New York Unclaimed Property: How to Search and Claim for Free

How to search for New York unclaimed property

The official search is at ouf.osc.ny.gov/app/claim-search.¹ The program's information pages are at osc.ny.gov.⁷ You may see it called Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF); New York uses the term "unclaimed funds".⁸

Which names and places to try: how to search well.

Fast-track and automatic payments

• The Expedited Payment Program returns funds to verified owners with no claim required. OSC's 2025-26 annual report says the limit was raised from $250 to $5,000.⁹

Property the state program does not hold

These official bodies keep their own records, searched separately:

• Money paid into court: county treasurers, financial officers and the New York City Commissioner of Finance hold court deposits and report yearly to the Comptroller; such funds later move to the Comptroller as abandoned property. Withdrawals of $10,000 or more need an order of the original court.¹⁰

How to claim unclaimed property in New York, step by step

All claims can be filed online; most are paid within 30 days. Online filing requires an SSN (US citizens) or EIN (businesses).¹ Cost: Free: there is no fee to claim.³

1. Search OSC's online database by last name or business name (refine by first name, city and ZIP; or use the Property ID from an OSC letter).¹
2. Select Claim next to each property you are entitled to, then Continue to File a Claim.¹
3. Choose your relationship to the owner (Owner (Self) if the property is in your name), then select File a Claim.¹
4. Enter your name, date of birth, contact details, mailing address and Social Security Number (a business gives its EIN). Without an SSN you must mail a paper claim instead.¹
5. Sign electronically (tick the box and type your name) and submit.¹
6. Watch your email (confirmation within 48 hours). If documents are requested, upload them at the Upload Claim Documentation page with your Claim ID.²
7. Paper alternative: mail the blank claim form (signed before a notary) only if your property is not in the database after three months, or if you will not give your SSN online.¹
8. Court-deposited funds only (APL §1406(2)): if the claim is under $10,000 the Comptroller may pay on the claimant's sworn application once identity as the person entitled is established; otherwise, or if the Comptroller finds the information insufficient, the claim goes through the court.¹¹
9. Allowed claims are paid from the abandoned property fund, with any interest due under §1405.⁸

• Notary: Online claims: signed electronically, no notary. Paper (mailed) claim form: must be signed before a notary public and mailed with a copy of government-issued photo ID. OSC may also ask for a signed or notarized claim form during review; organizations prove signing authority with notarized documents.⁷
• Interest: Only for some property types: interest at the Tax Department’s overpayment rate minus 1 point, for the first five years the Comptroller holds it, on property paid under APL §300(1)(a) (bank deposits), §400(1) (utility deposits/refunds), §600(1)(a) (court funds), §1000(1) and §1318. Other property earns no interest.¹²
• Property of a minor: A parent, custodian or guardian may claim for a minor, with a copy of the child's birth certificate or adoption order (if under 18), proof of the claimant's age, and any court papers giving authority. These claims may take longer.¹³
• If a claim is denied: The Comptroller sends written notice of its decision. Within four months the claimant may ask for a hearing and redetermination; the final determination can be reviewed by the Supreme Court, Albany County, on application within four months of notice. (Court funds: a decision that information is insufficient is not a denial; the claim goes to the original court.)¹⁴

The general process is in our how to claim guide.

Documents you need, by situation

These are the official requirements. The claim form for a specific property can ask for more.

Claiming your own property

• Proof of ownership: bank books or statements, stock/bond certificates or coupons, the uncashed check (money order, gift certificate, traveler's check), insurance policies.¹³
• No proof available: send a written explanation.¹³

A former address or a name change

• Individual, old address: proof of your connection to the address shown (old driver's license or photo ID, birth/marriage/death certificate or passport showing the address, bank/utility/medical/credit card bills, W-2/1099, school, insurance or military records, divorce or mortgage papers, postmarked envelope).¹³
• Name change: marriage certificate, adoption papers, divorce decree or court papers.¹³

The owner has died (estate)

• If the Surrogate's Court has appointed a representative, only that person may claim (death certificate plus a certificate of appointment dated within six months). With no representative: the closest family member (spouse; else children; else parents; else siblings) may claim with a Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs, but only if the funds are under $1,000; at $1,000 or more a court-appointed representative is needed. A payer of funeral expenses may claim up to $5,000 in reimbursement.¹⁵
• Deceased owner: proof the decedent owned the funds, proof of your entitlement, and a copy of the death certificate. Court-appointed representatives send the certificate of appointment from the Surrogate's Court, dated within six months.¹⁵

You are an heir

• Heir with no court-appointed representative: death certificate, Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs (only if the funds are under $1,000).¹⁵

A business or government agency

• Business/organization: authority to sign (corporate seal on a notarized claim form, a notarized officer/partner authorization, a recent cancelled business check, or a DBA/sole proprietorship certificate); for name changes, mergers or closures, the related state filings, agreements or dissolution papers.¹³

Securities, safe deposit boxes and other cases

• Claiming for someone else (parent, custodian, guardian, conservator, trustee, power of attorney, legal representative): the child's birth certificate or adoption order if under 18, proof of the claimant's age, and court or legal papers giving authority; a guardian also gives a notarized statement that the owner is living and the guardianship is in force.¹³
• Securities or cash item not found: the Claim Information Affidavit for Securities and Cash, completed by you and the reporting organization.¹⁶

See also: claiming for a deceased relative and the claim documents tool.

