Millions of dollars in unclaimed money MS are waiting to be claimed by Mississippi residents each year. In fact, state officials report that “One in 10 people have unclaimed money” sitting in the treasury. According to Mississippi’s State Treasurer, David McRae, returning these funds has become a top priority. Over $100 million has already been returned through the state’s official program, with the total now approaching $110 million. If you ever lived, worked, or owned a business in Mississippi, it’s time to explore the Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi — you could be owed cash and not even know it.

Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi — it could be yours. This step-by-step guide walks you through using the official state tools and processes to locate and recover what you’re owed. You’ll discover what qualifies as unclaimed property, how to check if the Mississippi State Treasury is holding funds in your name, and the exact steps to file a claim and get your money back fast.

• Mississippi’s official portal makes it easy to “discover unclaimed money MS residents are owed using the official Mississippi State Treasury search tool”.
• Using the Unclaimed Property Search Portal is free and secure – you can even claim “your share of unclaimed money MS through a free and secure Mississippi Treasury search.”
• Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi is more relevant than ever—especially as the Treasurer’s office has started proactively mailing official checks to thousands of residents. Don’t ignore these letters or checks. State officials have emphasized, “It is an official check from the State of Mississippi… your money, and I want you to cash that money as quickly as possible.” Remember, unclaimed money MS is holding onto doesn’t expire—it “will be there forever until it’s claimed,” but the sooner you check, the sooner you could have that money back in your pocket.

In this complete guide to Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi, we break down everything you need to know about recovering forgotten assets. You’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to search the Mississippi State Treasury’s database and file a claim with ease. We also explain eligibility criteria, required documentation, expected timelines, and share important tips to avoid scams. By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to search for unclaimed money MS may be holding for you—and claim what’s rightfully yours.

What Is “Unclaimed Money” (Property) in Mississippi?

Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi starts with understanding what unclaimed money actually is. Also known as unclaimed property, it refers to financial assets owed to individuals or businesses that have been lost, forgotten, or left inactive—eventually turned over to the state for safekeeping. Common examples include:

• Forgotten bank accounts

  Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi includes assets like dormant savings or checking accounts with no activity for years, which are eventually turned over to the state for safekeeping.

• Uncashed checks

  Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi also covers uncashed payments, like old paychecks, vendor checks, or insurance reimbursements, that were never received or deposited and are now held by the state.

• Refunds or deposits

  Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi often includes credit balances from utility bills, unreturned security deposits, rebate checks, and other overlooked refunds that have been transferred to the state treasury.

• Safe deposit box contents

  Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi may even include physical items such as coins or collectibles left behind in safe deposit boxes, which are eventually turned over to the state.

• Shares of stock or dividends

  Many assets remain never claimed until discovered through Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi, so it’s important to check the official state database regularly.

As the Mississippi State Treasury explains, unclaimed money MS refers to money or stocks—not physical property like houses or cars. When a business or bank cannot locate the owner after a dormancy period (typically five years for many account types), it is required to turn those funds over to the state’s Unclaimed Property Division. In other words, these funds are your money, and Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi helps you recover what the state is holding until someone claims it.

For example, the Treasury’s website notes that typical scenarios involving Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi include a utility refund sent to an old address, a forgotten certificate of deposit at a bank, or proceeds from an insurance policy of a deceased relative. If no one claims these funds within five years, the money is transferred to Mississippi, and the Unclaimed Property program steps in to locate and help the rightful owner.

Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi refers to assets you or your family may have lost track of. If these funds remain unclaimed for five years, the money is sent to the state treasury to be held until you claim it.

In short, Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi can come from any source that paid you cash or credit. It does not include real estate or vehicles. Instead, think of it as the loose ends of your finances—forgotten checks, old tax refunds, bank balances, and similar cash assets that you simply never picked up or forgot about.

Why Does Mississippi Have Unclaimed Money?

Mississippi, like all states, is required by law to safeguard and eventually redistribute abandoned financial assets. According to state law, after a dormancy period—usually five years for most bank accounts and checks—companies must report and transfer unclaimed property to the State Treasurer. Through the Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi program, the Treasury publishes online databases listing the names associated with these assets, making it easier for rightful owners to find and claim their money.

