New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is reminding New Yorkers on National Unclaimed Property Day that they may have money waiting for them, and it only takes a few minutes to check osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds.
Unclaimed Property Day is a national initiative to help raise awareness about forgotten funds and help reunite people with their money. In 2025 alone, the Comptroller’s office returned more than $580 million dollars to rightful owners, including creating a new fast-track program that sends checks in the mail with no claim form required.
“Spend a few minutes on Unclaimed Property Day checking for your lost money,” said DiNapoli. “It is free, easy, and the money is yours. Lost funds can come from an uncashed check, an unused gift card or a forgotten refund, even small amounts can add up.”
Unclaimed funds occur when people forget about or lose track of their money. These funds can come from utility deposits, trust funds, old bank accounts, uncashed checks or unused gift cards. These funds never expire, and it is quick and easy to check the website.
Thanks to a new law championed by DiNapoli, New Yorkers are seeing faster returns for some lost money. In January 2025, the Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF) began mailing checks for certain newly reported accounts of $250 or less to eligible individuals. More than 155,000 checks, totaling over $13.6 million, have already been sent.
Every day, the State Comptroller’s office returns over $2 million and can track and uncover lost financial assets dating as far back as the 1940s.
To help New Yorkers claim what’s theirs, staff from the State Comptroller’s office attend community events across the state to provide in-person assistance. Residents who cannot make it to an event can search for and claim their money online or by phone at 800-221-9311, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A map showing unclaimed funds owed to New Yorkers by county and region is available here, and you can learn more about unclaimed funds by visiting here.
About the Office of the New York State Comptroller
The Office of the New York State Comptroller serves as the chief fiscal watchdog for the State of New York. Led by the State Comptroller, the office is responsible for protecting taxpayer dollars by uncovering waste, fraud, and abuse while providing independent oversight of State, New York City, and local government finances. It reviews State contracts and payments, maintains the State accounting system, administers the payroll, and offers technical assistance and training to local officials and school districts.
A central responsibility of the office is managing and safeguarding the New York State Common Retirement Fund, one of the largest and best-funded public pension systems in the nation. The Comptroller also administers the State retirement system, ensuring long-term financial security for public employees and retirees. In addition, the office plays a leading role in promoting transparency in government spending through public reporting tools and open financial data initiatives.
The Comptroller’s Office delivers direct benefits to New Yorkers by fighting public corruption and returning unclaimed funds to their rightful owners, distributing millions of dollars in lost money every day. It also supports important savings programs, including the 529 College Savings Program and NY ABLE accounts for individuals with disabilities. Through fiscal oversight, accountability, and public service, the office works to strengthen trust in government and protect the financial interests of all New Yorkers.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
