Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really free to search for unclaimed refunds?

Yes, absolutely. Searching for and claiming your unclaimed refunds through official government websites and legitimate company portals is completely free. This includes:

• Searching state unclaimed property databases
• Checking IRS records for unclaimed tax refunds
• Looking up pension benefits and 401(k) accounts
• Contacting insurance companies directly about policies
• Filing claims with official agencies

Red flag: If anyone asks for upfront fees, advance payments, or "processing charges" to help you claim your money, it's a scam. Legitimate sources never charge fees to search for or claim your own property.

How long do I have to claim my money?

The time limit depends on the type of unclaimed funds:

• State unclaimed property: No expiration date in most states - you can claim it anytime
• Federal tax refunds: Must be claimed within 3 years of the original filing deadline
• State tax refunds: Varies by state, typically 3-4 years
• Class action settlements: Have specific claim deadlines, often 60-90 days from notification
• Insurance benefits: Varies by policy and state, but most have no expiration
• Utility deposits: Generally no expiration, but companies may have internal policies

Our recommendation: Don't wait. The sooner you claim your money, the better protected you are from fraud and the more likely you are to receive the full amount.

Can someone else claim my refund?

Only you or your legal heirs can legitimately claim your unclaimed refunds. The claim process requires:

• Government-issued photo identification
• Social Security number verification
• Proof of connection to the property (old statements, addresses, etc.)
• Notarized documents in many cases

However, scammers may attempt to file fraudulent claims using stolen personal information. This is why it's important to:

• Search for your unclaimed property regularly
• File claims promptly when you find money
• Monitor your personal information for signs of identity theft
• Report any suspicious claim activity to authorities

What documents do I need to file a claim?

Required documentation varies by claim type and amount, but commonly includes:

Basic Requirements (all claims):

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
• Social Security card or verification
• Current proof of address

Additional Documentation (larger claims):

• Previous account statements or records
• Proof of previous addresses where you lived
• Marriage certificates or divorce decrees (if name changed)
• Employment records connecting you to former employers
• Notarized claim forms (required for claims over certain amounts)

Heir Claims (claiming for deceased relatives):

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Letters of administration or probate court documents
• All heir signatures if multiple heirs exist

Start gathering these documents before you begin searching - having them ready will speed up the claim process significantly.

How long does the claim process take?

Processing times vary widely depending on the source and complexity of your claim:

• Simple state unclaimed property: 30-90 days
• Complex state claims (requiring extensive documentation): 3-6 months
• IRS tax refund claims: 6-16 weeks for paper processing
• Insurance company claims: 30-60 days for straightforward cases
• Employer-related claims (pensions, 401k): 60-120 days
• Class action settlements: Several months to over a year

Factors that can speed up the process:

• Filing complete applications with all required documents
• Responding quickly to requests for additional information
• Using electronic filing when available
• Following up appropriately (but not excessively)

Are there fees to claim my money?

There are no fees to claim your money when you work directly with official sources. However, you may encounter some costs:

Legitimate Costs (rare):

• Notarization fees for required documents ($5-$15)
• Certified copies of death certificates or court documents
• Postage for mailing claim forms

Scam Warning Signs:

• Upfront fees to "process" your claim
• Percentage-based fees to "help" you claim your money
• Pressure to pay immediately to "secure" your funds
• Requests for banking information or passwords
• Claims that you need to act "within 24 hours" or lose your money

Remember: If the money is yours, you have every right to claim it yourself for free. Never pay someone else to do what you can do yourself at no cost.

Is it safe to search for unclaimed refunds online?

Yes, when you use official government and company websites. Here's how to search safely:

Safe Official Sources:

• State treasury unclaimed property websites (usually ending in .gov)
• IRS.gov for federal tax refunds
• Company websites for specific businesses you dealt with
• PBGC.gov for pension benefits
• FTC.gov for class action settlement information

Safety Tips:

• Always verify you're on official government (.gov) or legitimate company websites
• Look for "https://" and security certificate indicators
• Never provide banking information during searches
• Be wary of websites asking for payment to search
• Avoid third-party "finder" services unless you initiated contact

Information You'll Safely Provide for Searches:

• Your name (current and previous)
• Previous addresses
• City and state information
• Sometimes last 4 digits of Social Security number

What if I've moved several times?

Moving frequently actually increases your chances of having unclaimed money waiting for you. Here's how to search effectively:

Search Strategy for Frequent Movers:

• Search using every address where you've lived
• Check each state where you've resided
• Use maiden names and all previous married names
• Consider nicknames or name variations you may have used

Common Sources for Frequent Movers:

• Utility deposits from apartments and rentals
• Final paychecks from jobs in different states
• Security deposits from landlords
• Bank accounts left behind during moves
• Insurance refunds or deposits
• State tax refunds from multiple states

Pro tip: Create a list of all addresses where you've lived for the past 10-15 years. This will make your searches more thorough and systematic.

Can I search for deceased relatives?

Yes, you can search for and potentially claim unclaimed funds belonging to deceased relatives if you're a legal heir. Here's what you need to know:

Who Can Claim for Deceased Relatives:

• Spouses (with marriage certificate)
• Children (with birth certificate proving relationship)
• Parents (if no spouse or children exist)
• Siblings (if no closer relatives exist)
• Court-appointed administrators or executors

Required Documentation:

• Death certificate of the deceased
• Proof of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Your identification documents
• Probate court documents (if estate went through probate)
• Affidavit of heirship (if no probate occurred)

Best Practices:

• Search using the deceased person's full name and all known addresses
• Check maiden names for deceased females
• Search in all states where they lived or worked
• Consider different name spellings or variations
• Look for life insurance policies they may have forgotten to mention

Note: Some states have specific procedures for heir claims, and larger amounts may require probate court involvement.

How often should I check for unclaimed money?

We recommend checking for unclaimed funds at least once per year, ideally around tax time when you're already reviewing your financial situation. Here's a suggested schedule:

Annual Comprehensive Check:

• Search all state unclaimed property databases where you've lived
• Check IRS records for unclaimed tax refunds
• Review pension and retirement account records
• Contact previous employers about final pay or benefits

Quarterly Quick Checks:

• Check your current state's unclaimed property database
• Review any class action settlement notices you've received
• Follow up on any pending claims you've filed

After Life Events:

• Moving to a new address or state
• Changing jobs or retiring
• Marriage or divorce
• Death of a family member
• Closing bank accounts or switching insurance companies

Consider setting a calendar reminder for your annual unclaimed property search. Many people make this part of their spring financial review along with tax filing and credit report checks.