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.
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.
