​​​​​​​Unlocking Hidden Wealth: Discovering Unclaimed Property

Do you have money or assets waiting to be claimed?

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that you could be one of the millions of people across the United States who have unclaimed property.

State treasurers are highlighting Unclaimed Property Day as an opportunity for individuals to reconnect with forgotten assets.

Here's what you need to know about the world of unclaimed property.


Unbeknownst Riches

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) estimates that over 30 million Americans have unclaimed property, ranging from forgotten bank accounts and uncashed paychecks to unused rebate cards and life insurance policy payouts.

You might even have overlooked securities from a long-forgotten safe deposit box or an unexpected inheritance. The question then arises: How does this happen?


Common Scenarios

There are several reasons why individuals may be unaware of their unclaimed property. Frequent moves can result in checks being sent to old addresses that were never forwarded.

Conversely, someone who hasn't moved for years may find that a check was mistakenly sent to the wrong address.

Additionally, individuals may possess forgotten bank accounts that were never closed, or they may be entitled to a payout from an unknown life insurance policy or estate. Medical conditions like Alzheimer's can also cause individuals to forget about various accounts or assets.


Uncovering Hidden Treasures

NAUPA offers an easily accessible state-by-state database to help individuals locate their unclaimed assets. While they have also compiled a nationwide database, it's important to note that it may not be as comprehensive as each state's records.

To get the most accurate information, it is recommended to search the unclaimed property sites of all the states where you have lived, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Combining this information with the nationwide database will provide a comprehensive picture of your potential unclaimed property.


Tempering Expectations

While news of million-dollar discoveries can capture attention, it's essential to approach the search with realistic expectations.

The average person is more likely to find smaller amounts of unclaimed property, ranging from $10 to $500. In fiscal year 2022, NAUPA stated that over $4 billion worth of unclaimed property was returned to rightful owners.

Dividing this among the 33 million people, the average amount per person comes to approximately $121. Nevertheless, this rediscovery of lost funds can still be a welcome surprise.


Conclusion

Unclaimed Property Day serves as a reminder that there might be forgotten wealth waiting to be reclaimed.

By utilizing the resources provided by NAUPA, individuals have the opportunity to reconnect with unclaimed money or assets they may have never known existed. While finding a substantial sum is unlikely for most individuals, the potential discovery of forgotten funds offers an exciting possibility.

So take the plunge and embark on the journey of uncovering hidden treasures that rightly belong to you.