This Idaho Website Finds Money You Didn’t Know You Had

The Money-Making Reason Every Idahoan Should Check This Website

If you’ve never checked this Idaho government website, or you just need a reminder to check it more often, there are potentially hundreds of reasons why you should.

I hadn’t checked Idaho’s unclaimed property site in forever… and it turns out the state was sitting on a decent amount of cash that belongs to me.

If you’ve lived in Idaho for any amount of time, or if you’ve moved, changed jobs, or switched banks, there’s a decent chance you’ve got money coming to you, too.

What “Unclaimed Property” Means in Idaho (And Why the State Might Be Holding Your Money)

Unclaimed property is basically money that belongs to you, but the company holding it couldn’t reach you for a long time. By law, they turn it over to the state, and the state holds it until the rightful owner claims it. According to Idaho’s official unclaimed property site, the state holds the money forever until it’s claimed by the rightful owner or heirs.

How to Search Idaho’s Unclaimed Money Website and File a Claim

Start by going directly to yourmoney.idaho.gov. I wouldn’t search for it, on the chance you’ll be served a link that takes you to a lookalike site or scam. From there, search your name. If you find a match, the claim search page notes that you can select multiple properties per claim, and that it’s a free, secure service run by the Idaho State Treasurer’s Office.

After that, you’ll follow prompts and provide whatever documentation is requested. Once you submit, you’ll get a claim number so you can track it.

Claiming Idaho Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Relative

When I was searching for myself, I noticed a small sum sitting there that belonged to one of my parents, who is no longer living. That got me wondering if I could claim it as a living relative. If you’re a surviving relative, you may have a legal claim to the funds depending on the value of the property and whether the estate went through probate.

Idaho’s administrative rules say a claimant must provide a death certificate. You may have to talk to your attorney or decide if the amount owed is worth the effort.

Common Reasons Idahoans Find Money They Didn’t Know Existed

This site tends to pay off for people who’ve moved, changed jobs, or opened and closed accounts. Utility deposits, old paychecks, refunded insurance premiums, forgotten bank accounts, and stale financial accounts are the kinds of things that can end up getting turned over to the state when the original holder can’t reach you.

And if you really want to increase your odds, it’s worth searching spouses, parents, and even grandparents. Older records are where a lot of the 'surprise money' seems to live.