Unclaimed Assets: What You Need to Know and How to Check

Are you among the millions of Americans with unclaimed assets? States hold an estimated $70 billion in forgotten funds. Learn how to check for and claim your potential windfall, with average claims worth $2,080, and understand how Associate Advocates can assist you in navigating complex cases or locating hard-to-find assets not listed online

3/1/20242 min read

As professionals dedicated to protecting our clients' interests, we at Associate Advocates believe it's crucial to keep you informed about unclaimed assets held by state governments.

Did you know that states nationwide currently hold an estimated $70 billion in unclaimed assets? This astronomical figure represents forgotten funds and property belonging to millions of Americans. In fact, about one in seven individuals has unclaimed property being held by a state.

What constitutes unclaimed property? These assets can range from uncashed paychecks and rebate checks to inactive brokerage accounts and unpaid life insurance benefits. While some claims may be for just a few cents, others can reach six or even seven figures. The average value of each claimed asset is $2,080, making this a potentially significant financial discovery for many.

How to Check for Unclaimed Assets:

Visit missingmoney.com, a national clearinghouse for unclaimed assets that most states participate in.

Check individual state unclaimed property websites, especially for states where you've previously resided.

Use the links provided by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators to access state programs.

It's important to note that states do not charge a fee for searching their databases or claiming your property. The process typically requires proving your identity to establish rightful ownership.

We recommend checking for unclaimed assets regularly, as state treasurers receive new unclaimed property daily. Even if you've searched before without results, it's worth revisiting periodically.

At Associate Advocates, we're committed to helping our clients navigate the complex world of unclaimed funds. While the process of claiming these assets is generally straightforward, we're here to guide you if you encounter any challenges or have questions about your rights regarding unclaimed property.

Remember, these funds belong to you, and state officials are eager to return them to their rightful owners. Take a moment today to check if you have any unclaimed assets waiting to be recovered.

You should also know that not all government agencies post unclaimed assets online. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to locate them in situations like these. If our organization has contacted you, we likely have found funds owed to you or a family member. Contact us today.