It might be time to check if you can claim some of the state's more than $3.9 billion in abandoned money or assets held by the Ohio Department of Commerce's unclaimed funds division.
Since the start of 2023, a nation-leading 1.3 million Ohioans have searched for unclaimed funds and have claimed more than $104 million. The money will stay there in perpetuity until someone claims it. The money could have been held as far back as 1968. The division does invest the money, which garners interest until the funds are claimed.
Here's what you need to know.
What kind of abandoned funds would show up on the Ohio unclaimed funds list?
Unclaimed money or assets can, among other things, include
- inactive bank account funds,
- credit balances,
- refunds,
- safe deposit box contents,
- rent or utility deposits,
- uncashed checks,
- undelivered stock certificates or
- uncashed insurance policies.
After a certain period of time, if uncashed or unclaimed, the assets will go to the state for safekeeping.
How do I find out if I have unclaimed funds in Ohio?
There is a safe nationwide unclaimed property search that can be found at missingmoney.com. Fill out the name, city and state fields and hit "search." Be aware that some names could be misspelled or listed as last name first or vice versa so you should keep looking through all the possible options. The results include addresses so you know which name might be yours. New claims are added daily so it's best to periodically check back.
Who can claim Ohio's abandoned funds?
You must have a "proprietary interest" – ownership or the right to the unclaimed funds – in the unclaimed property. You may request the funds on behalf of a family member or friend. If deceased people are owed funds, the person appointed to handle the estate can file a claim on their behalf. You also can file a claim on behalf of another person if you're the parent, custodian, guardian, conservator or trustee or have power of attorney.
What proof is necessary to claim the funds?
A Social Security number, a state-issued ID or a driver's license are important to have while filing. There are a variety of other documents needed, depending on the situation, which can be found on the Ohio Department of Commerce website.
How long does the process take from start to finish?
The Division of Unclaimed Funds reviews claims and returns claimants' money as quickly as possible, said Jarrod Clay, public information officer of the Ohio Department of Commerce.
"The Division is required by law to initiate the review of a claim within 120 days, but our goal is to do it much quicker than that. The timing can be dependent on the type of claim and what kind of documentation is required to pay out that claim," he said.
How secure would banking information be in this process?
Clay said the process done through missingmoney.com is very secure.
"We will never ask claimants for their bank information," he said. "Once their claim is reviewed and approved, we will mail them a check."
In other words, the state will not deposit the money directly into your bank account.
How do I file for unclaimed funds in Ohio?
You can upload your claim form and documentation online or mail the form and documents to the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds, 77 S. High St., 20th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108.
What is the state treasury website and phone number for the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds?
The phone number is 1-877-644-6823. The website is https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/unclaimed-funds.
How much has been distributed for Cincinnati counties so far in 2023?
- Adams ‒ $135,484.
- Brown ‒ $41,126.
- Butler ‒ $1,648,352.
- Clermont ‒ $1,666,534.
- Clinton ‒ $204,991.
- Hamilton ‒ $4,649,071.
- Highland ‒ $55,555.
- Warren ‒ $849,791.
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