This process exists to protect both the owners and the state’s interests. It prevents businesses from keeping forgotten cash and ensures rightful owners can recover what’s theirs. In Mississippi, the State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division plays a key role in the Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi program, working to locate rightful owners and reunite them with their unclaimed money.

Over decades, this adds up to a significant amount of money. Mississippi’s Treasurer reports that since 2020, the state has returned over $100 million to citizens through active efforts. By late 2024, that figure was approaching $110 million. County officials estimate a cumulative total around $280 million returned to Mississippians in recent years. These large amounts highlight how common Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi really is—and why it’s essential to check if the state owes you money.

• When I became your State Treasurer, I promised to find and return your unclaimed money. Through the Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi program, this August, the State Treasury hit a historic milestone—returning over $100 million to Mississippians in just over four years.
• The State Treasury has returned millions of dollars through the Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi program. Check the official list today to see if there’s unclaimed money MS is holding for you!

• “One in 10 people have unclaimed money waiting—start your search with Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi today. Click below to find out if the state owes you money!”

These quotes highlight that Mississippi is actively working to locate owners through the Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi program. In late 2024, local news reported a special effort where checks were mailed to 4,000–5,000 residents in the initial phase, with tens of thousands more expected to receive “tens of millions of dollars” in subsequent phases. The Treasurer urged recipients,

“It is an official check from the state of Mississippi… it’s your money, and I want you to cash that money as quickly as possible,” reminding people that checks expire if not cashed promptly. This campaign underscores how real and proactive the Unclaimed Money MS program is in helping residents reclaim their funds.

Common Examples of Unclaimed Funds

To make this more concrete, here are a few examples of the types of funds that often end up in Mississippi’s Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi database:

• Utility and Service Refunds:

  Suppose you overpaid an electricity or water bill, and the refund check was sent to an old address you no longer use. After a year or two without claiming it, the funds become part of Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi and are sent to the state treasury for safekeeping.

• Uncashed Payroll or Vendor Checks:

  Maybe a former employer or client sent you a check for final pay or payment for work done, but you never received it or it bounced. Companies are required to report checks over $50 that aren’t cashed within a year to the Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi program.

• Bank Account Balances:

  An old savings or checking account left inactive for five years can be transferred to the state, especially if the bank can’t contact you. Even the interest earned in certain accounts may become part of Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi.

• Safe Deposit Box Contents:

  If you rent a safe deposit box and stop paying fees, the contents—such as cash, coins, or collectibles—may become part of Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi.

• Insurance Policy Proceeds:

  Benefits or dividends from life insurance or other policies—especially if the policyholder passed away and beneficiaries didn’t claim them—can appear as part of Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi.

• Stock Certificates/Dividends:

  Physical stock certificates that were never cashed, or dividends sent to outdated addresses, may eventually become part of Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi.

• Inactive Gift Cards or Store Credits:

  In some cases, unused gift cards or store credits may become part of Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi after several years of inactivity.

State Treasurer McRae mentioned that many unclaimed checks being mailed back are from uncollected tax refunds, uncashed salary checks, and benefit payments—all part of the Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi program. Similarly, the Jasper County website highlights examples such as energy bill refunds and forgotten certificates of deposit that may be waiting for you.

Regardless of the source, the key point is this: if you’ve ever lost track of money owed to you, it’s important to check for it. Mississippi’s Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi program makes it easy to find out if unclaimed money is waiting under your name. According to the state, “You may be richer than you think! Use this free tool to see if you have unclaimed property.”

How to Search for Your Unclaimed Money in Mississippi

Mississippi’s official search tool is the essential first step in Unclaimed Money MS: How to Search and Claim Your Missing Funds in Mississippi. The State Treasury offers a Free Unclaimed Property Search Portal where individuals and businesses can easily look up their names in the database. Here’s how to use the tool:

1. Visit the Official Search Portal.

   Go to treasury.ms.gov/search or directly to ms.findyourunclaimedproperty.com. These links take you to the Mississippi Unclaimed Property database (an NSS and NASP interface). The portal is open to the public and free of charge.

