Missing money Michigan: How to get paid by the state for unclaimed property

• Michigan’s unclaimed property program collects hundreds of millions of dollars each year in lost or abandoned property.

• If you lost a check, forgot about a bank account or abandoned property, you could reclaim it online through the program.

• Here’s how to reclaim missing money.

Your loss is the state government’s gain under Michigan's unclaimed property program, which collects hundreds of millions of dollars each year in lost or abandoned property and returns less than half to its rightful owners.

If you lost a check, forgot about a bank account or otherwise abandoned property, it should eventually end up with the state, where you have another chance to claim it.

Here’s how to get claim missing money in Michigan:

1. Go to unclaimed property.michigan.gov

2. Hit "get started" and search to see if the state lists any properties under your name.

3. If so, fill out an online form to start a claim.

4. The state will email you a PDF. Sign the affidavit and prepare copies of other requested identifying documentation, such as your driver's license or social security card.

5. Go to this website to upload your PDF claim and identifying documents.

6. Wait for the state to process your claim and, if successful, send you a check or instructions on how to obtain other property.

Note: The state does not list unclaimed properties worth less than $50 on its website. Instead, you can call 517-636-5320 to find out if you are owed any smaller-value properties.

Related:

• How Michigan makes $122M per year keeping unclaimed, missing money from residents
• Michigan reaping millions by ‘hiding’ unclaimed money worth less than $50