New Yorkers Urged to Claim Forgotten Funds

State Comptroller says over $149 million sits unclaimed on Staten Island alone

Feb. 1, 2026 at 1:55pm

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New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is encouraging residents to check the state's database for any unclaimed property or funds owed to them, from uncashed checks to dormant bank accounts. DiNapoli says there are currently over 780,000 unclaimed accounts on Staten Island alone, totaling more than $149 million. The state comptroller's office works to reconnect New Yorkers with these forgotten funds each year.

Why it matters

Unclaimed property represents money that has essentially been abandoned, and the state comptroller's office is tasked with safeguarding and returning these funds to their rightful owners. This effort aims to get this money back into the hands of New York residents, which can make a meaningful difference, especially for smaller amounts that may have been forgotten over time.

The details

Unclaimed property refers to any funds that have sat dormant long enough to be considered abandoned, such as uncashed checks, unused gift cards, or forgotten refunds. These funds are then turned over to the State Comptroller's office. Residents can search the state's database online or by phone to see if they have any unclaimed funds waiting for them. Last year, the comptroller pushed for new legislation to allow the state to automatically mail out checks for unclaimed funds of $250 or less, to make the process even easier for New Yorkers.

  • National Unclaimed Property Day is on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • Last year, the state comptroller's office reconnected New Yorkers with millions of dollars in unclaimed funds, some dating back to the 1940s.

The players

Thomas DiNapoli

New York State Comptroller, responsible for safeguarding and returning unclaimed property to rightful owners.

Office of the New York State Comptroller

The state agency that manages the unclaimed property program and works to reconnect New Yorkers with forgotten funds.

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What they’re saying

“Spend a few minutes on Unclaimed Property Day checking for your lost money. It's free, easy, and the money is yours. Lost funds can come from an uncashed check, an unused gift card or a forgotten refund, even small amounts can add up.”

— Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller (silive.com)

What’s next

The state comptroller's office encourages all New Yorkers to visit the state's unclaimed property database or call the hotline to search for any funds owed to them.

The takeaway

This effort by the New York State Comptroller's office highlights the importance of staying on top of unclaimed or forgotten funds, as even small amounts can add up over time. By proactively checking the state's database, New Yorkers can potentially recover money that rightfully belongs to them.