There is a lot of unclaimed money out there, and you may be surprised to learn that some of it may be yours. Over the years, banks have changed names, merged, or gone out of business, leaving behind accounts that may be difficult to track down. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to find out if any of this unclaimed money is rightfully yours, including the following:

Check with Your State's Unclaimed Property Office

Each state has an office holding money and other assets returned by banks, businesses, and other organizations. You can search for your name (or the name of your business) on the office's website to see if anything comes up.

Search for Unclaimed Money at the Federal Level

The U.S. government also has a database of unclaimed money, which you can search for free at USA.gov. The database includes money from federal agencies, such as tax refunds and student loan overpayments.

Check If You're Owed Unclaimed Money from a Deceased Relative

If a relative has passed away, there's a chance they left behind unclaimed money. The best way to search for it is to visit the website of the state where they resided. You can also search the NAUPA's database.

See If You Have Unclaimed Money from A Life Insurance Policy

The insurer might owe you money if you had a life insurance policy that has lapsed or been canceled. Most insurance companies hand over unclaimed money to the state after a particular time, so you may be able to find it through your state's unclaimed property office.

Check for Unclaimed Money from a Retirement or Pension Plan

A retirement or pension plan may owe you money if you've left a job. Remember, you'll need to contact the plan administrator directly to see if you have any money coming to you. To find out, contact your former employer's human resources department.

Look for Unclaimed Money from Utility Deposits

You may be owed a refund on your old utility deposit if you've moved. Most individuals forget about this money, but it can add up over time. Contact your former utility company to see if you have any unclaimed money.

Search for Unclaimed Money from Uncashed Checks

If you have any uncashed checks, such as a payroll check or rebate check, there's a chance you can cash them even if they're a few years old. You can search for uncashed checks in your state's unclaimed property database.

Check Unclaimed Money from a Safety Deposit Box

If you had an abandoned safety deposit box, you might find it in your state's unclaimed property office. These boxes can contain various items, such as jewelry, coins, and important documents. Search your state's database to see if you have any unclaimed money.

Revisit Your Rental Agreements

If you've moved out of a rental property, you may be owed a refund on your security deposit. People move and forget to claim their rental deposit due to the hassle of dealing with their old property owners. However, it's worth trying to get this money back, as it can be significant. To find out, contact your former property owner.

Contact the Bank or Business Directly

If you know of a specific bank or business that may owe you money, you can try contacting them directly to see if they have any unclaimed funds in your name. People always own dormant accounts at banks and other businesses, so it's always worth checking to see if you have any money waiting for you.

If After searching, contact your state's unclaimed property office to claim it. You'll need to provide some documentation, such as a driver's license or Social Security number, to prove your identity. Hire a professional unclaimed money search service. Research any service you're considering carefully before hiring them to avoid scammers.

Keep in mind that there are time limits for claiming unclaimed money. Each state has laws about how long you have to claim the money before it becomes the state's property. This time limit is usually between three and seven years, but it can vary from state to state.

If you believe you have unclaimed money, take the next step and start claiming it to beat deadlines. Each state has its laws and deadlines, so it's essential to be mindful of these. Once you have the required documentation, claiming your money should be relatively straightforward. However, take your time and follow the instructions provided by your state's unclaimed property office to avoid delays or complications.