Gov. Landry declares Feb. 1 'Unclaimed Property Day'
February 1 is National Unclaimed Property Day and if you're like me, you have already checked for your name on the list of thousands of Louisiana residents with money just waiting to be claimed.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Governor Landry has proclaimed Feb. 1 as Unclaimed Property Day in Louisiana.
Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming says that there is over $1 billion - yes, billion with a B – in U.S. currency being held at the treasury that may have your name on it.
February 1 is also National Unclaimed Property Day and if you're like me, you have already checked for your name on the list of thousands of Louisiana residents with money just waiting to be claimed.
In the 50 years since Louisiana's Unclaimed Property program was started, over $1.2 billion are waiting to be claimed, and 1.5 million checks have been mailed for a total of $759 million returned to the rightful owner.
In a news release, Fleming said, “Whether it’s a forgotten paycheck from several years ago or a long-lost life insurance policy from a decade past, this is your money, and you never lose your right to claim it,” said Treasurer John Fleming, MD. “It’s your money, and Treasury is dedicated to holding it in trust until it finds its way back to you.”
The treasury said statistically, that means one in six Louisiana has some money in the system.
Searching the database for unclaimed property is pretty simple and straightforward. Just visit lacashclaim.org then click one of the many 'claim my cash' links on the site. Once you click, you may enter your name or your company's name in the database and search for money you never knew you were missing.
Fleming encourages residents to not only check LaCashClaim.org for their own names but also to check for the names of their family members, deceased relatives, businesses, organizations, and churches. As of last September, you can now also search for your funds straight from the LA Wallet app on your smartphone.
My own search did not turn up any personal treasure box; however, family and friends happily received information that they have money ranging from less than $25 to over $100.
There is no cost to search for or claim money through the unclaimed property program. You will have to provide verification that it is you, and they ask that you allow up to 90 days for the request to be processed.
“No matter which way you choose, it’s free and easy to make a claim. And it’s your money,” said Fleming.