New York State Surprises Residents with Unclaimed Funds Checks
New York state residents, get ready to potentially receive a surprise check in the mail from the state comptroller’s office, ranging up to $250 without any effort on your part. Thanks to a recent update to the abandoned property law, the state is now authorized to automatically distribute up to $250 per person from unclaimed funds, which include a variety of financial assets like utility deposits, trust funds, old bank accounts, investments, insurance policies, gift cards, and estates. State officials have revealed that they are already dispersing approximately $1.5 million daily from unclaimed funds dating back as far as the 1940s. In fact, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office has already distributed more than $11 million in the year 2025 alone.
According to a report by NBC, these checks are scheduled to be sent out via mail this month, potentially bringing some unexpected joy to many New Yorkers. But wait, there’s more. If you think you might be entitled to additional unclaimed funds, the state comptroller’s office is hosting several events this month aimed at educating individuals on how to identify and claim the money owed to them. These in-person events are part of an initiative to help the comptroller’s office clear out a staggering $19 billion sitting in 51 million unclaimed funds.
How to Claim Your Unclaimed Funds
If you’re eager to find out if you have unclaimed funds waiting for you, you can start by searching for your name, as well as the names of your relatives and associated organizations, on the state controller’s website. For those unable to attend the upcoming events, there are alternative methods available to access your money. You can utilize the online claims system or contact 1-800-221-9311 for assistance. Upcoming Events for Claiming Unclaimed Funds
Here are the details of the upcoming events in January where you can learn more about and potentially claim your unclaimed funds:
– Jan. 8: Unclaimed funds workshop at the St. Nick’s Alliance/Swinging Sixties Older Adult Center in Brooklyn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
– Jan. 15: Wednesday of Wisdom presentation at the Brooklyn Public Library/Central Library in Brooklyn from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
– Jan. 29: Lunch and Learn event at the JASA Rockaway Park Older Adult Center in Queens from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Here are the details of the upcoming events in January where you can learn more about and potentially claim your unclaimed funds:
– Jan. 8: Unclaimed funds workshop at the St. Nick’s Alliance/Swinging Sixties Older Adult Center in Brooklyn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
– Jan. 15: Wednesday of Wisdom presentation at the Brooklyn Public Library/Central Library in Brooklyn from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
– Jan. 29: Lunch and Learn event at the JASA Rockaway Park Older Adult Center in Queens from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to potentially uncover some lost financial assets that rightfully belong to you. Check if your name is on the list and get ready to receive a surprise check in the mail from the state of New York, bringing some unexpected financial relief and joy your way!
