How to Find Unclaimed Money in Texas

Texas holds unclaimed funds for millions of individuals and businesses. According to its official website, it is never too late to make a claim and recover what you are owed. Search the database using online or offline sources. If you find property that might be yours, put in a formal claim. If your claim is approved, you usually will receive payment within 3 to 4 months. The federal government has additional resources to help Texans search for lost property.

Texas has a searchable online database for unclaimed property. The money may result from uncashed checks, security deposits, bank accounts and utility refunds. According to the official site, ClaimItTexas.org, one in four Texans have unclaimed funds owed to them. There is approximately $4 billion in unclaimed property on the books, and in 2018 $2 billion was returned to the rightful owners. You can start your search visiting the physical office any Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm CST. The office is located at Unclaimed Property, LBJ Building, 111 E. 17th St., Austin, TX 78711.

You can also search unclaimed property in Texas through offline methods. ClaimItTexas.org accepts requests via mail, fax or phone. For a mail-in or fax request, include your name, cities in Texas where you have lived, your social security number, contact information and current mailing address. Mail to Unclaimed Property, PO Box 12046, Austin, TX 78711. You can also search up to three names by calling 1-800-321-2274 from throughout Texas, by faxing 1-888-908-9991.

Other parties besides ClaimItTexas.org may hold unclaimed funds for Texans. The federal government has a list of other agencies for Americans to search for property including: Pensions Tax refunds Bank or credit union failures SEC claims for investors FHA insurance proceeds Saving bonds and Foreign claims. The federal government also has information about replacing damaged currency with new bills.

After identifying property on the online database, follow the instructions on the online tool. The tool will produce a claim form that you must complete, sign and return to the agency. If you request a property search by mail, phone or fax, a claim form is mailed to you.

The tool provides details of the required supporting documentation. This may include copies of identification, address verification and other items such as a bank statement or insurance policy that is directly relevant to the unclaimed funds.

Once the claim form and documentation are received, the agency will review it and, if approved, pay it out within 3 to 4 months for most claims.