I Search The Unclaimed Property Database Twice A Month, And So Far I've Gotten Like $350, So It's Worth A Quick Search Of Your Name

I don't know about you but I love free money. However, it's astonishingly hard to come by, which is why I've decided to write this PSA.

Two scenes from "Parks and Recreation" show Mona-Lisa Saperstein (top image) and Mona-Lisa with Ben Wyatt (bottom image). Text reads: "Money pleeeeease."
NBC

If you live in the US, your state has an "unclaimed property" portal. Unclaimed property is money that you're owed by a business or government that you never collected.

A person is opening the door to a large safe with stacks of money inside, near a scenic outdoor location by the water
MTV

This could be things like a deposit to the water company you never got back after you moved, or an overpayment you accidentally sent to your phone company on the last month of your service.

A person in a plaid shirt putting a $20 bill into a brown leather wallet
Thanasis / Getty Images

If, for whatever reason, you don't cash in the money you're owed (even if it's because you simply don't know about it), that money is held by your state's unclaimed property office.

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Nickelodeon

Your state's unclaimed property office also has a portal where you can easily search your name and see if you have any random money owed to you.

A form labeled "Unclaimed Property Search" with fields for last name, first name, city, and buttons to search or clear

I can't speak for all states because I've only had unclaimed property in a few, but it's a really simple, straightforward process where you just confirm you're actually you with your birthdate and SSN and if you recognize the address associated with the money. Then, the state sends you a check in the mail when you've claimed it.

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BBC

Sometimes it can be pocket change, like a 10-cent overcharge for something.

Person reaching under furniture to pick up a small coin from a wooden floor, face blurred and not fully visible in the background
Guido Mieth / Getty Images

Other times it can be a shockingly helpful amount of money, like a couple of years ago I found $305 a utility company owed to me.

Close-up view of a U.S. Treasury check featuring a detailed image of the Statue of Liberty and routing numbers on the right
Douglas Sacha / Getty Images

It's actually kind of fun to stop by and search your name from time to time. I was able to find a $27 check owed to me of tips from an old job I had. It bought pizza that night.

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VH1

Just now while making this post, I searched and found a total of ~$15 of mine I made a claim for.

A spreadsheet image showing multiple rows of data entries with the name Audrey, a reported status, descriptions, and a cost value of $0.29. Other details are redacted

Anyway, it's free and easy, and it's just sitting there if it's yours. You can search your name at your state's unclaimed property website, or the government's official unclaimed property website below. It's the closest thing you'll get to treasure hunting.

Search for unclaimed property page, with fields for Last/Business Name, First Name, City, and State/Province, plus a search button and privacy notice

OK, good luck! Love you! Bye!

Oh, and if you have any other easy money-earning tips, share it in the comments below!