Unclaimed Funds in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana: Money You May Already Own

States are holding more than $70 billion in unclaimed property nationwide, with the average claim exceeding $2,000. Ohio holds about $4.8 billion, Indiana nearly $1 billion, and Kentucky roughly $800 million.

How does it happen? When a bank, insurer, or employer loses contact with you for a few years, the law requires them to turn the money over to the state. Common examples include forgotten accounts, uncashed paychecks, insurance payouts, and utility deposits, often the result of a simple move or job change.

 Ohio residents: there is now a deadline

Historically, states held unclaimed funds indefinitely. That is still true in Kentucky and Indiana, but no longer in Ohio. Under a law signed in June 2025, in Ohio, funds unclaimed for 10 years will be forfeited to the state of Ohio, with early proceeds earmarked for the new Browns stadium project. 

This means that Ohio residents should search for and claim any funds owed to them now. 

 How to search, free, in ten minutes

• Ohio: unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov   |  Kentucky: treasury.ky.gov   |  Indiana: IndianaUnclaimed.gov
• For every other state you have lived or worked in, use MissingMoney.com, the free multistate database.
• Search name variations (maiden names, middle initials) and prior addresses, and repeat for deceased family members if you were an heir or executor.
• Don’t forget old 401(k)s: the Department of Labor’s Retirement Savings Lost and Found (lostandfound.dol.gov) tracks an estimated $1.65 trillion in forgotten retirement accounts.

A caution: you never need to pay a “finder” firm to recover your own money, and no state agency will ask for an upfront fee or banking credentials by email. 

HCM Can Help

If you find funds and aren’t sure how to claim them, or want help searching on behalf of an estate, contact your HCM wealth advisor; we’re glad to help.