How To Reclaim Found Money

By Frank Cole


The thrill that comes with finding lost cash is unrivaled. This is particularly when you do not remember losing it in the first place. Now that you have found unclaimed cash; congratulations are in order. You may be feeling richer already. While you are likely to feel great at the moment for finding missing cash, you should still take the necessary steps to reclaim found money.

When it comes to asking for unclaimed cash in your name, the process often varies by state. This means that you should not be looking for a one size fits all solution to get your cash. Nonetheless, the initial step to claiming your unclaimed cash is to visit the appropriate website. Consider visiting the website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. You will get links to respective state sites.

Identity verification is the next important step in reclaiming your uncollected monies, once you have established the appropriate online site. This will vary according to the state, but some of the basic documents include a copy of the social security card or proof of your social security number. It is important that you do not leave out a state-issued ID, such as your driving license.

Furthermore, the majority of states will still need you to prove the address related to the property to which you are placing your claim. Utility bills are the easiest form of proof to provide. You should also prove your current address. In essence, your state wants to know your full identity plus address to confirm that you are the legitimate owner of the missing cash.

With the right website and documents in order, filing the claim is the next part. This is probably the most thrilling part of all. To make sure that you are not carried away in excitement, consider reading the claim instructions carefully, so you do not miss out on any detail. When submitting the documents, for instance, some states do not recognize any electronic submissions. Others allow it if you meet specified conditions.

Once you have found the missing cash and submitted your documents either through snail mail or online, you can now wait for the check to arrive. This, unfortunately, varies widely according to the state. Some states only take two weeks from the time you filed the claim, while others may take more than six months. In some cases, you may not know the amount you will get until the check arrives.

Do not leave any stone unturned when checking whether you are a beneficiary to any unclaimed cash. As such, it is recommended not to limit the search with the site of NAUPA. Use other online resources and check with all the states to which you have been a resident in the past to ensure you are missing out on any chance.

An important tip to consider is to search for any other names besides yours. Many people are surprised to find cash owed to their parents. Apart from state treasuries, you may also have unclaimed cash with the Internal Revenue Service in the form of tax refunds.




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