Do you have unclaimed funds?

You may not realize it, but there is a chance you may be owed money from banks, insurance companies, utility and other entities.

Throughout the U.S., billions of dollars go unclaimed every year. Approximately one-in-seven Americans, according to usa.gov, currently have unclaimed funds, otherwise known as missing money.

While the amount varies, unclaimed funds can range from under $25 to more than $1,000.

With summer in full swing, there is no better time than today to begin the process of claiming your missing money.

What are Unclaimed Funds?

According to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds, unclaimed funds are defined as lost or forgotten money that businesses and banks report to the Division of Unclaimed Funds after accounts become inactive, typically between 3-5 years.

This money can come from inactive checking and savings accounts, refund/credit balances, uncashed cashier’s checks, stocks and bonds, forgotten utility deposits, and final paychecks.

As of late April, Ohio was sitting on more than $4 billion in unclaimed funds.

The process is free and easy, but if you feel you need help, experts with the Division of Unclaimed Funds are available to walk you through the claims process.

The steps to reclaim your money

Follow these steps to search for and claim your unclaimed funds:

1. Visit missingmoney.com.
2. Type your name or business name into the corresponding fields and click on search.
   
3. Search the database for any funds associated with any addresses where you may have lived or operated a business.
4. Once you have identified a claim, you need to select it by clicking on the gold "Claim button," which will add it to your cart.
   
5. Repeat step four for all other claims, if applicable.
6. Click on the green "File Claim" button in the top right corner of your screen to select the item(s) in your cart and select the "Claimant Relationship" from the drop-down menu.
   
7. Click the "File Claim" button.
8. Fill out your current contact information in the form.
   
   
   
9. Click on the “Next” button to download and print your claim form.
10. Click on the checkbox and type in your name to submit your electronic signature to download and print your claim form.
11. Review the checklist of documentation and gather the information.
12. Submit documentation to the State of Ohio via the State’s Claim Form and Documentation Upload page.

Once the documentation is submitted, it will take upwards of 120 days for the department to process your claim.

The Claim Status Lookup allows claimants to track the progress of their claims.

Also, do not forget to check the list for the names of your family and friends – they probably would not mind a little extra spending cash as well.