Discover Hidden Treasures: How to Find Your Unclaimed Property

Is There Money Waiting for You? Let’s Find Out.

It might sound too good to be true—but there’s a chance the State of Missouri is holding onto money that belongs to you. According to the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office, they are currently safeguarding more than $1.5 billion in unclaimed property.

Maybe it’s an old paycheck that never got cashed, a forgotten bank account, or an insurance refund that never reached you. On average, 1 in 10 Missourians has unclaimed property—and the typical return is around $300. Best of all? There’s no fee to claim it. And the process is easier than you might think.

What is Unclaimed Property?

The Basics

Unclaimed property is any financial asset that’s been inactive or forgotten for a certain amount of time—usually between one and five years. Think of it like money that’s fallen between the couch cushions of life. Some common examples include:

• Forgotten savings or checking accounts
• Uncashed checks (even payroll or refunds)
• Dormant stock dividends
• Unclaimed insurance payouts
• Safe deposit box contents

When businesses or financial institutions can’t locate the rightful owner, they’re required by law to turn those assets over to a state’s unclaimed property division for safekeeping. From there, the money sits and waits for you.

Why Does This Happen?

It’s surprisingly easy to lose track of financial assets. People move, change jobs, or forget to update their contact info. Maybe a relative passed away without a clear estate plan. Or perhaps you just lost track of an old account over the years.

Whatever the reason, it happens all the time—and not just to other people. That’s why checking for unclaimed property is worth a few minutes of your time.

Where to Search: Start Here

Your State’s Official Database

Most states make it easy to search for unclaimed property through a free, secure website. If you’ve ever lived or worked in Missouri, Kansas, or Arizona, here’s where to start:

• Missouri: https://treasurer.mo.gov/UnclaimedProperty/en/Property/SearchIndex
• Kansas: https://missingmoney.ks.gov/app/claim-search
• Arizona: https://azdor.gov/unclaimed-property/owners-file-claim/search-for-property

Each site walks you through the process, step by step. Just enter your name and see what pops up. Tip: Try a maiden name or old address, too.

National Unclaimed Property Databases

If you’ve lived in multiple states—or if you’re helping a relative search for property—consider casting a wider net. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) offers a free multi-state search tool that covers participating states and even some U.S. territories.

You can also explore databases for federal agencies, such as the IRS or the Treasury, which may hold tax refunds, savings bonds, or other assets.

Tips for a Successful Search

Be Thorough

• Try all versions of your name. Include nicknames, maiden names, or previous married names.
• Check every state you’ve lived in. Don’t forget short-term moves or college locations.
• Keep old addresses handy. Properties are often linked to where you lived when the asset became dormant.

Check for Family, Too

It’s worth searching for the names of your parents, siblings, or grandparents for unclaimed property. Especially if you’re the executor of an estate, you might uncover something they didn’t even know they had.

Found Something? Here’s What to Do Next

What You’ll Need to File a Claim

To prove you’re the rightful owner, most states will ask for:

• A government-issued ID
• Proof of current or previous address
• Possibly your Social Security number or documentation showing your relationship to the property (like an inheritance or business link)

If you’re missing something, don’t worry—there are often workarounds or alternative documents you can provide. Some states even accept digital copies to help speed things along.

Tips for Submitting Your Claim

• Get organized. Keep digital and physical copies of everything you submit.
• Follow the instructions on your state’s website carefully.
• Track your claim. Many states allow you to check the status online, so you can see when your money is on its way.

If the process feels complicated—especially with estates or legal documents—you might consider reaching out for help. Our First State Wealth team is always here to assist with the next steps.

Why This Matters

At First State Bank of St. Charles, we believe in helping our customers get every dollar they’ve earned-whether it’s through better financial products or simply pointing them to money that’s rightfully theirs. Searching for unclaimed property is quick, secure, and surprisingly satisfying.

So go ahead—see if there’s a little treasure waiting for you. You just might find more than you expected.