New York Unclaimed Property: Search & Claim Lost Money

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New York · Lost Money Search · Free State Claim · Documents · Claim Status

Find Lost Money and Move From Match to Payment

New York’s Office of Unclaimed Funds holds money that owners have lost track of—from dormant bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance benefits, investments, deposits and estate proceeds. The official search is free, and the State does not impose a deadline for claiming money it is holding.

This guide does more than send you to a search box. It explains what name to enter, how to verify a match, what New York may ask you to prove, when to use an SSN or EIN, how estate claims work, why the dollar amount may be hidden, how long review can take, and what to do if a search or claim gets stuck.

Get the quick answer Search correctly File the claim
Use only the official New York State process for the actual claim. Searching, filing and receiving unclaimed funds directly through the New York State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds is free. You do not need to pay a finder just to submit your own claim.

Quick answer: search your name before preparing documents

Open New York’s official unclaimed-property database and enter your last name or business name first. Run the broad search before adding first name, city or ZIP code. When you find a property in your name with an address or reporting company you recognize, select Claim and begin the verification process.

1 Search Start with fewer fields.
2 Verify Match your name with an address or company connection.
3 Claim Choose the correct relationship to the listed owner.
4 Prove Upload documents only when New York requests them.

New York unclaimed money facts

Official search fee $0
Claim deadline No time limit
Database updates Daily
Online listings At least $20 or 1 stock share
Call center 1-800-221-9311
Phone hours Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Online confirmation Usually within 48 hours
No-doc claim Generally within 30 days
Document review Allow up to 90 days
2026 fast-track cap Up to $5,000 when eligible

You now know what to look for. Use the direct official search below. On the New York page, type your last name or business name into the search field and select Search. Add other fields only when the result list is too large.

Search official NY unclaimed property Read official claim instructions

Choose the problem you need to solve

Jump directly to the part of the claim process that is blocking you.

Understand the search

What New York means by unclaimed property

Unclaimed property is generally money or financial property that a company, financial institution, insurer, court or other organization has been unable to return to its owner after the applicable dormancy period. It is eventually transferred to the New York State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds for safekeeping.

Bank accounts Savings accounts, checking accounts and certificates of deposit.
Uncashed checks Payroll, refund and other checks that were never negotiated.
Insurance Benefits, policies and other insurance-related funds.
Investments Stocks, bonds, mutual funds and dividends.
Estate proceeds Money connected with deceased owners or estate matters.
Court funds Money reported from certain court-related accounts.
Deposits Telephone, utility and security deposits.
Gift cards Certain unused gift-card balances that become reportable under applicable rules.
U.S. savings bonds are different. The New York State Comptroller specifically states that U.S. savings bonds are not turned over to its Office of Unclaimed Funds. TreasuryDirect is the appropriate federal source for those bonds.
Search troubleshooting

No match? Try these fixes before assuming New York has no money for you

Search is too exact Remove the first name, city and ZIP and search only the surname.
You changed your name Search maiden names, former married names and other legal-name variations.
Your first name varies Try a nickname, shortened form, middle name or common misspelling.
You moved many times Search the name first rather than limiting the result to your current ZIP code.
Business changed names Search the old company, DBA, merged company and former legal names.
Holder recently transferred funds New York states that it may take about three months for newly transferred property to appear online.
You received a notice Search only the Property ID from the notice and leave all other fields blank.
Still missing after three months The official instructions allow use of the blank mail claim form in this situation.
Search friends and relatives too. New York encourages people to search for friends and family. If you find a possible match for someone else, use the official Share function rather than trying to claim their property yourself unless you are legally authorized.
Open official claim forms
Online claim workflow

What happens after you find a property that may be yours

Select Claim next to the property Choose each result that you believe you are legally entitled to claim.
Select Continue to File a Claim The button appears above or below the selected property table.
Choose your Claimant Relationship If the property belongs directly to you, select Owner (Self). Otherwise choose the relationship that accurately describes your authority.
Enter the claimant’s information Provide your name, date of birth, contact details and mailing address. If you are claiming for someone else or a deceased owner, enter your own claimant information rather than pretending to be the owner.
Provide the required SSN or EIN when filing online A U.S. citizen filing online uses an SSN for verification. A U.S. business owner generally provides the business EIN.
Electronically sign the online claim Review the claim, check the certification box and enter your first and last name as instructed.
Submit and save the confirmation Keep the Claim ID and watch your email for the next instruction.

