(INDIANA) - Indiana residents may have unclaimed money waiting for them, and state officials say it's worth taking a few minutes to check.
The Indiana Treasurer of State holds millions of dollars in unclaimed property belonging to Hoosiers. That property can include money from inactive bank accounts, uncashed checks, overpaid utility bills, unpaid wages, insurance payouts, refunds, or the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes.
Nationally, it's estimated that one in ten Americans has unclaimed property.
When a business or financial institution cannot locate the rightful owner of funds or property, Indiana law requires those assets to be turned over to the state for safekeeping. The state then makes that information publicly searchable so owners can reclaim what belongs to them.
Indiana residents can search for unclaimed property for free through the state's unclaimed property program or by using MissingMoney.com, a nationwide database supported by state governments. Searches can be done using your name, a previous address, a business name, or the name of a deceased relative.
State officials encourage residents to check regularly, as new unclaimed property is added every year. Claims typically require proof of identity and documentation showing a connection to the address or account associated with the property.
Hoosiers looking to see if they have money waiting can find more information and begin a search through the Indiana Treasurer of State's unclaimed property program.