$12 million in unclaimed cash for Mainers available from Treasurer

The Office of the State Treasurer has received more than $12 million in the form of unclaimed property in the past year, and Mainers are being urged to check whether any of that cash belongs to them.

“Unclaimed property” is money owed to Maine people by third parties, such as former employers, banks or utility companies. Organizations are required to give unclaimed property to the State Treasurer after a specified period of time, after which the owner of the unclaimed property can retrieve it from the state.

“All sorts of unclaimed properties are turned in every year,” said Sen. Anne Haskell (D-Portland). “Everyone should check the website to see if they, or a business they own, can be matched to any properties listed.”

Even if you have done everything right, you could have unclaimed property. It could be from a forgotten account, an overpaid bill or uncollected wages. This money could be unclaimed as a result of a change in name, addresses or bank account.

You can search the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property List here. If you find your name, or the name of your current or past businesses on the list, you can claim the property immediately online — for free.

You can also search your friends and family and let them know about unclaimed properties that may belong to them. To find out if you are owed money in other states missingmoney.com serves as a National Database.

The Office of the Treasurer receives new properties throughout the year. Be sure to check back as often as you can!