Have you ever thought about forgotten bank deposits, old utility refunds or uncashed checks gathering digital dust? Many people don’t wonder if their unclaimed property earned interest—or if the state cashed in instead. Here’s what you need to know.
What Counts as Unclaimed Property
Unclaimed property includes:
- Forgotten checking, savings or CD accounts
- Security or utility deposits
- Uncashed paychecks or vendor payments
- Stock dividends or insurance refunds
- Inactive retirement or college savings funds
If the account has no owner contact for a dormancy period—typically one to five years—the business must transfer it to the state.
Who Gets the Interest?
For You: No Growth
Once a financial institution transfers the asset, interest stops for the rightful owner. Even with an interest‑bearing account, the state is usually not obligated to keep it growing for you. A few states may pay interest on certain kinds of funds—like court settlements or child‑support escrow—but that’s rare.
For the State: Yes, Growth Happens
States take unclaimed property into a general fund. They may invest it or use it to support public services, such as education, infrastructure, or running the unclaimed‑property program itself. The extra income rarely finds its way back to the original owner.
How to Find Your Forgotten Funds
Nothing stops you from claiming this money—even decades later. To start:
- Visit Finderish’s unclaimed property page
- Choose your current or previous state of residence (or check both!)
- Search using your full name, including past names you’ve used
- Follow the instructions to submit a claim
Made several moves in your life? Check each state. You might discover a deposit or refund you’d completely forgotten.
Bottom Line
- Unclaimed property typically does not earn interest for the owner while held by the state
- The state invests or uses the money to support public programs
- You can claim the full amount at any time
- A quick search at Finderish’s unclaimed property tool could turn up surprise cash
Tracking down unclaimed property is handful‑friendly. And that handful of dollars could brighten your day or fund something meaningful. Give it a quick search—you could be owed more than you think.