MissingMoney (Unclaimed Property Search)
Last updated August 2026
States are holding billions of dollars that belong to people who forgot it: old paychecks, closed bank accounts, deposits, stocks, refunds. Roughly 1 in 7 people in the U.S. has some. MissingMoney.com is the official free multi-state search, run by the states' own unclaimed property association. Searching is free, and claiming is free.
That last part deserves repeating, because an entire industry preys on it. "Finder" services charge a cut of your own money for information you can get free in two minutes. Everything a finder sells is available at no charge from official sources. Never sign a finder contract without talking to your state's unclaimed property office first.
Search every state you have ever lived or worked in, under every name you have used: maiden names, middle initials, misspellings. The money sits with whichever state the company reported it to, which is often a state you left decades ago.
How it works behind the scenes: when an account sits untouched long enough, usually a year or more, the company must hand it to the state, and the state holds it until the owner claims it. There is no deadline pressure; states hold property until the rightful owner shows up.
When you get a hit, the claim is filed with that state's program, with ID and proof tying you to the address or account. Simple claims are often paid in weeks. Search for deceased relatives too; heirs can claim with the right paperwork.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Available to everyone
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Search your name free at missingmoney.com. No account needed.
- 2
Repeat for every state you have lived or worked in, and every name you have used.
- 3
Found a match? Follow the link to that state's official claim process.
- 4
Submit ID and proof connecting you to the listed address or account.
- 5
Search parents and deceased relatives as well. Heirs can claim with documentation.
- 6
Make it a yearly habit. New property gets turned over to states constantly.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Is missingmoney.com legit?
Yes. It is the official free multi-state search sponsored by NAUPA, the association of state unclaimed property programs, part of the state treasurers' network.
Does it cost anything to claim my money?
No. Searching and claiming through official state programs is completely free. Anyone charging a percentage is a finder selling you what is already yours.
Why would a state I left years ago have my money?
Property goes to the state where the company reported it. Old paychecks, deposits, and accounts follow addresses you had back then, so search every state in your history.
Is there a deadline to claim?
Generally no. States hold unclaimed property until the rightful owner or heirs claim it.
Can I claim money for a deceased parent?
Yes. Heirs can claim with documentation like a death certificate and proof of the relationship. The state's claim instructions list exactly what it needs.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all United States (federal programs) programs →Free · Private · No account needed