2. Enter Your Search Information.

   On the search page, you can enter your Last Name or Company Name, and optionally a First Name and City/ZIP for better matching. Make sure to try variations of your name (e.g. maiden name, middle name, or even an old nickname) and any past cities you’ve lived in Mississippi.

3. Click “Search Properties.”

   This will show any unclaimed records matching the information. The site reminds you, “You may be richer than you think! Use this free tool to see if you have unclaimed property.”.

4. Review the Results.

   If your name appears on any record, click on it to see details like the property ID, dollar amount, source, and year. For businesses, it will show the company name.

5. Add to Claim Cart (Optional).

   Mississippi’s portal allows you to add found properties to a “claims cart” and proceed to file claims digitally. (If preferred, you can instead manually file a claim form by mail – see next section.)

6. No Matches? Try Again Later.

   If nothing shows up, it doesn’t hurt to check again in a few months. New items are added over time. Also try different name spellings or check if an alternate version of your name is listed.

Image: Close-up of U.S. dollar bills representing unclaimed money held by the Mississippi State Treasury. Mississippi’s Unclaimed Property Search Portal lets you quickly check if the state is holding cash or property in your name.

Mississippi’s official database is the only way to be sure. Avoid third-party “claim finder” services that charge a fee. As the state notes: “Any person may file a claim without the assistance of a paid claim finder… We are happy to assist you and help you avoid any fees from claim finders.” (Indeed, paid finders in Mississippi can legally charge up to 10% of your claim, so it’s best to file yourself.)

In summary, the keyword steps are: “Start your missing money search today and claim the unclaimed money MS is holding for you.” Follow the portal’s instructions and use the official site to look up lost or forgotten assets.

Tips for an Effective Search

• Check All Variations of Your Name:

  If you’ve changed your name (due to marriage or other reasons), try searching with both names. Also check common misspellings.

• Include Middle Names or Initials:

  The portal lets you specify first and last names, so try different combinations (e.g. “J Smith” vs “John Smith”).

• Use Company Names if Applicable:

  If you owned a business or were a corporate officer, search the exact business name. Unclaimed property records for companies are also stored.

• Search by Address/City:

  If your name is common, adding a city or ZIP code can narrow results.

• Check in Person (Optional):

  Some local county offices maintain lists of unclaimed money for residents – see if your county clerk or treasurer posts any information.

Claiming Unclaimed Money: The Process

If your search turns up assets in your name, the next step is to file a claim. The process is straightforward:

1. Obtain the Official Claim Form.

   From the Mississippi Treasury’s website, download or print the Mississippi Unclaimed Property Claim Form. (There is a PDF link on the “Make a Claim” page.) The form will list the property ID, amount, and your name.

2. Complete the Form.

   Fill in your personal information on the form as prompted. Include the property details exactly as shown in the search results.

3. Notarize the Form.

   Mississippi requires that claim forms be notarized. After completing it, have a notary public witness and stamp your signature. (This proves your identity.)

4. Mail the Form to the Treasury.

   Send the notarized form to:
   Office of the State Treasurer – Unclaimed Property Division,
   P.O. Box 138, Jackson, MS 39205. Be sure to use the correct address and include any required property ID or reference number.

5. Wait for Processing.

   Once received, the Treasury will verify your claim (checking documents, matching names/addresses, etc.) and then mail out a check. Claims typically take up to 8 weeks for processing after all required documentation is received. It could take longer if additional info is needed.

These steps (print form, notarize, mail) are summarized on the official “Make a Claim” page:

Make a Claim in 3 Steps:

1. Print and complete the [Unclaimed Property Claim Form].
2. Have your completed form notarized, and include the property identification number.
3. Mail the form to the State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division (P.O. Box 138, Jackson, MS 39205).

You can file online or by mail. The above procedure is the mail-in method. Some users prefer to “Submit Claim” directly through the portal’s “My Claims Cart” after searching (if the portal provides that option). Either way, the same documentation and identity checks apply. Important: The claim is free – Mississippi does not charge the claimant. Any message saying you must pay to collect is a scam.

