How to Claim Unclaimed Money from the Government (2025 Guide)
Did you know the U.S. government holds billions of dollars in unclaimed funds? Whether it’s a forgotten tax refund, a closed bank account, or uncashed checks, you might be owed money without even realizing it. In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn how to check for unclaimed money and claim it for free—without using a third-party service.
What Is Unclaimed Money?
- Funds from closed bank accounts or insurance policies
- Forgotten tax refunds or stimulus checks
- Uncashed paychecks or utility deposits
- Abandoned safe deposit box contents
Where to Check for Unclaimed Money
These are the most reliable and official places to search:
- Unclaimed.org – National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA)
- MissingMoney.com – Searches multiple states for you
- IRS “Where’s My Refund?” – For missed tax refunds
- US Treasury – TreasuryHunt.gov – For matured savings bonds
Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your Unclaimed Money
- Go to Unclaimed.org or MissingMoney.com
- Search by your full name and state(s) you’ve lived in
- Verify the listed property belongs to you
- Submit the claim form and provide required documentation
- Wait for verification and receive your money (usually 2–12 weeks)
Common Types of Unclaimed Funds
| Type | Typical Source | Claiming Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Uncashed Checks | Payroll, refunds | State Treasury or IRS |
| Utility Deposits | Electric/gas companies | State Utility Commission |
| Insurance Payouts | Life or auto insurance | Insurance department |
| Savings Bonds | U.S. Treasury | TreasuryHunt.gov |
Warning: Don’t Fall for Scams
Some websites charge fees to “help” you claim your money. This is unnecessary—claiming is free through official state and federal websites.
- Never give out your full SSN or bank info via email
- Double-check the domain of the site (must end in .gov or .org)
- If in doubt, call your state’s treasury office directly
Final Thoughts
You could be sitting on hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars without realizing it. Checking takes just a few minutes and costs nothing. Make it a yearly habit to search for unclaimed money from all states you’ve lived in, and don’t let your funds go to waste.