ClaimNotify.org: Public Service Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
States Report Record $68 Billion in Unclaimed Funds for 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a continued effort to reunite citizens with their assets, unclaimed property administrators across the nation are reporting a historic high in the collective value of unclaimed funds. While a precise, real-time national total is not centrally maintained, a widely cited estimate places the figure at approximately $70 billion in unclaimed assets for 2024, a number that reflects the robust and growing nature of these state-run custodial programs.
This monumental figure represents an array of financial assets, including dormant bank accounts, uncashed payroll and dividend checks, life insurance benefits, and forgotten utility deposits. The substantial increase in unclaimed property is largely attributed to the acceleration of digital banking, a rise in business closures, and population mobility, which often severs the connection between an owner and their property.
The surge in unclaimed funds underscores the essential role of state unclaimed property programs. These state treasuries and comptroller offices serve as guardians of these assets in perpetuity, ensuring they are held securely until the rightful owners or their heirs come forward. In Fiscal Year 2024, the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) reported that its members successfully returned a record $4.49 billion to rightful owners, demonstrating the effectiveness and ongoing commitment of these programs.
The scale of unclaimed property is significant in individual states as well. For example, the state of Ohio holds over $4.8 billion in unclaimed funds, while Florida and Arizona report holding $2 billion and over $2.4 billion, respectively. These figures highlight the widespread nature of the issue and the vast amount of money waiting to be claimed by its owners.
ClaimNotify.org encourages all citizens to take advantage of the free and easy process of searching for unclaimed property. A simple search can reveal assets belonging to individuals or their family members, providing a valuable opportunity to recover forgotten funds.
Sources:
- Trust & Will: What Is Unclaimed Property? How to Find Money You May Be Owed
- Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization (UPPO): UPPO News & Press Releases
- Harvard Federal Credit Union: Finding and Claiming Your Unclaimed Property