Is it possible you left money in an old bank account? Maybe you lost track of a security deposit, insurance payout, stock dividend or mutual fund? Could there be a distant relative who left bonds in your name? State law requires banks, insurance companies, corporations and the courts to notify the owner of any dormant accounts. Despite these efforts, some funds remain unclaimed and are turned over to the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC). State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli serves as the custodian of unclaimed funds until they’re claimed by the rightful owners.

Every day, our Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF) returns more than $1.5 million to their rightful owners. In the largest payout to date, one New York State resident received $5.2 million from a stock claim. During State fiscal year 2019-2020, $415 million was paid out.

Yet New York State still holds 42 million unclaimed accounts, including $8 million for an estate. Most unclaimed account amounts are much more modest, with 70 percent of claims being less than $100.

How to Search for Unclaimed Funds

OUF has made it easy to search for money that may belong to you. It takes just a few minutes to search the online Unclaimed Funds database, and it’s free. And if you find some lost money, it would make a great addition to your retirement savings.

Visit OSC’s Unclaimed Funds website, click the “Search Now” button, enter your name and click “search.” If you find your name in the database, you can file your claim online. To protect you from fraud, OUF can’t tell you the amount of your claim until they receive and confirm your proof of ownership.

OUF has been working to improve online services for those seeking to claim funds. Here are some recent improvements:

• Claimants can submit requested documents, such as a signed form or legal documents, online.
• Claims for deceased owners can be submitted online, cutting processing time in half.
• Automatic text messages can be sent to alert customers about the status of their claim.

There is no charge for searching for unclaimed funds or filing a claim. Location service providers have no special access to our database and will not get you your money any faster. These companies may charge a finder’s fee of up to 15 percent for locating unclaimed funds.