New York State Comptroller’s Office is currently holding an estimated $18 billion+ in unclaimed money that belongs to New York residents. If you have ever lived, worked, or done business in New York, you may have unclaimed funds waiting for you right now.
This page explains exactly how to search for and claim your unclaimed money in New York through official government channels — completely free of charge.
How To Search for Unclaimed Money in New York
Step 1: Go to the Official Search Website
New York’s unclaimed property program is managed by the New York State Comptroller’s Office through its Office of Unclaimed Funds. The official search website is:
This is the only official and free way to search for unclaimed property in New York. Never pay anyone to search for you.
Step 2: Search Using Your Name
Enter your full legal name on the search page. Try variations including:
- Your current legal name
- Your maiden name or any previous married names
- Common misspellings of your name
- Names of deceased relatives who lived in New York
- Your business name, if you have owned or operated a business in New York
Step 3: Review Your Results
The search results will show any unclaimed property associated with your name. For each match, you will typically see:
- The name on the account
- The type of property (bank account, insurance, payroll, etc.)
- The company that reported the property
- The approximate value (some states do not show exact amounts)
- The last known address on file
Step 4: File Your Claim
If you find a match, follow the instructions on the New York State Comptroller’s Office website to file your claim. Most claims in New York can be started online. You will need to verify your identity and provide documentation proving you are the rightful owner.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Government-issued photo ID — driver’s license, passport, or military ID
- Proof of Social Security Number — SSN card, tax return, or W-2
- Proof of address — utility bill, bank statement, or tax document matching the address on file
- Proof of name change (if applicable) — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
Key Facts: Unclaimed Money in New York
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Managing Agency | New York State Comptroller’s Office |
| Division | Office of Unclaimed Funds |
| Estimated Unclaimed Total | $18 billion+ |
| Dormancy Period | 3 years |
| Official Search Website | ouf.osc.ny.gov |
| Phone | (800) 221-9311 |
| Claim Deadline | None — held indefinitely |
| Cost | Free — always |
What You Need to Know About New York
New York holds more unclaimed property than any other state at over $18 billion. The state’s massive financial services, real estate, and business sectors generate enormous amounts of unclaimed dividends, insurance proceeds, bank accounts, and payroll.
Protect Yourself from Scams
- Never pay to search. Official government searches are always free.
- Never pay upfront fees to claim. Legitimate claims have no advance fees.
- Verify unsolicited letters directly through the New York State Comptroller’s Office website.
- Use only official websites linked above to search and claim.
Search Other States
Search every state where you have ever lived, worked, or done business. Unclaimed property is reported to the state of your last known address.
Contact New York State Comptroller’s Office
- Phone: (800) 221-9311
- Website: ouf.osc.ny.gov