Unclaimed Property in New York State: Your $10 Billion Waiting

What is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property refers to assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their owners. In New York State, this can include money, stocks, bonds, jewelry, and other valuables. The state holds onto these assets until their rightful owners can be located.

Billions of Dollars Waiting

According to the New York State Comptroller's Office, there is currently over $10 billion worth of unclaimed property waiting to be claimed. This includes:

• Over $5 billion in uncashed checks
• Over $2 billion in unclaimed savings accounts
• Over $1 billion in unclaimed life insurance policies

Find Your Unclaimed Property

If you think you may have unclaimed property in New York State, you can search for it online at the Comptroller's Office website:

https://www.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/

You can search by name, Social Security number, or business name.

How to Claim Your Unclaimed Property

Once you have found your unclaimed property, you can claim it by filling out a claim form. The form is available online or by mail. You will need to provide proof of identity and documentation to support your claim.

The process of claiming unclaimed property can take several weeks. Once your claim is processed, you will receive a check or other payment for the amount of your claim.

Why Does Unclaimed Property Matter?

Unclaimed property matters because it is your money and property that is being held by the state. You deserve to have your assets returned to you, and the Comptroller's Office is there to help you do that.

Benefits of Claiming Your Unclaimed Property

There are many benefits to claiming your unclaimed property, including:

• It's your money! You deserve to have your assets returned to you.
• It's easy to do. You can search for and claim your unclaimed property online or by mail.
• It's free. There is no cost to claim your unclaimed property.
• It's secure. The Comptroller's Office takes steps to protect your personal information.

How to Avoid Unclaimed Property

There are several things you can do to avoid having your property become unclaimed, including:

• Keep track of your financial accounts.
• Update your contact information with your banks and other financial institutions.
• Make sure your will is up to date.
• Notify your family and friends of your unclaimed property.

Is Unclaimed Property a Scam?

No. Unclaimed property is not a scam. The Comptroller's Office is a legitimate government agency that is responsible for holding and returning unclaimed property to its rightful owners.

How to Find Unclaimed Money in Other States

If you have lived in other states, you may also have unclaimed property there. You can search for unclaimed property in other states at:

https://www.usa.gov/unclaimed-money

Tips for Finding and Claiming Unclaimed Property

Here are a few tips for finding and claiming your unclaimed property:

• Search for your property by name, Social Security number, and business name.
• Be patient. It may take some time to find and claim your unclaimed property.
• Keep copies of all documentation you submit with your claim.
• If you have any questions, contact the Comptroller's Office for assistance.

Conclusion

If you think you may have unclaimed property in New York State, don't wait to claim it. It's your money and property, and you deserve to have it back.