BOISE, Idaho – Billions of dollars in the United States are waiting to be claimed, and Idaho holds a substantial portion of it.
Julie Ellsworth from the Idaho State Treasurer’s Office has provided insights into this issue. According to Ellsworth, there is currently between $260 million and $280 million in Idaho that needs to be claimed in 2024.
Her office frequently receives money from businesses and organizations that have lost contact with the rightful owners. This unclaimed money remains under the state’s custody until the owner is found.
Ellsworth detailed what constitutes unclaimed property:
“Unclaimed property includes bank accounts, uncashed checks, unclaimed wages, safety deposit boxes, insurance claims, stocks, and bonds,” she said.
If unclaimed, Ellsworth emphasized that this money stays in the state’s account indefinitely.
“This pool of money belongs to the people; it is their missing money, and it will always belong to them. It’s not being used to subsidize programs in the state,” she stated.
To find out if there is unclaimed money waiting, residents can visit yourmoney.idaho.gov. By entering a name, the site scans databases to check for any available claims.
The database categorizes claims into amounts of below $25, over $25, and more than $100. Searches can also be conducted for deceased relatives.
To claim the funds, identification is required, and in the case of claiming on behalf of deceased relatives, a death certificate is necessary.
“This website is free. If you are asked to pay, it is the wrong website,” Ellsworth said.
There is also a nationwide database at missingmoney.com for a broader search.
