NY Comptroller – Unclaimed Funds Now Total $20 Billion

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says the total amount for unclaimed funds in New York State has risen to $20 billion dollars. DiNapoli is encouraging New Yorkers to check to see if they may have any unclaimed money. Unclaimed funds occur when people are separated from their money, DiNapoli says. That money can come from utility deposits, trust funds, old bank accounts, uncashed checks or unused gift cards.

“We’re returning more than $2 million a day to New Yorkers, but the total pot of lost money is growing,” DiNapoli said. “Unclaimed funds are your money, and in today’s economic climate, every dollar counts. My office is working to make it easier than ever to reclaim lost money, including mailing some checks directly to their rightful owners.”

Comptroller DiNapoli says to find out if you have any unclaimed funds, to check through the Office of Unclaimed Funds, which is currently safeguarding over 55 million unclaimed accounts. A recent law passed has also sped up the return process for unclaimed funds with the office mailing checks for newly reported accounts of $250 or less to eligible individuals.

Residents in the state can use the online UnClaimed Funds Database to see if they may be entitled to unclaimed funds. You can visit this site HERE. The Comptroller’s Office also hosts community events statewide to help residents search and claim unclaimed funds.