Check the Mail: $106 Million in Unclaimed Funds Linked to Orange County

New York officials are urging Orange County residents, businesses and nonprofits to check whether they are owed a share of more than $106 million in unclaimed funds.

The New York State Comptroller’s Office lists $106,801,944.89 across 629,862 accounts connected to Orange County.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli promoted the search during a September 23 event in Middletown, where local officials encouraged residents to “cash that check” if they receive a legitimate notice.

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How much money is available?

Orange County residents received nearly $2.8 million in returned unclaimed funds during the 2025–26 fiscal year. The state’s annual report lists 4,891 claims from Orange County totaling approximately $2,761,974.

The amount available to individual claimants can vary widely. Some people may be owed $50 or $100, while others could have claims worth thousands of dollars. A small number of unclaimed accounts are worth millions.

Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets
 

Where does unclaimed money come from?

New York’s unclaimed funds can include:

• Old bank accounts.

• Uncashed checks.

• Utility deposits.

• Insurance payments or benefits.

• Stock certificates and dividends.

• Court payments.

• Unused gift cards.

• Other forgotten financial assets.

Banks, insurance companies, businesses and courts must turn over certain dormant property to the New York State Comptroller after the required dormancy period. The waiting period depends on the type of property.

For example, some unclaimed insurance payments must be transferred to the state after three years if they remain unpaid.
 

The money does not expire

New York residents can claim eligible unclaimed funds at any time. The money is not automatically lost because someone waited years to search.

Heirs may also be able to claim money belonging to a deceased relative. They must provide documents showing their identity and relationship to the original owner.
 

How to search for unclaimed funds

The New York Comptroller’s search service is free.

1. Visit the official New York unclaimed funds search tool.

2. Enter your last name or business name.

3. Add your first name, city or ZIP code to narrow the results.

4. Search using former names, nicknames and previous addresses.

5. Select Claim next to any property that belongs to you.

6. Follow the instructions and submit the required documents.

You can search for money belonging to yourself, a business, a nonprofit or a deceased family member.
 

Watch for letters and possible expedited payments

New York launched an Expedited Payment Program that allows the Comptroller’s Office to return eligible funds of up to $5,000 to verified owners without requiring a traditional claim in some cases.

If you receive a notice or check from the Comptroller’s Office, do not ignore it. You can verify a payment or claim by using the official New York website.

The state’s service is free. Be careful with companies that request an upfront fee or a percentage of your money to perform a search you can complete yourself.
 

How to contact the Comptroller’s Office

For help with a claim, contact the New York State Office of Unclaimed Funds:

• Phone: 1-800-221-9311

• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Online: osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds

You can also check the status of an existing claim through the official claim-status page.
 

Bottom line

More than $106.8 million in unclaimed funds is connected to Orange County across nearly 630,000 accounts. The money may come from old accounts, checks, insurance payments, stock holdings or other forgotten assets.

Search the official New York claim database for free. You may find money owed to you, your business or a family member.

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