How I Got Cash From the Government’s Unclaimed Property Database

This is a true story. I used to live in Las Vegas where my daughter lives now.  She called me a few years ago and said she needed a bit of info because she was on the state of Nevada website and saw a section on unclaimed money.

She did not have any on the site, but she told me I did. I gave her a bit of info and to my surprise about a month later I got a check for $87.00. I didn't get rich, but it was a night out in Downtown Lansing with the money I didn't know I had.

Get our free mobile app

Have You Checked Michigan's Unclaimed Property Database?

What if that was you and it was thousands from the state of Michigan? Here is an article that walks you through the process of checking Michigan's database. I just tried it, and there is nothing in Michigan for me. For once, I was luckier in Nevada!

Now, you may be wondering how much money is out there just waiting to be claimed. The Lansing State Journal reports that there is over $2 billion currently held by the state.

I look at it this way, what you do have to lose by checking? This is a legit website (michigan.gov), but there are many that are not. Never give personal information to any source without checking they are legitimate. There are so many scams out there.

Where is the Money Coming From?

Another question I had is, where is this money coming from? It's from uncashed checks,  forgotten refunds from a utility, a credit balance, money left in an old bank, and other sources from Michigan's 1995 Uniform Unclaimed Property Act.