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

How to Get Free Money: Simple Ways to Boost Your Income Fast is a Billshark page. It can help you with your bills and your choices, and it can show you how to save.

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

Use this page to learn about Billshark. Then go to the part of the site that fits what you need. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We share this page to help you make sense of your monthly bills, your choices, and what to do next. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page links you to more help from Billshark. Use it when you want more detail or a clear next step. You can save a lot over time.

Got a question about a bill you pay each month? This page can help you find the best answer. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Read each part of this page at your own pace. If you need more help, go on to a guide on your topic. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We put facts and tips in one place. This makes it easy to learn about the bills you pay at home. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

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Use the menu and the links to go from a big question to the facts that fit your own needs. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

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We link the small choices you make each day to the big picture. That means your budget and what you spend at home. We make it easy for you.

Each part of this page helps you see what you need. It may be help with a plan, your account, or a good read. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

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Our pages link to each other. That way, you can find more help and still keep track of what you came for. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

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Good facts help you see why a bill went up. They also show you what to check before you call or reply. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page puts the key facts in one place. It can help you talk with a company about your bills and how to save. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Our other pages explain the words you see on a bill. They also help you weigh the pros and cons of each plan. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

Our tips focus on real choices you can make. Start with the basics, then read a more detailed guide if you need one. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

This page is one of many that we share. Together they cover home costs, the firms you pay, and how to get help. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

Take your time and read this page first. It helps you see your choices and find out what to read next. We make it easy for you. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

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Monthly bills come with rules, terms, and fine print. This page helps you find the parts that count for you. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

Our pages give you a clear view of what you pay each month. You can then pick the plan or guide you want. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

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We share guides that help you make sense of your bills. They show your choices and the best next step. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

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We laid out this page to help you get the facts and compare them. You can then choose your next step with ease. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

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.

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