New York has $19B in unclaimed funds: Find out if you're owed money
NEW YORK - What if we told you New Yorkers are owed billions of dollars that the state has been safeguarding for us, but we haven't gotten it back simply because we haven't checked for it?
NY state unclaimed funds
By the numbers:
New Yorkers are sitting on a hidden treasure of $19 billion in unclaimed funds, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The funds come from uncashed checks, dormant bank accounts, insurance claims, utility deposits and other sources, some dating back as far as the 1940s.
What they're saying:
The state has been safeguarding this money, which legally never expires. DiNapoli says he is committed to returning it to its rightful owners.
"So sometimes people say, well, I had unclaimed funds, but you know it goes back a couple years," DiNapoli said. "It doesn't matter how long it goes back. If you are the rightful owner or if you're an heir to an estate situation, we are responsible for fulfilling that commitment of giving you that money."
Currently, the comptroller’s office is reuniting New Yorkers with $1.5 million daily. Workshops to help residents claim funds are being held this month in Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens.
How to get your money back
What you can do:
To find out if there are unclaimed funds in your name, visit the New York State Comptroller's website HERE, and search using your name or the name of your organization.
- There is no charge for searching for funds or filing a claim to recover them.
- If you file a claim online, you may receive an email asking for documentation to prove ownership of the funds.
- If you file a claim by mail, you can attach the required documentation to your claim form.
Featured
How New Yorkers can reclaim over $19B in unclaimed funds
New Yorkers have an astonishing $19B in unclaimed funds, according to the New York State Comptroller's office. In New York City alone, there is nearly $5B.
How to avoid your funds going unclaimed
- Keep accurate records, ideally including account numbers, usernames, passwords, insurance policies, gift cards and more.
- Always open mail from financial institutions.
- Cash or deposit checks and use gift cards quickly.
- When you move, inform your banks immediately.
- If you change jobs, make sure your previous employer has your new home address.