Your City Might Owe You Money — Here's How to Check

Imagine discovering that you have money waiting for you—funds you didn't even know existed. This isn't a fantasy scenario or a suspicious "get rich quick" scheme. Every year, billions of dollars in unclaimed money and benefits sit in government accounts across the country, waiting for their rightful owners to claim them. Many of these funds are managed at the local level by your city or county government.

What Exactly Is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property refers to financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their owners. After a specific period of inactivity (typically 1-5 years), these assets are considered "unclaimed" and are transferred to the state or local government for safekeeping until the rightful owner comes forward to claim them.

How to Check if Your City Owes You Money

Finding and claiming your money is easier than you might think. Most cities and states have established online databases where you can search for unclaimed property in your name. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you track down any funds that might be waiting for you:

1. Start with Your State's Unclaimed Property Website

Every state maintains an unclaimed property database. Begin your search at Unclaimed.org, the official website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). This site provides links to official state databases where you can search for your unclaimed property for free.

2. Check Municipal and County Resources

While most unclaimed property is reported to the state, some cities and counties maintain their own databases for certain types of funds:

• Visit your city's official website and look for sections labeled "Finance," "Treasury," or "Unclaimed Funds"
• Call your city clerk's office and ask about unclaimed property procedures
• Check with your county treasurer's office for tax overpayments or refunds

Local Benefits You Might Be Missing

Beyond unclaimed property, many cities offer benefits and assistance programs that residents don't know about or aren't taking advantage of. These programs are designed to help ease financial burdens but often go underutilized.

Utility Assistance Programs

Most cities have programs to help residents who struggle to pay utility bills. These can include:

• Discount programs: Reduced rates for seniors, low-income families, or disabled residents
• Payment assistance: Emergency funds to help prevent utility shutoffs
• Weatherization assistance: Free home improvements to reduce energy costs

Property Tax Relief

Many municipalities offer property tax exemptions, deferrals, or reductions for qualifying residents:

• Homestead exemptions for primary residences
• Senior citizen tax freezes or reductions
• Veterans' exemptions
• Disability-related tax benefits

The Claim Process: What to Expect

Once you've identified unclaimed funds that may belong to you, the next step is filing a claim. While the specific process varies by jurisdiction, here's a general overview of what to expect:

Documentation You'll Need

To prove you're the rightful owner, you'll typically need to provide:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Documentation connecting you to the reported address
• For deceased relatives' property: death certificate and proof of your right to claim

Timeline for Payment

Processing times vary widely depending on the type and amount of the claim:

• Simple claims under $1,000: Often processed within 30-90 days
• Larger claims or those requiring additional verification: 3-6 months
• Claims involving securities (stocks, bonds): May take 6+ months as they need to be liquidated

Avoiding Unclaimed Property Scams

As with any financial matter, scammers have found ways to exploit the unclaimed property system. Protect yourself by keeping these important points in mind:

• Official searches are always free - Never pay to search a government database
• Be wary of "finders" - While legitimate finders exist, they typically charge 10-30% of the recovered amount
• Government agencies won't call you first - They don't proactively contact owners
• Never provide bank account information to someone who contacts you about unclaimed property