Are You Leaving Money on the Table? How to Find Unclaimed Benefits

It’s easy to overlook money that’s rightfully yours. From unclaimed insurance benefits, a forgotten 401(k) account, or unused tax credits, billions of dollars go uncollected each year simply because people don’t know where to look. If you’ve changed jobs, moved, or just never double-checked your accounts, you might be leaving cash on the table without even realizing it.

Common Sources of Unclaimed Funds

Here are commonly unclaimed fund sources, along with ways you can track them down:

Unclaimed Insurance Benefits

Life insurance policies and other insurance benefits often go unclaimed when beneficiaries aren’t aware of a policy or the insurance company has been acquired by another company, and they don’t know how to file a claim.

How To Find Funds:

Forgotten 401(k) or Pension Accounts

Lost retirement accounts are a commonly missed benefit from job changes. Even small balances in 401(k) accounts can grow significantly over time, making it worth tracking them down.

How To Find Funds:

Unclaimed Tax Refunds or Credits

If you moved, changed banks, or didn’t file a return one year, the IRS may still owe you money.

How To Find Funds:

  • Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” Tool to track outstanding refunds.

  • If you missed filing a return, you typically have three years to claim any refunds or credits.

  • Check for state tax refunds. Most states have an online unclaimed property search (see below).


Bank Accounts, Safe Deposit Boxes & Utility Deposits

Dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, and security deposits often end up in state unclaimed property offices.

How To Find Funds:

  • Search your state’s unclaimed property database, which links to every state’s official site.

  • Look under variations of your name (including middle initials and past addresses).

  • Don’t forget to check in states where you previously worked or lived.

Unredeemed Class Action Settlements

If you’ve purchased certain products or services, you may be eligible for compensation from class action lawsuits, even if you weren’t aware of them.

How To Find Funds:

  • Visit websites like topclassactions.com to see current settlements.

  • Sign up for notifications so you don’t miss future opportunities.

Unclaimed Financial Assistance for Seniors

Each year, older Americans leave $30 billion in public and private benefits unclaimed, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). These programs can help cover essentials like food, prescriptions, utilities, and health care, but many people who qualify never apply.

How to find it:

  • Use tools like BenefitsCheckUp.org to see what programs you may qualify for.

  • Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for help applying.

  • Review your eligibility regularly, as rules and income thresholds can change year to year.

Why It’s Important To Check Regularly 

Besides the obvious of accessing cash that is rightfully yours, unclaimed funds don’t stay available forever. While some states will hold the money indefinitely, some benefits (like tax refunds or certain settlements) expire after a few years. 

Need help tracking down funds?

Hunting for unclaimed money can feel like a full-time job. Everyday Money Management can help you dig through the details, track down uncollected funds, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Plus, with our Whole Life List (WLL), we can help document your accounts, policies, and key financial details so nothing gets lost in the first place. Contact us today to see if you’ve got cash waiting for you, and make sure your assets stay organized for the future.

Leah Nichaman