MORE than $20 billion in uncashed paychecks and refunds are waiting to be claimed by unknowing Americans.
Americans are sitting on billions in unclaimed property from uncashed checks from corporations, financial institutions, banks, and insurance companies, among other sources.
One in seven Americans are owed money through an uncashed paycheck, refund, or deposit, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administration (NAUPA).
The NAUPA recommends that Americans review their annual update or six other websites.
MISSING MONEY
One website, Missingmoney.org, which is endorsed by the NAUPA, commits to effectively directing unclaimed money to its rightful owners.
It uses a “multi-state database platform” to search and claim forgotten funds.
The website states the average claim value is $2,080.
Americans who believe they may be owed or are missing money can visit Missing Money’s website or unclaimed.org.
Next, if it is determined they are owed money, users must submit a free claim through the platform.
Finally, if accepted, the user must connect to the state to securely transfer the funds.
BUREAU OF THE FISCAL SERVICE
Another website to visit to find unclaimed money is the US Department of Treasury.
However, the federal agency underscored that it maintains its records and has no government-wide centralized database on unclaimed government assets.
TREASURY DIRECT
In 2000, the Department of the Treasury launched Treasury Hunt, a website where users could search for “matured, uncashed savings bonds.”
The bonds must be over 30 years old and no longer earn interest.
IRS REFUND
Those looking for information on a missing federal tax refund can visit the IRS Refunds page.
Users need a social security or taxpayer ID number, filing status, and the exact refund amount on the return in question to search for the funds.
WORKERS OWED WAGES
The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has a program that conducts investigations that recover wages owed to employees.
Users can search on the department’s website to see if there is unpaid money in their name.
If users are owed money, they must file a claim through the platform to retrieve them.
US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
Finally, the US Department of Housing established the HUD Refunds program to allow users to check their eligibility for a refund from the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Federal Housing Association.
