How to Find Missing Money
Every year, unclaimed money piles up across the United States. It includes old bank accounts, forgotten pensions, misplaced savings bonds, uncashed checks, and life insurance benefits that families never knew existed. This isn’t about lottery winnings or secret inheritances—it’s money that legally belongs to people but sits waiting because no one has claimed it.
With better technology and federal coordination, it’s now easier to track down these lost funds. But most people never check. They assume it’s too complicated, probably not worth it, or someone would have contacted them if they were owed money. The truth is the government doesn’t always have the time or tools to hunt you down—you need to look.
Why Does So Much Money Go Unclaimed?
Money can slip away for dozens of reasons: people switch jobs and forget to roll over a 401(k), banks merge or collapse, companies shut down, or family members pass away with no one knowing about their accounts. Even something as simple as moving to a new address without updating your information can result in uncashed checks or missing account notices.
State governments and federal agencies try to keep track of these funds, but don’t always know where to send the money. Multiply these issues across decades, and the total reaches into the billions. Some estimates suggest that Americans have left behind trillions over time, which could make a real difference in individual lives if recovered.
Even small sums matter. Maybe it’s a $50 utility refund or a $200 uncashed dividend check. Perhaps it’s a $5,000 pension payout you didn’t know you were entitled to. Whatever the amount, this money is legally yours, and claiming it costs you only a little time.
Where (and How) To Search for Unclaimed Funds
There’s no master database covering all unclaimed money, but several official sites—many backed by the government—make the process straightforward.
Start with missingmoney.com, run by the National Association of State Treasurers. This site aggregates state databases so you can check for unclaimed property like utility deposits, dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, or inactive stock accounts. If you’ve ever moved or lived in multiple states, this is your first stop.
For missing or forgotten retirement accounts, visit lostandfound.dol.gov, set up by the U.S. Department of Labor. It’s a relatively new tool to help people locate old or missing retirement savings. For pension benefits from private companies that have shut down, check pbgc.gov, the official site of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
If you suspect you had deposits at a bank that failed, go to closedbanks.fdic.gov/funds. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation maintains this list, while ncua.gov covers similar records for failed credit unions through the National Credit Union Administration.
To look up unclaimed U.S. savings bonds, Treasury securities, or any missed interest payments, head to treasuryhunt.gov, operated by the Department of the Treasury. And if you or a family member may be owed unpaid wages from a former employer, dol.gov/agencies/whd/wow, part of the Workers Owed Wages site, can help you file a claim.
Before searching, gather key details: your full legal name, Social Security number, and past addresses. If you’re searching on behalf of a deceased family member, you’ll also need proof of death and documentation showing your relationship.
A word of caution: Only use official government (.gov) or verified nonprofit websites. Scams are rampant in this space, often preying on people desperate to recover money. You should never have to pay a fee to search—if someone asks for money upfront, walk away.
Take Action Now
Spending just 20 or 30 minutes today could uncover money you didn’t know you were owed. These official sites are free to use and could connect you to funds that have been sitting in limbo for years. Don’t stop with just yourself—encourage family and friends to search, too.
If you uncover large or complex claims—like disputed inheritances, trust distributions, or pension payouts tied up in red tape—the Center for Estate Planning, a Maddin Hauser practice group, is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.