New York Sending Out unclaimed Funds: Could You Get a Check?
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New Yorkers, get ready! You might be receiving a check for up to $250 from the state, thanks to a new initiative aimed at returning millions in unclaimed funds. No application is needed; the New York State Comptroller’s office is proactively distributing these funds.
This initiative stems from an update to the state’s abandoned property law. The law allows the Comptroller’s office to automatically distribute unclaimed money from sources like old bank accounts, utility deposits, insurance policies, and more. This includes funds dating back as far as the 1940s.
According to new York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office, “$1.5 million a day is distributed from lost financial assets,” and over ”$11 million has already been distributed in 2025.” NBC News reported that checks are being mailed out this month.
But the $250 automatic payout might not be all you’re entitled to. The Comptroller’s office is holding several events across the state to help residents claim additional funds. These events aim to address the staggering $19 billion in unclaimed funds held by the state, representing over 51 million individual claims.
“By joining and holding events across the state we can help individuals,companies,nonprofits and municipalities check for unclaimed funds and get their money back to them quickly and easily,”
said comptroller DiNapoli in a recent statement.
To see if you have unclaimed funds, visit the state comptroller’s website and search using your name or the names of relatives and organizations you’re associated with. You can also call 1-800-221-9311 or attend one of the upcoming events:
- January 8th: unclaimed Funds Workshop, St. nick’s Alliance/Swinging Sixties Older Adult Center, Brooklyn (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
- January 15th: Wednesday of wisdom Presentation, Brooklyn Public Library/Central Library (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
- January 29th: Lunch and Learn Event, JASA Rockaway Park Older Adult Center, Queens (12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
Don’t miss out on potentially reclaiming your money! Check your eligibility today.
New York State’s Unclaimed Funds Initiative: Could You Be Owed Money?
The new York State Comptroller’s office is actively working to return millions of dollars in unclaimed funds to rightful owners. This initiative, stemming from a modernized abandoned property law, is distributing eligible amounts automatically, with some New Yorkers receiving checks for up to $250.
Someone Might Owe You Money: An Interview with Financial Recovery Expert, Amanda Davis
Sarah Thompson, Senior Editor of World Today News: Amanda, thank you for joining us today to discuss this vital initiative. Can you help our readers understand what exactly qualifies as “unclaimed funds” in this context?
Amanda Davis, Financial Recovery Expert: Absolutely, sarah. Unclaimed funds are essentially financial assets that have become separated from their rightful owners. This can happen for various reasons – maybe someone moved and forgot about an old bank account, a utility deposit was never claimed, or an insurance policy matured without beneficiary information being updated. These funds end up being held by the state, and the Comptroller’s office is now actively working to reunite them with their owners.
Sarah Thompson: so,with this new initiative,are people being contacted about these funds,or do they need to take action?
Amanda Davis: That’s a great question,Sarah. The beauty of this program is that the Comptroller’s office is proactively distributing funds where possible. For amounts up to $250, they’re automatically sending checks to eligible individuals based on their records.
Sarah Thompson: Wow, that’s fantastic. $1.5 million a day being distributed is truly extraordinary! But you mentioned that there’s more to it then that.
Amanda Davis: Absolutely. While the automatic payments are fantastic, they only cover a portion of the unclaimed funds. The Comptroller’s office estimates there are over $19 billion in unclaimed funds in New York alone,representing over 51 million individual claims. They’re hosting events throughout the state to help people search for additional funds they might be owed.
Sarah Thompson: That’s a staggering amount of money. How can people find out if they have any unclaimed funds?
Amanda davis: It’s incredibly easy. Residents can visit the New York State Comptroller’s website at osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds. You can simply enter your name,or even the names of relatives and organizations you’re associated with.There’s also a phone number, 1-800-221-9311, for those who prefer to call.
Sarah Thompson: this is really valuable information for our readers. What would you say to anyone who thinks they might have unclaimed funds but feels overwhelmed by the process?
Amanda Davis: My advice is simple: don’t wait! Take a few minutes to check.
The process is straightforward, and the potential reward is significant. You never know what you might find. Plus, remember those upcoming events the Comptroller’s office is hosting - they’re a great opportunity to get personalized assistance.
Sarah Thompson: Excellent advice, Amanda. Thank you so much for shedding light on this critically important initiative. I’m sure our readers will find this information incredibly helpful.
Amanda Davis: My pleasure, Sarah. I hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity to claim what’s rightfully theirs.
