Unclaimed money: Overview, definition, and example
What is unclaimed money?
Unclaimed money refers to funds or assets that belong to an individual or business but have not been claimed within a specified period. This can include bank account balances, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, dividends, refunds, or other financial assets that remain dormant. If unclaimed for too long, the money may be transferred to a government authority under escheat laws, which govern the handling of abandoned property.
For example, if a former employee forgets to collect their final paycheck, and it remains unclaimed for several years, the employer may be required to turn it over to the state’s unclaimed property division.
Why is unclaimed money important?
Unclaimed money laws protect the rights of individuals and businesses by ensuring that lost or forgotten funds can still be recovered. They also prevent companies from indefinitely holding onto funds that rightfully belong to someone else.
- For businesses, unclaimed money must be reported and turned over to the relevant authorities according to escheat laws to avoid penalties.
- For individuals, checking unclaimed property databases can help recover lost funds, such as refunds, security deposits, or unclaimed insurance benefits.
Without clear policies, unclaimed funds can create legal and financial risks for businesses, including fines for failing to report dormant assets.
Understanding unclaimed money through an example
Imagine a customer overpays their utility bill, but instead of requesting a refund, they move to a new address without leaving contact details. The utility company holds the extra funds for a legally mandated period before transferring them to the state’s unclaimed property office. The customer can later search the state’s online database to recover the money.
In another case, an investment firm issues dividend payments to shareholders, but some checks remain uncashed. After a certain period, these unclaimed dividends are reported and sent to the government, where the shareholders (or their heirs) can later claim them.
An example of an unclaimed money clause
Here’s how an unclaimed money clause might appear in a contract:
"If any payments due under this Agreement remain unclaimed for a period of [X] months, the Company shall make reasonable efforts to contact the recipient. If the funds remain unclaimed beyond the statutory period, they shall be handled in accordance with applicable unclaimed property laws and may be transferred to the relevant government authority."
Conclusion
Unclaimed money represents funds or assets that have not been retrieved by their rightful owner. Businesses must comply with unclaimed property laws to ensure proper reporting and transfer of dormant assets, while individuals should periodically check for unclaimed funds to recover lost financial assets. Establishing clear policies for handling unclaimed money helps prevent legal risks and ensures compliance with financial regulations.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.