New York is holding billions of dollars in unclaimed funds, and some of that money could belong to you.
Every year, the New York State Comptroller’s Office works to return money that has gone unclaimed after banks, insurance companies, utilities, businesses and other organizations lose contact with account holders. But it’s up to individuals to search for their money and file a claim.
► Check here to search the USA TODAY Network’s unclaimed funds database
Why does money become unclaimed?
Money becomes unclaimed when a business or financial institution can no longer locate the rightful owner.
Common examples include:
Organizations are required by law to turn over dormant accounts to the New York State Comptroller’s Office after a specified period.
How do I claim my money?
The USA TODAY Network in New York has created a searchable database using records from the Comptroller’s Office.
Search by name to see whether unclaimed funds may belong to you.
The USA TODAY Network database includes accounts dating back to 1985 and shows amounts as low as $3. The Comptroller’s online search generally displays accounts of $20 or more.
If you find a match, you can file a claim by:
What else should you know?
Unclaimed funds by the numbers
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY unclaimed funds: Check if New York owes you money
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By New York Connect Team, USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
