Steps to Find Unclaimed Money Online
Step 1: Locate your state’s unclaimed property website. You can find a complete list on NoProofClassActions.org at the bottom of the page.
Step 2: Use the search function on your state’s website to look for cash or assets that may belong to you.
Step 3: If necessary, verify your identity to the state to confirm your claim to the funds or property.
Step 4: Wait for your check to arrive.
Unclaimed money refers to cash or assets that belong to individuals but have not been claimed. This can happen when someone forgets about an old bank account, fails to cash a check, or does not collect an insurance payout. After a certain period, typically three to five years, the state takes custody of these funds for safekeeping. People can search for their unclaimed money through their state’s website and file a claim to retrieve it. Each state has its own procedures, and the funds often remain with the state until the rightful owner steps forward.
Reasons for Unclaimed Settlement Funds
- Lack of Awareness: Individuals eligible for class action settlements may simply be unaware of the settlement or have missed the opportunity to file a claim.
- Complex Claim Process: Claiming settlement funds can sometimes be complicated, requiring documentation that potential claimants may not have on hand.
- Misunderstanding or Skepticism: Some people might ignore notifications, mistaking them for scams or irrelevant offers.
- Small Payouts: When the payout amount is low, individuals may decide the effort to claim it isn’t worth their time.
How to Find and Claim Unclaimed Settlement Money
- Stay Informed: Regularly visit websites that track class action settlements, such as NoProofClassActions.org. We provide information on ongoing and recent settlements, eligibility, and deadlines.
- Sign Up for Notifications: Many of these websites allow you to sign up for alerts about new class action lawsuits and settlements. See below for the signup option.
Check Your Eligibility
Review the details of each settlement to see if you are part of the affected class, typically by confirming whether you purchased a product, used a service, or were otherwise impacted within a specific timeframe.
File a Claim
Follow the provided instructions to file a claim, which usually involves completing a form and possibly providing proof of purchase or other documentation. Be sure to submit your claim before the deadline.
Follow Up
After filing your claim, monitor any communications regarding the settlement. Processing claims and distributing payments may take some time.
Additional Resources for Unclaimed Money
State Unclaimed Property Offices: If you suspect you have unclaimed funds from other sources, like forgotten bank accounts or uncashed checks, check your state’s unclaimed property website.
Unclaimed funds are financial assets that have been unclaimed by their rightful owners for a designated period. These funds can come from various sources, and each U.S. state has its own system for managing them. Common examples of unclaimed money include:
- Bank accounts and contents of safe deposit boxes
- Dividends, payroll, or cashier’s checks
- Stocks, bonds, and mutual fund accounts
- Mineral interest or royalty payments
- Court deposits, trust funds, and escrow accounts
- Inactive savings accounts
- Life insurance proceeds
- Customer overpayments and unused gift certificates
How Unclaimed Funds Work
When financial assets remain unclaimed for a certain period, they are deemed abandoned and must be reported to the state. The state then takes custody of these assets until the rightful owner or their heirs come forward to claim them. This process is governed by state laws, which outline the dormancy period and the procedures for reporting and claiming unclaimed property.
State Management of Unclaimed Funds
Each state manages unclaimed funds through its own program, typically overseen by the state treasury or comptroller’s office. States collect unclaimed funds from businesses and financial institutions and provide a process for individuals to search for and reclaim their money.
How to Check for Unclaimed Funds
To check if you have unclaimed funds, visit your state’s unclaimed money website. Each state has a dedicated site where you can search for unclaimed assets.