Just search for “’your state’ unclaimed property” and make sure it’s a .gov site (usually comes up first).

Search by your name (it could be last name and just the first initial), check the boxes, and claim the money.

You will get an email with instructions on what to include – it is usually the claim form itself with your signature, a picture of your driver’s license, and your social security number (often just the last four digits).

Occasionally, they will ask for proof of an old address. If that happens, and you don’t have one – check your credit report from https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ (it is a legitimate government site despite the .com domain, and you can get a free credit report from every agency one a year). Your old address should be listed there.

I just got myself a little under $1,000 in unclaimed funds. Some refund from my old college in one state, and unclaimed shares I forgot about in another. Even my teenage son had $350 sitting there as an old insurance/hospital refund – so check your kids and spouses, too!