The state is calling the first-ever National Unclaimed Property Day “a success” but said it still has $3 billion to give out.
On February 1st, the Division of Unclaimed Funds within the Department of Commerce made a push to get Ohioans to file for money that is rightfully theirs.
The agency’s said in the first week of February it received 37,806 requests for claim forms, more than eight times the weekly average of 4,400. As a result, the office received 942 claims that week with people requesting $10 million.
“Any and every citizen of Ohio should be looking to see whether or not they may have money with the division” Akil Hardy, the superintendent for the Division of Unclaimed Funds said.
Hardy said his office is still holding on to $3 billion in unclaimed funds, at a time when Ohioans are filing for unemployment benefits by the thousands.
“Many people have unfortunately lost jobs, so I think right now everyone should be exercising financial literacy and taking account of your assets which includes looking to see if you have any unclaimed funds,” Hardy said.
The funds come from a variety of sources including old bank accounts, stocks, bonds utility deposits, last checks, and safe deposit boxes.
Check for unclaimed funds:
https://www.com.ohio.gov/unfd/