(DailyTreasure.com) – Unexpected money can be a lifeline to American families that feel like they simply cannot catch a break in this economy. A surprise payday could be in your future if you have unclaimed money that you have a right to. If you feel that money just sitting around for years that could be in your pocket right now feels too good to be true, be reassured that there are legitimate processes in place to make sure that businesses cannot cheat you out of the money that you have not yet claimed.
What forms could unclaimed money take, and how do you find out if you are owed unclaimed money? It is more than worth your effort to learn more. Read on to find out!
What is Unclaimed Money?
Unclaimed money could be any tangible or intangible property that is legally owed to a person but has not been requested or acquired. Financial institutions and businesses may maintain property or accounts that have accrued value even when no one has interacted with them for a time. If a property with monetary value has not been accessed or considered active for a specific period, the property is given to the state to become “unclaimed property”.
Businesses comply with these timelines for abandonment because there can be serious legal consequences for them if they withhold information about unclaimed money in their taxes and revenue reports.
Examples of Common Sources of Unclaimed Money
Unclaimed property that could mean money in your pocket includes tangible items such as:
- Physical money
- Safety deposit boxes
- Miscellaneous papers
However, most unclaimed property takes the shape of intangible valuable accounts. These may have been forgotten payments or returns that were never completed. It is also possible that a person moves and never receives communications about the money they are due. Other intangible property could be:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Stocks or annuities
- Overpayments made to businesses
- Traveler’s checks
- Gift certificates or money orders
- Uncashed payroll checks
- Utility deposits
- Trust distributions
- Refunded assets
How Can I Check If I’m Owed Unclaimed Money?
Although there is no official federal database that monitors all the unclaimed property in the United States, you can access an official list. Generally, each one of the states has its own website that allows you to conveniently search for unclaimed property. You can look up not only your own name but also check for family members, both living and deceased to see if your family is owed unclaimed money.
Most of the state search websites also allow you to use a business name. You can see if a business you owned is still owed money.
You can find a link to the available state and US territory unclaimed property websites through the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators here.
How Do I Get My Unclaimed Property or Money?
Once you know how much money you are owed, follow the links through the online portal to claim your money. After you have submitted a claim, you may be asked to verify your identity. You may need a photo ID, your social security number, and a completed and signed claim form.
If you are filing a claim for a deceased person, you will need to get in contact with the state that holds the unclaimed property and communicate directly with them.
The ease with which one can search for unclaimed property means getting the money you are due is well within reason. Use online search databases to see if you or a family member have unclaimed property that could mean real money in your pocket, and enjoy an easy win in your budget this month!
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