When online filing is not the right route

You do not want to provide your SSN online

New York says U.S. citizens who do not wish to provide an SSN through the online claim must use the mail claim process instead.

Property was reported but never appeared online

If more than three months have passed since the holder told you the property was transferred to New York and it still cannot be located, use the blank claim-form instructions.

Multiple owners: an eligible co-owner can submit a claim individually. New York states that all co-owners do not have to file together; the Office will request further information if needed.
Proof of ownership

Do not upload random documents—prove the exact missing connection

An online claim does not always require immediate documents. New York will tell you if additional proof is needed. When it does, the fastest response is evidence that directly addresses the missing link between you and the property.

A
Prove the old address Show that you lived, worked or received mail at the address connected with the property.
O
Prove ownership Show your relationship with the bank account, stock, policy, check or other underlying property.
N
Prove a name change Connect the name in the database with your current legal identity.
Evidence New York lists for common proof problems
What you need to prove
Useful examples
Practical tip
Old address
Old driver license, government ID, bank or utility statements, W-2, 1099, insurance, medical, school or military records, mortgage papers or postmarked mail.
Use a document showing both your name and the relevant old address whenever possible.
Bank or investment ownership
Passbook, bank statement, mutual-fund statement, stock or bond certificate.
Use the account number or institution name if still visible.
Lost check or instrument
Copy of an uncashed check, money order, gift certificate or traveler’s check.
Official-check and money-order affidavits are available when required.
Insurance property
Insurance policy or related company documentation.
Connect your name with the reporting insurer or policy.
Name change
Marriage certificate, adoption papers, divorce decree or court order.
Create a clear chain between the old and current names.
Authority for another person
Guardianship, conservatorship, trust, power of attorney, court order or other legal authority.
Submit the document that specifically authorizes you to act for the owner.
Old-address trick: New York specifically notes that many claimants successfully use old W-2 or 1099 tax records to establish a prior address.
Cannot find the requested proof? Do not manufacture or alter evidence. New York says you can upload a written explanation describing why the document is unavailable together with any other evidence you have. The Office will respond with additional instructions.

Prepare files correctly before uploading

PDF Accepted
PNG/JPG/TIF Accepted image formats
<10 MB Per uploaded file
No password Password-protected files are rejected
Scan or photograph the requested evidence Make sure names, addresses, account information and all page edges are readable.
Combine multi-page documents when practical This reduces the chance of submitting only part of the proof.
Use a simple filename New York allows letters, numbers, dashes and underscores, with a maximum filename length of 100 characters.
Open the official Upload Claim Documentation option On the Office of Unclaimed Funds site, choose the claim-document upload service.
Enter your Claim ID and claim email Use the same email address associated with the claim.
Upload and classify each file Select the correct document type. If you have more than five files, submit the first five and repeat the process.
Remain until Upload Success appears Review the upload details before closing the page.
Open official document requirements Open OUF document-upload gateway
What happens after submission

Know the difference between 48 hours, 30 days and 90 days

Online claim 48 hours

New York says you should normally receive a confirmation email telling you whether more proof is required.

No more proof needed 30 days

If the email says no further action is required, the claim should generally process within this period.

Documents requested Up to 90 days

Allow this review period after the requested supporting documents have been received.

Approved claim Check in 30 days

Once approved, New York says the check is mailed to the address on the claim form within 30 days.

