Do You Have Unclaimed Money Waiting for You? Here's How to Find Out!

by Annabell McNew

You might be surprised to learn that the State of Texas could be holding money that belongs to you—and all you have to do is claim it. Through the Texas Unclaimed Property Program, the state is safeguarding billions of dollars in unclaimed assets, and you may be one of the many Texans entitled to those funds. The program, managed by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, returns forgotten or unclaimed property to rightful owners at no cost.
  What Is Unclaimed Property? Unclaimed property refers to financial assets that have been inactive or forgotten for a certain period of time—usually 1 to 5 years. When companies or institutions lose contact with the owner, they’re required by law to report and turn those assets over to the state. Examples include: Uncashed payroll or cashier’s checks, Bank accounts or utility deposits, Unclaimed dividends or insurance payouts, Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, Royalty payments or mineral interest checks, Contents of safe deposit boxes. Note: This does not include real estate or vehicles.
  If you’ve received notice that a company “escheated” your funds, it means they reported your property to the state, not that it has been confiscated or forfeited. The state now holds those funds safely until you—or your rightful heirs—submit a claim.
  There is no charge for this service. You do not need to hire a third-party company to recover your property. While some licensed companies, called “heir finders” or “asset recovery firms,” may offer to file a claim for you, they are limited by law to charging no more than 10% of the recovered amount. However, you can always claim your property directly from the state for free.
Since 1963, Texas has ensured that unclaimed assets are preserved and returned—not lost. There is no expiration date for claiming your property. Whether it’s a few dollars or a significant sum, that money is still yours. Take a few minutes today to search your name at ClaimItTexas.org. You might just find a pleasant surprise waiting. For questions or assistance, contact the Texas Comptroller's Unclaimed Property Division directly. Reclaim what’s yours—it’s fast, free, and secure.

 How to Check for Unclaimed Property

Finding out whether the state owes you money is easy:
1. Visit the official website: ClaimItTexas.org

2. Search using your name or business name.
3. Submit a claim if your name appears on any listings.
4. Provide documentation to prove your identity and ownership.


P.S. A Special Thank You to Terry Martinez

We extend our sincere thanks to Terry Martinez for reaching out with the thoughtful suggestion to share information about unclaimed property through the Kinney County Post. This idea serves as a great reminder that a little awareness can go a long way in helping neighbors reconnect with funds they may not even know they’re owed. Thank you, Terry, for your generosity and community spirit! Please visit the Kinney County Public Library for additional assistance if needed. Computers are available from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. 



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