Government Sites for Unclaimed Property

Check for unclaimed property from failed financial institutions When a financial institution fails, depositors may overlook getting their insured deposit back, may lose or misplace a check or may have the wrong information on file so the institution isn't able to contact them.

I recommend:  Search the FDIC for unclaimed deposits in your name. You’ll also need to have the name or location of the failed institution. Print off and mail in the FDIC Claimant Verification form if you do find your unclaimed property through the search.

See if you have unclaimed credit union deposits When a credit union is dissolved, its funds go to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), who then attempts to find the rightful owner. However, the owners aren't always found.

I recommend:  Visit NCUA’s listing of unclaimed deposits, which includes the depositors’ names, as well as the name and location of the defunct credit union. If you’re listed, download the claim form, complete it and mail it to the NCUA.

Get the pension funds due you If a private company you worked for liquidates its pension plan, the pension funds generally go to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), who then locates and reimburses missing participants.

I recommend:  Search for unclaimed pension benefits at the PBGC website. You’ll need to enter the company name and state in addition to your name. Contact the PBGC if your name is on the list.

Claim your uncollected tax refunds One of the largest sources of government unclaimed money is uncollected tax refunds, usually caused because the IRS doesn't have your latest address.

I recommend:  If you suspect you have an uncollected tax refund from last year, update your address with the IRS immediately using the IRS Change of Address, Form 8822. The IRS will send out your refund as soon as they receive the form, if you have a refund coming to you.

Find unclaimed property on the state level Even if you find no unclaimed funds or property searching federal web sites, you may find something on the state level.

I recommend:  Search for unclaimed property in individual states at NAUPA or Missing Money. Both provide links and contact information for individual state agencies.

Get reimbursed for damaged money and bonds The Federal government will replace currency or bonds that are too damaged to use.

I recommend:  The Federal government will replace currency or bonds that are too damaged to use. Review the guidelines at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing website for mailing damaged currency to the Department of the Treasury. For damaged bonds, complete form PD F 1048, which is available from the Department of the Treasury.