CLAIM SENT Save Claim ID EMAIL REVIEW About 48 hours PROOF If requested APPROVAL Amount disclosed CHECK Mailed to claimant

Check status with the Claim ID

Your Claim ID appears in claim correspondence such as the confirmation email or claim form. Enter that ID in the official status tool rather than starting another claim for the same property.

Check official claim status
No confirmation email within 48 hours? Check spam and junk folders first. If it is not there, contact the Office of Unclaimed Funds rather than filing duplicate claims.

How New York currently sends approved money

Paper check

Approved payments are mailed to the address supplied with the claim.

No direct deposit

New York currently states that direct deposit is not available for these approved claim payments.

No prepaid card

Prepaid-card payment is also not currently offered.

Cash the check before it expires. New York says an unclaimed-funds check can be cashed through December 31 of the calendar year following the year it was issued. After that, you may have to file another claim.
Important 2026 change

Some verified owners can now receive up to $5,000 without the normal claim process

$5K

New York expanded its Expedited Payment Program in 2026

The State Comptroller announced on April 30, 2026 that the discretionary fast-track maximum was increased from $250 to up to $5,000. The program can allow certain newly reported properties to be returned to verified owners without requiring them to file the traditional claim.

The Office still performs ownership verification before sending money, and the program is not available for every property.

Started in 2025 Cap increased in 2026 Up to $5,000 Verification still required Not every property qualifies
Do not assume your search match will be auto-paid. The Comptroller has discretion over which properties qualify. Estate claims are among the types identified as not qualifying for expedited payment.

If a New York check arrives when you never filed a claim

Look for the prior notification letter The Comptroller says an expedited-payment notification is sent before the check.
Find the Claim ID It should appear on the remittance advice associated with the payment.
Verify the check through the Comptroller Do not rely only on a phone number printed in an unexpected email or text.
Cash a verified check promptly Allowing the check to expire can turn the money into unclaimed funds again.
Deceased owners and estates

A deceased-owner claim has two separate proof requirements

1 · Prove the deceased owned the property

Connect the deceased person to the old address, account, company or other property shown in the Office of Unclaimed Funds record.

2 · Prove you are legally entitled to claim

Your family relationship alone may not be enough when a court-appointed estate representative exists.

A death certificate is required. Estate claims may also require current Surrogate’s Court documents, depending on the estate and claimant.

Is there already a court-appointed estate representative?

YES · Representative exists

New York states that if a representative has been appointed to administer the estate, only that court-appointed representative may submit the claim—even if other estate matters have already been settled.

OR
NO · No representative exists

A closest qualifying family member or, in limited circumstances, the payer of funeral expenses may have another route using the required affidavits and evidence.

Common New York estate-representative documents

Estate situation and court document identified by New York OUF
Estate situation
Representative
Certificate
Less than $50,000 of personal property and no real property
Voluntary Administrator
Certificate of Voluntary Administration
More than $50,000 of personal property and/or real property, no will
Administrator
Letters of Administration
More than $50,000 of personal property and/or real property, with a will
Executor
Letters Testamentary
Six-month certificate rule: New York says a court-appointed representative’s certificate of appointment must be dated within six months of claim submission. An older certificate needs to be recertified by the Surrogate’s Court.

No court-appointed representative: heir route

When there is no court-appointed representative, the closest qualifying living family member may submit a claim using the death certificate, Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs.

Funds under $1,000

New York says it may process the claim through the eligible heir route, with the payee responsible for distributing the funds under applicable New York intestacy law.

Funds $1,000 or more

The Office may disclose the account information and value, but a court-appointed representative is required to complete the claim.

Who New York lists in the heir priority

Surviving spouse
Biological or legally adopted children when there is no surviving spouse
Parents when there is no spouse or child
Siblings when there is no spouse, child or parent
Funeral-expense reimbursement: if there is no court-appointed representative, New York says a person who paid funeral expenses may claim reimbursement of up to $5,000 by providing the required death certificate, Small Estates Affidavit and proof of funeral expenses.
Open official estate claim rules
Companies and organizations

Search every legal name your organization has used

Current corporation Search the full registered legal name and common shortened version.
DBA or trade name Search both the owner entity and the DBA.
Company changed its name Search the former legal entity name too.
Merger or acquisition Search predecessor and acquired organizations.
Closed company Search the old company name exactly as it operated.
Subsidiary property Be ready to prove the parent organization’s authority to claim on behalf of the subsidiary.

