In 2022 alone, there has already been close to $100 million worth of funds returned to New Yorkers. If you’re curious about what unclaimed property is and how you can find it, keep reading below. Your search could pay off big time.

The Process

New York State’s Abandoned Property Law requires certain institutions to transfer unused or dormant money and funds to the New York State COmptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds. Examples of places required to report these unclaimed properties are banks, insurance companies, state agencies and other corporations.

Search For Lost Money

Individuals

You can search for lost money both online and by mail. Individuals can enter their first and last name to begin their search. There will be step by step directions after you select an item you wish to claim, so be sure to follow their prompts. The database will then take your information and determine if your claim is successful or not.

If you choose to send your claim by mail, there will be an option to do so after the search results come up. The “Mail Claim Form” page will appear after you search by name. Print this form and sign it, then you will need to have your signature notarized. After you have the required documents outlined in the Mail Claim Form, you need to mail it to:

                                    Office of the State Comptroller

                                    Office of Unclaimed Funds

                                    110 State Street

                                    Albany, New York 11236

Businesses and Organizations

Enter the name of your business or organization in the “Search for Organization” section located here. Choose the item you want to claim from the search results, then open a claim form and print one for each owner’s name.

Proof of ownership is required, and any additional information such as a proof of name change, and any mergers or acquisitions associated with the business. For any claims submitted by mail, use the above address for the Office of the State Comptroller.

Deceased Owners and Estates

Any claim submitted for a deceased owners must be a person appointed by the court to handle the estate. If no one has been appointed by the state, only a surviving spouse, immediate relative (children, parent, sibling), other relative (grandchild, niece/nephew, aunt/uncle, cousin), or creditor can submit a claim.

Search and Collect

Finding unclaimed property in New York is easy, so enter in your information to see if you can claim what’s rightfully yours.