How to Claim Lost Money

Every year, millions of dollars in bank accounts, brokerage funds, mutual funds, tax rebates and other assets go unclaimed. When the financial institutions are unable to reach the rightful owners, the funds are turned over to each state's treasury department for disposition. Each state, in turn, maintains a database intended to reunite the assets and owners. Checking the database on a regular basis is the best way to get the money you have coming to you.

• 1

  Visit the website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Managers (Unclaimed.org). This site serves as the clearinghouse for each state's unclaimed property division.

• 2

  Click on your state to get connected to its unclaimed property department. You may first have to establish a user name and password. To search, enter your last name, if you are making a personal search; enter a company name, if a business search. Entering your first name is not necessary, but it can make the search results more accurate.

• 3

  Review the list of results for money and assets you feel might belong to you. Click the "Details" link to view more information about the unclaimed money.

• 4

  Click the "Claim" link to complete the claim form for the lost money. Read the instructions carefully to determine what documentation you need to substantiate your claim. Each state has different procedures and requirements for claiming lost funds.

• 5

  Make a copy of the claim form for your records, then submit the form to the listed address. A representative from your state's division of unclaimed property will contact you with any questions about your claim.