The commercials and ads in print, online, and in magazines are everywhere. "Find missing money!" "Get unclaimed cash!" "Do you have an unclaimed inheritance?" "Locate your lost assets now!" And the commercials typically end with a website or phone number viewers and readers can call to locate abandoned property. For people on a "treasure hunt" for lost money, finding unclaimed Ohio funds for current and former state residents can be a relatively easy process. Read on to learn more.
Abandoned Property
State and federal governments are legally obligated to hold on to abandoned property for a specific time (usually between five and ten years) for owners who don't realize the money is theirs. Lost assets can take many forms, typically along the lines of:
- lost inheritance
- old bank accounts
- forgotten final paychecks
- utility deposits
- insurance premiums overpaid
- overpayments on bills
- interest payments on investments
- medical bill reimbursements
In each of the above instances the company holding the money is required to turn the money over to the state or federal government. The government then holds the money, waiting for the rightful owner to find the asset and put in a claim. More than $32 billion in lost funds are held by governments in the United States, an average of $100 for every man, woman, and child in the U.S. Claiming missing money is key to reclaiming what is rightfully one's property but also to helping governments to thin down their abandoned property lists.
Unclaimed Ohio Funds
Searching the state of Ohio makes sense for former and current residents, and also for those with relatives (alive or deceased) in the state. The initial steps for searching for unclaimed Ohio funds include:
- Make a list of all known addresses in Ohio.
- Jot down known names used (i.e. maiden name, married name, initials plus last name).
- Go to the Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds for the state of Ohio.
- Perform a search for all names.
- Print the claim form on the left column if a match between a known name and unclaimed Ohio funds is found.
- Complete the claim form and submit all required documents to file.
- Wait six to eight weeks.
- Follow up with the Commerce Department if no answer is given after eight weeks.
Perform an exhaustive free unclaimed money search, looking at every possible database. Each website is different and may include missing funds that aren't found on the Ohio site. Examining all possible leads is critical to finding abandoned property and being able to make a claim to get lost money.
Find Lost Money and Unclaimed Inheritance
Opening the search for unclaimed inheritance and other lost money may be useful. Check out these articles for more information:
Free Unclaimed Money Search - Not sure which state may have your lost money? Learn how to perform a broader national unclaimed inheritance (and more).
Inheritance Advance - Probate Cash - Know there is an inheritance settlement coming but need cash immediately? Learn where to get a structured settlement or upfront payment.
Unclaimed Property in California - Find Assets - Ever live in California? Know someone who did or does? Read on for information on claiming missing money.
Melanie Zoltan - Melanie Zoltan is a former college professor and administrator who has written for About.com, PCWorld, Brain Child, Thomson Gale, and ...
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