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How to find (and re-claim!) your Unclaimed Property

Like finding 20 bucks in your pocket.

Author

Bryan Hasling, CFP®
December 13, 2023

Holiday shopping is in full-force. So today’s topic is about how you can potentially raise some extra spending cash.

Or, rather, find extra spending cash.

You know that awesome feeling when you find 20 bucks in your pants pocket?

Sure, it was yours all along. But you didn’t know you lost it… that’s free Money!

Introducing: Unclaimed Property.

In this piece, I’ll show you how you can find any misplaced money and how to start a claim. It could be the best 15-min you spend this week.

Down below, I’ll share the precise instructions I use to help clients, friends, and family re-claim their hard earned money.

And as a fun example, I’ll show you how I found $3,000 for a former NBA player.

Here’s a quick video describing how they can start the process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Visit MissingMoney.com - this is the national directory (contrary to my video where I looked at only the specific state). Type in your family’s last name and find all the missing crown jewels.

  2. Start the Claim - simply click ‘Claim’ in bulk next to everything with your name on it.

  3. Fill out the Form - the form should arrive to your inbox in <30-min.

  4. Upload completed Form + Key Documents - you should be able to directly upload scans of your documents for a digital (faster) experience.

Key Documents to prove identity:

  • I’ve executed many claims over the years in both California and Texas and I’ve always been successful by only sending in a photocopy of their Driver’s License. That said, certain states may want to see more. If you’d feel more comfortable providing more info, good documents are either a paystub, W-2, or the cover page of your tax return (form 1040).

If you prefer to submit everything physically:

  • For whatever reason, I have gone old-school and physically mailed in documents via snail mail. In addition to the signed form, I’ll print out photocopies of my client’s driver’s licenses, or cover page of 1040.

How long will it take to receive my unclaimed check?

Assuming you filled out the form correctly and your identity is proven, I’ve seen checks arrive around 1 - 1.5 months.

I recommend saving your Claim ID, and checking in every so often to make sure nothing got lost in the mail. If it did, no harm in re-submitting everything.

That’s all there is to it!

I regularly search for family members and friends. Then they’ll search their family and friends too! For my work, this is part of my Onboarding process for all new clients.

If you find any money, let me know!

Looking for Next Steps?