on the screen and gather the necessary documentation proof of identification and ownership.
5. Fill out a claimant form and any other additional documents required.
6. Submit a claim form with all accompanying documentation.
In summary, every state and the federal government has its website and policies regarding the process of claiming unclaimed property. If you think you are entitled to make a claim, follow the steps above and search all states in which you have resided. There is no limit to the amount of money you can claim or the number of claims you can make.
Conclusion
Finding unclaimed money is a relatively simple process that can yield significant returns. We highly recommend that you conduct your searches regularly, and with our simple step-by-step guide, you won’t miss out on any money owed to you. Be sure to take advantage of the top five websites for finding unclaimed money, and we hope that you have the same level of success as many others who have found their unclaimed money.
