Do you have unclaimed property? The NJ Treasury is holding $6.3 billion in forgotten assets

If you missed National Unclaimed Property Day (Feb. 1), don't worry. Claim your assets at any time.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has nearly 33 million people linked to unclaimed funds.

At this time in New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA) is holding $6.3 billion in forgotten assets.

In 2023, UPA returned a record $202.95 million in assets to rightful owners, the result of 73,686 claims filed with the agency, according to the Department of Treasury.

"Our Unclaimed Property Administration works diligently year-round to safeguard and reunite people with unclaimed assets,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “In doing so, UPA has broken its own records for returning property to rightful owners for two consecutive years. This remarkable success is a testament to UPA’s commitment to its overarching mission and an example of public service at its finest.”

What is unclaimed property?

Unclaimed property includes assets such as abandoned bank accounts, unpaid life insurance benefits, utility deposits, unused rebate cards, uncashed paychecks, refunds and traveler's checks. This happens when the owner of a financial account or item of value does not initiate any activity for a number of years, and the company cannot locate the owner, the money or properties are submitted to the state.

How do I check for unclaimed property?

UPA has a free online service for New Jersey residents to search at https://www.unclaimedproperty.nj.gov/ to determine if the state is holding their property. Individuals are encouraged to search their name, a maiden name, or the name of a business or nonprofit.

If there is unclaimed property, you file a claim with the UPA.

There are public outreach events in New Jersey where officials can answer questions.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: New Jersey holding billions of dollars in unclaimed property