Millions of dollars in unclaimed property are turned over to the Pennsylvania Treasury each year, and there’s a good chance some of it could belong to you. In fact, according to the Pennsylvania Treasury, one in ten Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property waiting to be claimed, with the average claim valued at more than $1,000.
Unclaimed property consists of financial assets that have been inactive for three years or more and for which the owner cannot be located. When a rightful owner is not found, the assets are transferred to the Pennsylvania Treasury for safekeeping until they are claimed.
Some of the most common types of unclaimed property include:
- Savings and checking accounts
- Uncashed payroll or refund checks
- Insurance benefit payments
- Stocks and other financial assets
Often, these funds become unclaimed due to simple issues such as a misspelled name, a move to a new address, or outdated contact information. While some claims may amount to only a few dollars, others can be worth thousands.
Residents who would like to find out whether they, a family member, or a loved one may be entitled to unclaimed property can visit PATreasury.com or contact their local state legislative district office for assistance.
To make the process even easier, a representative from the Pennsylvania Treasury will be available at the district office on Monday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist residents with unclaimed property searches and other Treasury programs. Appointments can be reserved by calling 717-295-5050.
Even if you are unable to attend the event, help is available year-round. Residents are encouraged to contact the district office at 717-295-5050 for assistance with unclaimed property searches and other state-related services.
A quick search could reveal money or assets you never knew existed. With thousands of Pennsylvanians discovering forgotten funds every year, it may be worth taking a few minutes to see if the Treasury is holding something in your name.