Required Documentation

To avoid delays, gather the necessary paperwork before submitting your claim. You must prove you are the rightful owner (or heir) of the unclaimed funds. Required documents vary by claim type:

• For Individual Claims (Your Own Name):

  At minimum, provide:

  • A copy of a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.).
  • A copy of your Social Security card or another official document with your SSN (e.g. tax return, Social Security statement).
  • Proof of current address (utility bill or bank statement) matching what’s on the claim form.

• If Claiming as an Heir (Owner is Deceased):

  You must also submit:

  • The deceased owner’s death certificate.
  • Proof of heirship: a filed will naming you as heir, an official obituary listing heirs, or a notarized Affidavit of Death and Heirship.
  • Each heir must file a separate claim form (funds are divided per will or state law).

• For Businesses/Corporations:

  Include:

  • A corporate ID (if available) and photo ID of an authorized officer.
  • The company’s Federal Employer ID (FEIN) number.
  • Proof of company position (letterhead, business card, or officer authorization).
  • If the business is dissolved, copies of formation documents and owner information as required.

• For Public Entities:

  Follow similar rules – provide official IDs and documentation of authority.

In all cases, provide any account numbers or property IDs listed in the search results. The state’s FAQ emphasizes they “must verify the correct person is being paid”, so accurate documents are needed.

“If the owner is deceased, you must provide [the] death certificate [and] any deceased heir’s death certificate, plus a will/obituary [or affidavit] showing the heirs.”

Be sure to submit photocopies, not originals, unless specifically instructed. If you lack some proof (like old address), the treasury can sometimes work with you – see their FAQ on how to provide address proof. But always strive to include all asked documents to speed up your claim.

Keep your contact info updated. If you move after filing, notify the Treasury (with your claim number) so your check isn’t lost. And remember: All claims are paid via mailed check – the office does not pay in person.

Avoid scams: The Mississippi Treasurer’s office will never ask you to pay a fee to claim your money. If someone purports to charge you to recover your funds, it’s likely a scam. The state explicitly notes that you “may file a claim without the assistance of a paid claim finder” and that their own services are free. Always use the official treasury.ms.gov site or numbers to verify any claim correspondence. For example, if you receive a mailer or call claiming there’s money for you, make sure it says “State of Mississippi” and has the Treasurer’s name, like in the WLOX report: “it comes in a letter from me and an envelope with my name on it, so it’s not a scam”.

Search Results and Follow-Up

After your search, you may find one or more items under your name. On the portal, each result will list: the type of property (cash, stock, etc.), the amount, the date it went to the state, and a “Property ID.” Example listings might say “MS Electricity & Gas Co – Active Account” or “Bank of X – CD Account (Inactive)”. Write down or save the Property ID, as you’ll need it on your claim form.

Example scenario: Suppose you searched and found an entry: Property ID 12345 – “United Utilities – Refund – 2019” – $125.50. This might represent an old utility credit. To claim it, you’d click “Claim” or download the form, fill in the owner name, address, social security number, and Property ID 12345, and sign/notarize.

If you find no results, you’re not necessarily out of luck. Not all unclaimed funds may be listed immediately. It’s wise to check again periodically (every 6-12 months). Also, some people have unclaimed property in multiple states if they moved, so check other states’ databases too (Mississippi’s site may link to a national search or you can use resources like MissingMoney.com). But for now, focusing on Mississippi’s own database is key to find MS-held funds.

Encouraging Others & Engaging with the Process

Searching and claiming unclaimed money can be surprisingly rewarding. Consider these engagement tips:

• Tell Family Members:

  Encourage parents, grandparents, and adult children to check too – they might not realize they have money waiting.

• Share Your Story:

  If you successfully claim funds, consider sharing your experience on social media or comments (being mindful of privacy) to motivate others.

• Stay Informed:

  The Mississippi Treasurer’s office often updates their newsroom and social media with unclaimed property events and highlights. For example, they held a statewide “Unclaimed Money Expo” tour to publicize these resources.

• Use Social Share Buttons:

  This article might have share buttons; use them to post on Facebook or Twitter. Tagging local channels or using hashtags like #UnclaimedMoneyMS or #MissingMoney may get more eyes. The official tagline used by the state is often “State Treasurer McRae” or “Mississippi Unclaimed Money”.

