New Yorkers Owed Over $20 Billion in Unclaimed Funds

State comptroller says $100 million in unclaimed money available in Capital Region alone

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York State has over $20 billion in unclaimed funds that rightfully belong to residents, with the state comptroller's office returning more than $2 million per day to New Yorkers. Residents are encouraged to search for any unclaimed money they may be owed from sources like insurance settlements, bank accounts, and utility deposits.

Why it matters

Unclaimed funds represent money that legally belongs to New York residents but has gone unclaimed, often due to people forgetting about old accounts or not realizing they are owed money. Helping residents recover this money can provide a financial boost, especially during economic uncertainty.

The details

According to the New York State Comptroller's Office, the state is currently holding over $20 billion in unclaimed funds. This money comes from a variety of sources, including insurance settlements, unclosed bank accounts, estate proceeds, and abandoned property. In 2025, the state returned over $633 million to rightful owners, and in the first two months of 2026 has already paid out more than $78 million.

  • In 2025, the state returned over $633 million in unclaimed funds to New Yorkers.
  • So far in 2026, the state has returned more than $78 million in unclaimed funds as of February.

The players

Thomas P. DiNapoli

New York State Comptroller, whose office oversees the state's Unclaimed Funds program and returns over $2 million per day to rightful owners.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“New York State has $20 Billion in unclaimed funds and some of the money could be yours.”

— Thomas P. DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller

The takeaway

Unclaimed funds represent a significant amount of money that legally belongs to New Yorkers but has gone unclaimed, often due to people forgetting about old accounts or not realizing they are owed money. By encouraging residents to check for any unclaimed funds, the state can help provide a financial boost to individuals and families, especially during challenging economic times.