New Yorkers’ forgotten money needs to be claimed: Here’s how to get it

What’s better than money for nothing?

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli wants New Yorkers to check for forgotten funds, from uncashed checks to long dormant bank accounts.

On Sunday, which is National Unclaimed Property Day, DiNapoli reminded state residents to look in the state’s database for any money owed to them.

Unclaimed property represents any funds that sat dormant long enough to be considered abandoned property and turned over to the State Comptroller’s office.

To see if there are any unclaimed funds waiting for you or your family, visit the state comptroller’s website. Those interested can also call the comptroller’s at 800-221-9311 to search for funds.

Each year, the Office of the New York State Comptroller reconnects New Yorkers with millions of dollars in unclaimed funds, sometimes for assets dating back as far as the 1940s.

“Spend a few minutes on Unclaimed Property Day checking for your lost money,” said DiNapoli. “It’s free, easy, and the money is yours. Lost funds can come from an uncashed check, an unused gift card or a forgotten refund, even small amounts can add up.”

On Staten Island, there are currently 780,571 unclaimed accounts with a value totaling over $149 million, according to the comptroller’s office.

Last year, DiNapoli pushed for new legislation to allow the state to automatically mail out checks to New York residents for unclaimed funds totaling $250 or less.

Unclaimed funds exceeding $250 still need to be claimed by residents, as the law does not allow for them to be sent out automatically.