Online business identity information

When a U.S. business owner files an online claim, New York uses the organization’s Employer Identification Number to help verify identity and entitlement. If a business is no longer active and the EIN cannot be located, the State’s instructions say the claimant can provide their Social Security Number instead.

Evidence New York may request from an organization

Business proof examples
Issue
Examples of proof
Authority to sign
Corporate seal on a notarized claim form, officer authorization, recent cancelled business check, sole-proprietorship or DBA certificate.
Name changed
Certificate of Change, Articles of Incorporation or other company records establishing the old and new names.
Merger or acquisition
Merger agreement and supporting records showing the surviving entity’s rights.
Claiming for subsidiaries
IRS Form 851, SEC Form 10-K or corporate annual report showing the relationship.
Closed or dissolved organization
Certificate of Dissolution, sales agreement, bankruptcy papers or notarized statement explaining disposition.
Letters, emails and unexpected checks

Received a New York unclaimed-funds notice? Use the Property ID first

Locate the Property ID Find the identifier on the letter or email from the Office of Unclaimed Funds.
Open the official New York search Do not use a link from an unsolicited third-party message when you can navigate directly to the Comptroller.
Enter only the Property ID Leave the name, city and ZIP fields blank.
Select Claim next to the result Continue through the official filing prompts.

Received a check without ever filing?

New York’s Expedited Payment Program can return certain verified funds automatically. The Office says it sends a notification before an expedited check. If you are unsure whether a check is genuine, verify the Claim ID through the Comptroller before cashing it.

Wrong name, wrong address or deceased payee? Do not alter the check. Contact the Office of Unclaimed Funds so it can provide the correct reissue or estate instructions.
Fee and fraud protection

The State claim is free—know what a legitimate process looks like

Legitimate state process
  • Search is free
  • Claim processing is free
  • State returns your money without a processing fee
  • Official domain is operated by New York State Comptroller
Stop and verify
  • Someone demands payment before revealing your property
  • They pressure you to act immediately
  • They request gift cards, crypto or unusual payment
  • They ask for identity documents through an unrelated website
Private locator contacted you?

New York recognizes private abandoned-property location service providers, but strongly encourages owners to contact the Office of Unclaimed Funds directly because the State search and claim service itself is free.

Do not confuse a private locator with the government. A private service may have its own agreement or fee structure. You can bypass that service and search the New York State database yourself.
Read New York locator-service guidance
Amount and privacy

Why New York may show a property but not tell you how much it is worth

The Office of Unclaimed Funds does not disclose the amount before verifying ownership because doing so could make fraud easier. The claimant first establishes the right connection to the property; the amount is disclosed after verification and approval.

Online minimum

Properties appearing in the online system are at least $20 or one share of stock.

Amount withheld

The dollar value is protected until ownership is reviewed.

Approval notice

New York emails the payment details, including the amount, after the claim is approved.

Do not reject a valid match because the amount is hidden. The correct question is whether you can connect yourself to the listed owner name, old address or reporting organization.
Tax and interest questions

Some payments can include interest or create tax reporting

If the original property was interest-bearing, such as certain savings accounts, New York states that interest may be paid for up to five years from the date the State receives the property.

Interest-bearing property

Interest may continue for the limited period described by the Office of Unclaimed Funds.

Securities or dividends

Interest, securities or dividend-related payments can have federal or state tax consequences.

Save the remittance advice. Keep the paperwork that arrives with the check so you know the property source and can answer later tax or recordkeeping questions.
Official New York contact

Contact the Office of Unclaimed Funds with your Claim ID ready

Before calling about an existing claim, locate your Claim ID and any email or letter requesting additional information. That allows staff to identify the claim more quickly.