Ultimately, the goal is to get Mississippians engaged in the process. The more people search, the more funds get reunited with their owners. As one county site notes, if you see your name on the list, the local Chancery Clerk’s office is even offering to notarize your claim forms for free. And the State Treasurer’s message is clear: “If you haven’t done so already, please visit treasury.ms.gov/search to begin”.

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FAQs about Unclaimed Money in Mississippi

• Q: How do I check if Mississippi owes me unclaimed money?
  A: Visit the official Mississippi State Treasury Unclaimed Property website (treasury.ms.gov or ms.findyourunclaimedproperty.com) and use the free search portal. Enter your name (and any variations) and city to see if any funds are listed in your name.
• Q: What counts as “unclaimed property” in Mississippi?
  A: Unclaimed property generally means cash or financial assets. Examples include old bank accounts, uncashed checks (payroll, utility refunds, insurance), forgotten security deposits, unclaimed refunds, or stock dividends. Importantly, it does not include real estate or vehicles. Essentially, it’s any cash/check/stock that was owed to you but wasn’t claimed for 5 years.
• Q: Is it really free to search and claim?
  A: Yes. Searching the Mississippi database is completely free, as is filing a claim. The official portal explicitly says it’s a “free tool”. Mississippi law lets claimants file on their own, without paying anyone. The state will not ask you to pay fees. Any service that offers to do it for you is not necessary, and claim-finders (who charge up to 10% by law) are entirely optional.
• Q: What documents do I need to claim unclaimed property?
  A: You will need proof of identity and proof of ownership. At minimum, prepare a photocopy of your photo ID and Social Security card. You may also need a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address. If claiming for someone who has died, submit that person’s death certificate and evidence of your right to inherit (a will or obituary). Businesses need corporate IDs and tax ID numbers. Each claim form has a list of requirements.
• Q: How long will it take to get my money after I file?
  A: The Mississippi Treasury processes claims in the order received. According to the FAQ, up to 8 weeks may pass after you submit all required documentation. If any paperwork is missing or needs further verification, it could take longer. Plan for at least 2 months before contacting the office about your check.
• Q: Can I file a claim for a deceased relative?
  A: Yes. Each legal heir can file a claim for the deceased person’s unclaimed property. You must include the deceased person’s death certificate and proof of heirship (will, obituary, or a formal affidavit). Once you submit these documents with the claim, other heirs usually do not need to resend the death certificate (but they do each submit their own claim form for their share).
• Q: What if I find money for someone who’s not me?
  A: You can file a claim on behalf of someone else (like a parent or client), but be prepared to prove you have the authority to do so (power of attorney or executor documents). The state is strict about paying the correct owner. If you help someone else claim, make sure you have all legal paperwork.
• Q: What if I move after filing a claim?
  A: Contact the Unclaimed Property Division immediately with your new address and claim number. The office advises claimants to call (601-359-3534) if you’ve changed address or lost your check. They can reissue a check or update the address on file.

Conclusion: Claim Your Money!

Unclaimed Money MS: it’s literally money waiting to be reclaimed by you if you’ve ever lost track of it. Whether it’s a forgotten bank account, an old tax refund, or any other stray cash asset, the Mississippi State Treasury is holding it in trust. As Treasurer McRae emphasizes, “It’s y’all’s money, not the government’s”.

Don’t leave your cash on the table.

Start by visiting the official Unclaimed Property Search Portal and typing in your name. If you see a match, follow the clear steps above to file a claim – print the form, get it notarized, and mail it in. Remember the key phrases: “Unclaimed money MS” and “search unclaimed property today.” Use them as reminders to discover unclaimed money MS residents are owed using the official Mississippi State Treasury search tool. You might be surprised at what turns up!

Once you complete the steps, it’s only a matter of time before the funds arrive. Make sure to cash the check when it comes; the state warns these government-issued checks will expire if not cashed promptly. But take heart: even if one check expires, the state will continue to hold your funds until you claim them.

Finally, spread the word. Share this guide with family and friends. Help your community reclaim the cash they’re owed. After all, every Mississippi resident deserves to claim their own Unclaimed Money MS. Search today – your money is waiting!