National Unclaimed Property Day

National Unclaimed Property Day is a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness about unclaimed property and encouraging individuals to reclaim what rightfully belongs to them. Unclaimed property refers to financial assets or valuables that have been abandoned or forgotten due to inactivity, such as uncashed checks, dormant bank accounts, or forgotten insurance benefits. This day serves as a reminder to check for and claim these assets.

Quick Facts

When is it? February 1st
Tagged as: Awareness Campaign, Consumer Protection
What’s the hashtag? #UnclaimedPropertyDay
When was it founded? 2021
Who founded it? The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA)

History of National Unclaimed Property Day

The inaugural National Unclaimed Property Day was celebrated on February 1, 2021. It was established by NAUPA to educate the public about the billions of dollars in unclaimed property held by state governments. This initiative emphasizes the importance of reconnecting individuals with their lost assets, ensuring rightful owners can reclaim their money or valuables.

Timeline

2021: First celebration of National Unclaimed Property Day.
2022: States implement innovative programs like direct deposit returns.
2023: Record-breaking returns in states like Pennsylvania and Indiana.
2024: Enhanced outreach efforts through social media and state programs.
2025: Fourth annual celebration with expanded participation.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	February 1	Saturday
2026	February 1	Sunday
2027	February 1	Monday
2028	February 1	Tuesday
2029	February 1	Thursday
2030	February 1	Friday

Observed

National Unclaimed Property Day is observed across all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. It involves campaigns to encourage individuals to search for unclaimed property through state websites or platforms like MissingMoney.com.

Fun Facts About National Unclaimed Property Day

Nearly 1 in 7 Americans have unclaimed property waiting for them.
States return billions of dollars annually, with claims ranging from a few dollars to thousands.
Common examples include forgotten paychecks, utility deposits, and safe deposit box contents.

Quiz

What percentage of Americans have unclaimed property?
What year was National Unclaimed Property Day founded?
Name one platform where you can search for unclaimed property.

Answers:

Approximately 14% (1 in 7 Americans)
2021
MissingMoney.com

FAQs

Q: How do I check if I have unclaimed property?
A: Visit your state’s unclaimed property website or use platforms like MissingMoney.com.

Q: Is there a fee to claim my property?
A: No, claiming unclaimed property is free.

Q: What counts as unclaimed property?
A: Examples include unpaid wages, dormant accounts, gift cards, and life insurance payouts.

Importance of National Unclaimed Property Day

This day highlights the importance of reconnecting individuals with their lost assets. It ensures that money and valuables are returned to rightful owners, promoting financial well-being and consumer protection.