Unclaimed money is a significant issue in the United States, with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) estimating that there is over $40 billion in unclaimed assets nationwide. In Minnesota, the state's Department of Commerce reports that there are millions of dollars in unclaimed property, including abandoned bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and other assets. If you're a Minnesota resident, finding unclaimed money can be a great way to boost your finances. Here are 10+ ways to find unclaimed money in Minnesota fast.
Understanding Unclaimed Money in Minnesota
Before we dive into the ways to find unclaimed money, it’s essential to understand what it is and how it becomes unclaimed. Unclaimed money refers to assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their owners, often due to a change of address, name, or other circumstances. In Minnesota, the state’s Unclaimed Property Program is responsible for collecting and holding these assets until they can be reunited with their rightful owners. The program includes a wide range of assets, such as:
- Abandoned bank accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Uncashed checks
- Utility deposits
- Insurance benefits
- Safe deposit box contents
1. Search the Minnesota Unclaimed Property Database
The Minnesota Department of Commerce provides a free online database where you can search for unclaimed property. You can search by name, address, or other identifying information to see if you have any unclaimed assets. This is the most straightforward way to find unclaimed money in Minnesota, and it’s a great place to start your search.
2. Check with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA)
NAUPA is a nonprofit organization that provides a comprehensive database of unclaimed property across the United States. You can search their database by name, state, or other identifying information to see if you have any unclaimed assets in Minnesota or other states. This is a great resource if you’ve lived in multiple states or have family members who may have abandoned assets.
3. Contact Your Bank or Financial Institution
If you’ve had a bank account or other financial account in Minnesota, it’s a good idea to contact your bank or financial institution to see if they have any unclaimed assets in your name. This could include abandoned bank accounts, uncashed checks, or other assets that have been forgotten.
4. Search for Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits
If you have a life insurance policy or have had one in the past, it’s possible that you may have unclaimed benefits. You can contact your insurance company or search the Minnesota Life Insurance Policy Locator to see if you have any unclaimed benefits.
5. Check with the Minnesota Department of Revenue
The Minnesota Department of Revenue may have unclaimed property in the form of tax refunds or other assets. You can contact them to see if you have any unclaimed property, including tax refunds, that you may be eligible to claim.
6. Search for Unclaimed Utility Deposits
If you’ve had a utility account in Minnesota, such as electricity, gas, or water, it’s possible that you may have unclaimed deposits. You can contact your utility company to see if you have any unclaimed deposits that you can claim.
7. Check with the Federal Government
The federal government also has unclaimed assets, including tax refunds, social security benefits, and other assets. You can search the USA.gov website to see if you have any unclaimed assets at the federal level.
8. Hire a Professional Service
If you’re having trouble finding unclaimed money on your own, you may want to consider hiring a professional service to help you. These services can search for unclaimed assets on your behalf and help you claim any property that you’re eligible for. However, be sure to research any service thoroughly to ensure they are reputable and don’t charge excessive fees.
9. Check with Your Employer
If you’ve had a job in Minnesota, it’s possible that your employer may have unclaimed assets in your name, such as unpaid wages or benefits. You can contact your employer to see if you have any unclaimed assets that you can claim.
10. Search for Unclaimed Safe Deposit Box Contents
If you’ve had a safe deposit box in Minnesota, it’s possible that you may have abandoned contents that can be claimed. You can contact the bank or financial institution where you had the safe deposit box to see if you have any unclaimed contents.
In addition to these methods, you can also try searching online databases, such as MissingMoney.com or Unclaimed.org, which provide access to unclaimed property databases across the United States. You can also contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce directly to inquire about unclaimed property and to get assistance with your search.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Unclaimed Property Database | Search for unclaimed property in Minnesota |
| NAUPA | Search for unclaimed property across the United States |
| Minnesota Department of Commerce | Get assistance with unclaimed property and search for assets |
By following these 10+ ways to find unclaimed money in Minnesota, you can increase your chances of finding abandoned assets and claiming them. Remember to stay vigilant and keep searching, as new unclaimed property is added to the databases all the time.
What is unclaimed money, and how does it become unclaimed?
+
Unclaimed money refers to assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their owners, often due to a change of address, name, or other circumstances. This can include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, uncashed checks, and other assets.
How do I search for unclaimed money in Minnesota?
+
You can search for unclaimed money in Minnesota by using the state’s online database, contacting the Minnesota Department of Commerce, or using a professional service. You can also try searching online databases, such as MissingMoney.com or Unclaimed.org.
What types of assets are considered unclaimed property in Minnesota?
+
Unclaimed property in Minnesota includes a wide range of assets, such as abandoned bank accounts, stocks, bonds, uncashed checks, utility deposits, insurance benefits, and safe deposit box contents.
