Checks in New York sent directly due to unclaimed funds

Many people in New York are opening their mailboxes to find a $250 check sent directly by the state.
These payments come from unclaimed funds tied to forgotten or inactive accounts.
The state has simplified the process to return lost money without complex paperwork.

In 2025 alone, the New York State Comptroller’s Office returned more than $435 million in unclaimed funds.

Among these payouts, many residents are receiving the standard $250 check by mail—no application required.

This initiative helps people recover money left behind in banks, insurance policies, or inheritances.

Unclaimed Funds: Where Does the Money Come From?

Unclaimed funds often come from accounts forgotten over time, such as:

When institutions can’t locate the rightful owner, the money is turned over to the state.

In 2025, Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli reported returning more than $2 million daily in unclaimed funds.

A new law now allows amounts of $250 or less to be returned automatically, without paperwork.

Banks, courts, and insurers must report inactive accounts, ensuring residents eventually recover their property.

Thanks to this reform, more New Yorkers are receiving unclaimed funds checks directly in the mail.

Even if you didn’t receive the automatic $250 check, you may still have money waiting.

Here’s how to check for free:

✅ There are no fees, deadlines, or limits on claiming unclaimed funds.
✅ You can also search on behalf of family members or friends.

If your name appears in the database:

File a claim directly on the portal.
Submit required documentation for verification.
Once approved, you’ll receive details about the account and the exact amount owed.

The system updates daily, so it’s worth checking regularly.

For many families, these unclaimed funds represent unexpected income that can make a real difference.