Could you be entitled to money from New York State? It is very possible! According to the Office of the New York State Comptroller, each day two million dollars in unclaimed funds are returned to New Yorkers. You could be one of them.
What are unclaimed funds? Money that’s been lost or forgotten over time, including old bank accounts, uncashed checks, stock certificates, and unused gift cards are unclaimed funds. After a period of inactivity, lost money is legally considered abandoned, and turned over to the New York State Comptroller’s Office, where there’s no fee or time limit to claim it.
Why wasn’t I contacted about these funds? Banks, corporations, insurance companies and courts are among many organizations required to report dormant accounts to the State Comptroller. While these organizations must try to contact you, they aren’t always successful. If they cannot get in touch with you, the funds are turned over to the Office of the State Comptroller.
How do I find out if unclaimed funds are owed to me? It’s surprisingly quick and easy.
- Visit the Office of Unclaimed Funds Search for Unclaimed Property page,
- Put your last name or business name in the search box. You can also add more details to narrow the search, especially if you have a common last name.
- The search will return a list of unclaimed accounts. The website provides information on filing a claim, either for yourself, or on behalf of someone else.
- If you do have any unclaimed funds you can submit a claim online.
Collecting unclaimed funds is generally a simple process, but we are always available if you need help or if you have a more complicated situation, such as collecting unclaimed funds for someone who is deceased which may require a probate proceeding. We can help. We are only a phone call or e-mail away.
