Unclaimed Funds

Unclaimed funds are forgotten or lost assets—such as bank accounts, uncashed checks, or insurance payouts—turned over to state governments after a period of inactivity (usually 3–5 years). You can search for free at MissingMoney.com or your state’s official auditor/treasurer site. Arkansas residents can search ClaimItAR.gov. or visit https://afterthesale.org

Where to Search for Unclaimed Money:

• State Level: MissingMoney.com is a free site sponsored by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) to search participating state databases.
• Federal Sources:
  • Bank Failures: FDIC.
  • Uncashed Tax Refunds/Stimulus: IRS.
  • Pensions: Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).
  • Savings Bonds: TreasuryHunt.gov.
  • Life Insurance: VA Life Insurance.
• Bankruptcy Cases: U.S. Courts Unclaimed Funds Locator. 

Key Facts About Unclaimed Property:

• No Time Limit: There is no deadline to claim your property; your legal right to it never expires.
• No Fees: Searching for and claiming your property through official state websites is free.
• Types of Property: Includes forgotten savings/checking accounts, stocks, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, and safe deposit box contents.
• Process: After a “dormancy period,” holders (businesses/banks) are required by law to turn over assets to the state, known as “escheatment”.