I search the unclaimed property database twice a month and have gotten about 0 so far, so it’s worth doing a quick search for your name
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I search the unclaimed property database twice a month and have gotten about $350 so far, so it’s worth doing a quick search for your name

Posted on by Edwin

I don’t know about you, but I love free money. However, it’s surprisingly hard to get, which is why I decided to write this PSA.

Two scenes from "Parks and Recreation" shows Mona-Lisa Saperstein (top picture) and Mona-Lisa with Ben Wyatt (bottom picture). The text reads: "Money, pleaaaaase."Two scenes from "Parks and Recreation" shows Mona-Lisa Saperstein (top picture) and Mona-Lisa with Ben Wyatt (bottom picture). The text reads: "Money, pleaaaaase."

NBC

If you live in the United States, your state has a portal for unclaimed property. Unclaimed property is money owed to you by a company or government that you never claimed.

A person opens the door to a large safe with a pile of money inside, near a scenic outdoor spot by the waterA person opens the door to a large safe with a pile of money inside, near a scenic outdoor spot by the water

MTV

This could be, for example, a deposit from the water company that you never got back after you moved, or an accidental overpayment to your telephone provider in the last month of your contract.

A person in a plaid shirt puts a $20 bill into a brown leather walletA person in a plaid shirt puts a $20 bill into a brown leather wallet

Thanasis / Getty Images

If for any reason you do not cash in the money you are owed (even if you simply do not know about it), that money will be held by your state’s Unclaimed Property Office.

Mr. Krabs from SpongeBob SquarePants shouts: "I AM A HUGE FAN OF MONEY," while the alarm sounds in the backgroundMr. Krabs from SpongeBob SquarePants shouts: "I AM A HUGE FAN OF MONEY," while the alarm sounds in the background

Nickelodeon

Your state’s Unclaimed Property Office also has a portal where you can simply search your name and see if you happen to be owed any money.

A form with the inscription "Search for unclaimed property" with fields for last name, first name, location and buttons to search or deleteA form with the inscription "Search for unclaimed property" with fields for last name, first name, location and buttons to search or delete

I can’t speak for all states as I’ve only had abandoned property in a few, but it’s a really simple, straightforward process where you just verify your identity with your date of birth and social security number and the address associated with the money if you recognize it, and then the state will send you a check in the mail if you’ve claimed it.

Bluey, an animated blue heeler puppy, stands excitedly next to Bingo, her orange heeler puppy sister, while an adult figure reads a book in the backgroundBluey, an animated blue heeler puppy, stands excitedly next to Bingo, her orange heeler puppy sister, while an adult figure reads a book in the background

BBC

Sometimes it can just be small change, like if you pay 10 cents too much for something.

Person reaches under furniture to pick up a small coin from the wooden floor; face blurred and not fully visible in the backgroundPerson reaches under furniture to pick up a small coin from the wooden floor; face blurred and not fully visible in the background

Guido Mieth / Getty Images

Sometimes it can be a surprisingly helpful amount of money. For example, a few years ago I discovered that a utility company owed me $305.

Close-up of a US Treasury check with a detailed image of the Statue of Liberty and bank routing numbers on the right sideClose-up of a US Treasury check with a detailed image of the Statue of Liberty and bank routing numbers on the right side

Douglas Sacha / Getty Images

Actually, it’s fun to stop by every now and then and look for your name. I was able to find a check for $27 that I still had outstanding, with tips from an old job I had. I used that to buy pizza that night.

A person with braided hair, facing left, with the words "Google me." in white letters. "#DragRace SEASON FINALE VH1" is also in the pictureA person with braided hair, facing left, with the words "Google me." in white letters. "#DragRace SEASON FINALE VH1" is also in the picture

VH1

Just now, while writing this post, I searched and found an amount totaling about $15 that I had claimed.

A table image with multiple rows of data entries with the name Audrey, a reported status, descriptions, and a cost value of $0.29. Other details are redactedA table image with multiple rows of data entries with the name Audrey, a reported status, descriptions, and a cost value of $0.29. Other details are redacted

Either way, it’s free and easy, and if it’s yours, it’s just sitting there. You can search your name on your state’s unclaimed property website or the official government unclaimed property website below. This is the closest thing to a treasure hunt.

Search Unclaimed Property page with fields for last name/company name, first name, city and state/province, as well as a search button and privacy noticeSearch Unclaimed Property page with fields for last name/company name, first name, city and state/province, as well as a search button and privacy notice

OK, good luck! Love you! Bye!

Oh, and if you have any other tips for making money easily, share them with us in the comments below!

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