Happy National Unclaimed Property Day

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators first began celebrating National Unclaimed Property Day in 2021. Approximately 1 in 10 Americans have unclaimed property, totaling nearly 33 million people. The initiative aims to raise awareness and reunite individuals with their lost assets. 

Two campaign themes, “The Odds are Greater with Unclaimed Property” and “Reunite with Your Money,” emphasize the likelihood of having unclaimed property and the idea that reconnecting with it is akin to reuniting with a loved one. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have programs to locate unclaimed property owners, including uncashed paychecks, stock, bonds, safe deposit box contents, and family heirlooms. 

NAUPA’s inaugural report reveals that during the 2019 fiscal year, unclaimed property programs returned $3.14 billion to rightful owners, with an average claim amount of $1,780 and a median claim of $144.30. States return about 50% of what they take in, and the percentage increases with more information on the property, emphasizing the importance of record maintenance. Retrieving unclaimed property is free, and State Treasurers and administrators are actively working to reunite people with their assets during these financially challenging times.

For more information see  “NAUPA Celebrates 1st Annual National Unclaimed Property Day”, National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.