Toll-free

1-800-221-9311

Albany phone

518-270-2200

Phone hours

Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Fax

518-270-2222

Mailing address

Office of the State Comptroller
Office of Unclaimed Funds
110 State Street
Albany, New York 12236
Existing-claim call script “I filed New York unclaimed-funds claim [Claim ID]. I received [confirmation/no email/document request] on [date]. I have already submitted [documents if applicable]. Can you confirm whether any action is still required from me?”
Property-not-found call script “A holder told me property in the name [name/business] was transferred to New York approximately [date]. I searched the official database using [name/Property ID] and still cannot locate it. Has enough time passed for me to use the blank claim process?”
Open official contact form Call 1-800-221-9311
Final task checklist

Before you leave the page, complete the step that applies to you

New York unclaimed-property action table
Your situation
What to do now
What to save
Never searched
Run surname or business-name search.
Possible owner names and addresses.
Found your property
Select Claim and submit the official online claim.
Claim ID and confirmation email.
Documents requested
Upload only the evidence that proves the requested connection.
Copies and upload-success details.
No action required email
Allow the normal processing period.
Claim ID and email.
Claim taking longer
Use Claim Status Search before contacting staff.
Current status wording.
Deceased owner
Determine whether a court-appointed representative exists.
Death certificate and estate authority.
Business property
Prove authority and company-name history.
EIN and corporate records.
Unexpected check
Verify through New York Comptroller before acting.
Claim ID and remittance advice.
10 practical answers

New York unclaimed property FAQs

How do I search for unclaimed money in New York?

Use the official New York State Comptroller Office of Unclaimed Funds search. Start with your last name or business name. Add your first name, city or ZIP code only when you need to narrow the results.

Is the New York unclaimed property search free?

Yes. The New York State Comptroller states that there is no charge to search for unclaimed property, process a claim or return funds through the Office of Unclaimed Funds.

Is there a deadline to claim New York unclaimed funds?

The New York State Comptroller states that there is no time limit to claim property being held by the Office of Unclaimed Funds.

Why does New York not show the amount of my unclaimed property?

To protect privacy and prevent fraud, the Office of Unclaimed Funds does not disclose the amount until ownership has been reviewed and verified. Items appearing online are at least $20 or one share of stock.

What documents can prove an old New York address?

Accepted examples include old driver licenses, bank or utility statements, W-2 or 1099 forms, insurance or medical records, school records, mortgage papers, legal documents and postmarked envelopes showing the old address.

How long does a New York unclaimed funds claim take?

After an online claim, the Office of Unclaimed Funds says a confirmation email should normally arrive within 48 hours. If no additional information is required, the claim should generally process within 30 days. If documents are required, allow up to 90 days after they are received for review.

Can I claim New York unclaimed money belonging to a deceased person?

Yes, when you can prove the deceased owner’s connection to the property and your legal entitlement to claim it. A death certificate is required, and estate or court documents may also be necessary.

Can I claim property that has multiple owners?

Yes. New York states that an eligible co-owner may submit a claim individually without requiring all other owners to file jointly. The Office of Unclaimed Funds will request additional information if needed.

How do I check my New York unclaimed funds claim status?

Use the official Claim Status Search and enter the Claim ID shown on your confirmation email, claim form or applicable remittance advice.

Does New York send unclaimed property checks without a claim?

Certain verified properties may qualify for New York’s Expedited Payment Program and can be returned without a traditional claim. In 2026 the Comptroller increased the discretionary program maximum to up to $5,000, but not every property qualifies.

