Savings Tips

How to Get Free Money: Simple Ways to Boost Your Income Fast

Unclaimed Money
Track down free money that's rightfully yours

Billions of dollars in unclaimed funds sit waiting across the U.S. — back wages, tax refunds, old pensions, and life insurance payouts. With the right free tools, you can track down money you didn’t know you had.

Finding ways to earn more money is always exciting, but what’s even better than earning is finding free money you didn’t know you had. At Billshark, we believe in helping people keep more cash in their pockets — whether that’s lowering your monthly bills or guiding you to hidden money that’s rightfully yours.

1 How to Get Free Money in 2025

Billions of dollars in unclaimed funds are waiting to be collected in the U.S. Every year, people leave behind back wages, tax refunds, old pensions, or life insurance payouts they never realized they had. The good news? With the right tools, you can track this money down without paying a dime to anyone else.

Before we dive into the steps, remember one important rule: never pay anyone to search for unclaimed money. Scammers often pretend to be government agencies and charge fees. Legitimate searches are always free. Here are the best ways to start your search:

2 Search by State

Start with the state you live in now, then check every state you’ve lived in previously. Websites like the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators or National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators let you search multiple states at once, free of charge.

3 Check Bank and Credit Union Accounts

If a bank failed or a credit union closed, you may still have unclaimed deposits. Use the FDIC and NCUA’s search tools to check if your funds are waiting to be collected.

4 Look for Tax Refunds

The IRS has millions in unclaimed tax refunds every year. If you were expecting a refund and didn’t receive it, use the IRS Where’s My Refund tool or contact your local office. Even if you weren’t required to file, you may qualify for a refund if federal taxes were withheld from your pay.

5 Recover Back Wages or Pensions

The U.S. Department of Labor has a Workers Owed Wages database. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation also allows you to search for unclaimed pension funds from failed plans.

6 Check VA Life Insurance or FHA Refunds

Veterans or their beneficiaries may be owed life insurance funds. Similarly, if you had an FHA-insured mortgage, you might qualify for a HUD refund.

7 How Long It Takes to Claim Free Money

Responses from agencies can take 8–10 weeks, and the payout can vary — some people receive just a few dollars, while others uncover thousands. The search takes time, but since most unclaimed property has no statute of limitations, you can claim it even years later.

8 Bonus Tip: Find Free Money by Lowering Bills

While searching for unclaimed funds, you can also unlock savings on everyday bills. Billshark helps customers slash cable, internet, and wireless bills — sometimes saving hundreds or thousands each year. It’s a free way to uncover money hiding in plain sight.

 Try Billshark today: Start saving here

And if you’re curious about other ways to avoid wasting money, check out our guide on unlimited data plans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search for unclaimed money under a different name (maiden name or former name)?

Yes — if you’ve ever used a previous name (maiden, married, etc.), it’s smart to search those names too because unclaimed funds may be listed under any name you've used.

Are there fees for claiming unclaimed money?

Legitimate searches and claims are free. Any offer that asks you to pay a fee to recover unclaimed money is likely a scam.

What documentation do I need to claim unclaimed property or money?

You typically need valid photo ID, proof of address, and documentation showing you are the owner (for instance old bank statements or account numbers).

How long does the state hold unclaimed property before you can no longer claim it?

In most states, there is no statute of limitations — meaning you can claim unclaimed money even many years later. Some states may have dormancy periods after which the holder must report it, but you can still file claims.

How can I tell if an unclaimed money notice is real or a scam?

Check whether the communication comes from an official state website or agency. Government agencies will not require payment or ask for fees upfront. Always verify the site or contact by checking the state's unclaimed property office.

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How to Get Free Money: Simple Ways to Boost Your Income Fast page context

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Learn how to get free money by finding unclaimed funds, tax refunds, back wages, pensions, and life insurance using free government tools. Start searching.

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Billions of dollars in unclaimed funds sit waiting across the U.S.

Finding ways to earn more money is always exciting, but what’s even better than earning is finding free money you didn’t know you had.

Billions of dollars in unclaimed funds are waiting to be collected in the U.S.

Before we dive into the steps, remember one important rule: never pay anyone to search for unclaimed money.

Start with the state you live in now, then check every state you’ve lived in previously.

If a bank failed or a credit union closed, you may still have unclaimed deposits.

The IRS has millions in unclaimed tax refunds every year.

The U.S.

Veterans or their beneficiaries may be owed life insurance funds.

Responses from agencies can take 8–10 weeks, and the payout can vary — some people receive just a few dollars, while others uncover thousands.

While searching for unclaimed funds, you can also unlock savings on everyday bills.

 Try Billshark today: Start saving here.

And if you’re curious about other ways to avoid wasting money, check out our guide on unlimited data plans .

Yes — if you’ve ever used a previous name (maiden, married, etc.), it’s smart to search those names too because unclaimed funds may be listed under any name you've used.

Legitimate searches and claims are free.

You typically need valid photo ID, proof of address, and documentation showing you are the owner (for instance old bank statements or account numbers).

In most states, there is no statute of limitations — meaning you can claim unclaimed money even many years later.

Check whether the communication comes from an official state website or agency.

Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.

Billshark helps lower internet, wireless, cable, satellite radio, and other monthly bills.

Our experts handle providers for customers and share updates throughout the process.

Customers pay only when Billshark finds savings on eligible bills.

1 How to Get Free Money in 2025.

3 Check Bank and Credit Union Accounts.

4 Look for Tax Refunds.

5 Recover Back Wages or Pensions.

6 Check VA Life Insurance or FHA Refunds.

7 How Long It Takes to Claim Free Money.

8 Bonus Tip: Find Free Money by Lowering Bills.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Can I search for unclaimed money under a different name (maiden name or former name)?.

Are there fees for claiming unclaimed money?.

What documentation do I need to claim unclaimed property or money?.

How long does the state hold unclaimed property before you can no longer claim it?.

How can I tell if an unclaimed money notice is real or a scam?.

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