Official information review — August 8, 2026: Search instructions, free-claim rules, claim timing, claim-status procedures, required documentation, file-upload requirements, estate rules, Office of Unclaimed Funds contacts, payment method, check-expiration guidance and the 2026 Expedited Payment Program were checked against current New York State Comptroller sources.
Independent guide: This page is not the New York State Comptroller or Office of Unclaimed Funds. Use the official New York system for searches, identity information, Social Security or EIN details, document uploads, claim submissions and claim-status checks.
Ohio Auditor Tools · Tax Year 2026

10 Ohio Property Tax Calculators & Auditor Tools

Built specifically for Ohio's 35% assessment ratio, current DTE forms, and 2026 Homestead, Owner-Occupancy, CAUV, Conveyance Fee, and Board of Revision rules. Every number reflects verified Ohio Department of Taxation amounts.

Homestead: $29,000 Enhanced Vet: $58,000 OAGI limit: $41,000 Assessment: 35% of market BOR filing: Free · DTE 1

Annual Tax Bill Estimator

OHIO

Applies Ohio's 35% assessment ratio plus your county's effective millage tier — the actual math your auditor uses.

Pick a county tier and enter your market value.

Homestead Reduction Calculator

DTE 105A

2026 Ohio Homestead: $29,000 general or $58,000 enhanced (100% disabled vet, KIA spouse). OAGI under $41,000 required for non-veteran applicants.

Pick your situation and enter your home value.

Owner-Occupancy & Non-Business Credits

DTE 105C

Every Ohio owner-occupied home qualifies for the 2.5% Owner-Occupancy Credit plus the automatic 10% Non-Business Credit. Most owners don't realize these stack.

Enter your annual tax to see both credit amounts.

Conveyance Fee Calculator

ORC 322

When you sell or transfer Ohio property, the auditor collects $1 state + up to $3 county per $1,000, plus $0.50 per parcel. Counties choose their rate.

Enter sale price and pick your county rate.

CAUV Agricultural Savings

DTE 109

Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Value cuts taxable value dramatically for farmland (10+ acres, or smaller with $2,500+ annual gross income).

Enter both market and CAUV values to see savings.

Mill Rate Converter

Ohio tax rates appear three ways on auditor sites: mills, percent, or dollars per $1,000. Convert between them instantly.

Enter a rate to see all three forms.

Parcel Number Cleaner

Ohio's 88 counties each format parcels differently — Franklin uses 010-123456-00, Cuyahoga uses 001-23-456, Hamilton uses 100-0001-0001-00. Auto-detects.

Paste any Ohio county parcel to format it.

35% Ratio Sanity Check

Ohio law sets taxable value at 35% of market value. If yours is significantly higher, you're a strong BOR appeal candidate.

Enter both values to compare against Ohio's 35% target.

BOR Appeal Savings

DTE 1

A successful Board of Revision complaint typically cuts your value 10–20%. Filing is free and stays in effect until the next reappraisal.

Enter your tax bill and reduction estimate.

BOR Deadline Countdown

MAR 31

Ohio's statutory Board of Revision filing deadline is March 31 for the prior tax year. Miss it and you wait until next year — no extensions.

Set your deadline to start the countdown.

Verify with the official Ohio source

These calculators use the verified 2026 Ohio Department of Taxation amounts and statutory rules. For your exact bill, exemption status, and county-specific deadlines, always confirm with your county auditor and the Ohio Revised Code:

Ohio Dept. of Taxation — Real Property DTE Forms (105A, 105C, 1, 109) ORC 5715 — Board of Revision ORC 5713 — Taxable Real Property ORC 322.02 — Conveyance Fee ORC 319.54(F)(3) — State Fee ORC 5713.30 — CAUV tax.ohio.gov — Main Portal

Estimates use Ohio's 35% statutory assessment ratio and effective tax rate tiers averaged across major Ohio counties. Your actual bill depends on local school levies, voted millage, inside vs. outside millage splits, House Bill 920 reduction factors (HB 920), and special assessments. The 2026 Homestead general amount ($29,000) and enhanced amount ($58,000) reflect HB 187 inflation indexing — your county auditor's office may show slightly different transitional figures. Nothing here is legal or tax advice. CountyAuditors.org is an independent informational directory, not affiliated with any county government.

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