How long it takes, how you are paid and the deadline

Processing time

• Most claims are paid within 30 days. If OSC asks for documents, allow up to 90 days for review after it receives them. Approved checks are mailed within 30 days. Claims for someone else (minor, deceased owner) or involving stock may take longer.²

How you are paid

New York pays by check and does not offer direct deposit, so keep the mailing address on your claim current.

• Paper check mailed to the claim address (usually one check for all properties in a claim); no direct deposit or prepaid cards. Securities: the Security Refund Request form lets you state how you want securities returned.²

Deadline

There is no deadline for owners and heirs in New York.

• No time limit: funds are held indefinitely and can be claimed at any time (even after transfer to the General Fund). Note: an OSC refund check must be cashed within 180 days or a new claim is needed.³

Contact the New York unclaimed property office

When property becomes unclaimed: dormancy periods

In New York most property is presumed abandoned after 3 years without owner contact.⁹ More on how this works: what happens after the dormancy period.

Other states: dormancy periods table.

• Minimum amounts: Claims: property "over three dollars" (APL §1406(1)(a)). OSC's online list shows items of at least $20 or one share of stock. Holder reports: amounts under $20 may be aggregated (NAUPA).¹⁴
• Gift cards: Unredeemed gift certificates: 5 years (APL §1315)²⁰
• Published lists of owners: Holders mail owner notices; for property over $1,000 (statute text as of 2018) a second notice by certified mail at least 60 days before the reporting date. Utilities publish a notice by September 1. The Comptroller keeps an online searchable list.¹⁰

Finder fees and heir finders in New York

The legal limit in New York: 15% of the value of the recoverable property (an agreement charging more is invalid).⁴ Among the flat caps in our finder-fee comparison, 17 are lower and 6 are higher. You never need a finder: claiming directly is free.³

• Are finders allowed? Yes, with rules: finder ("abandoned property location services") agreements are regulated by APL §1416 and solicitations by General Business Law §393-e.⁶
• Contract rules: A finder agreement is valid only if it is in the form the Comptroller prescribes, in writing, signed by the owner, and witnessed and acknowledged by a notary public; it must disclose the nature of the property and the Comptroller's name and address, and state in at least 12-point bold type that the owner can get the funds from the Comptroller free, that they are held indefinitely, and the Comptroller's phone number and website. The owner can claim at any time that the fee is excessive or unjust. Attorneys and accountants are exempt only where the work needs an attorney/accountant, there is a pre-existing relationship, or the client initiated it. No waiting period appears in the statute text.²³
• The law: APL §1416 (added by Chapter 173 of 1980; amended by Chapter 332 of 2012 and Chapter 372 of 2014); General Business Law §393-e (added by Chapter 332 of 2012; subd. 2 amended by Chapter 372 of 2014)²³ (read the text)

Before signing with a finder, read how finders work.

How to spot New York unclaimed property scams

New York's official search is on ouf.osc.ny.gov, a .gov address.¹

What New York warns about

• Finders must tell you in their agreement that you can get your money from the Comptroller free and that it is held indefinitely.⁶
• A finder agreement that charges more than 15%, or is not on the Comptroller's form, in writing, signed and notarized, is not valid.²³
• Beware of people who pretend to be the government and offer to send you unclaimed money for a fee or for your confidential personal information (phishing).²⁴
• OSC never charges: there is no charge for processing claims or returning funds; contact OUF directly before using a finder.²⁵
• Real OSC checks come in a perforated envelope from the Office of the New York State Comptroller and carry a Claim ID you can check online.²⁶

Unsure about a letter, text or call? Try the scam check or read how to spot a fake notice.

New York unclaimed property in numbers

For businesses: reporting unclaimed property to New York

• Report due: Depends on the industry (OSC Calendar of Events): all business entities and brokers/dealers: report and pay by March 10 (cut-off Dec 31); banks: Nov 10 (cut-off June 30); utilities: Oct 10 (cut-off July 1); insurance companies: Sept 10 (cut-off Jan 1); court funds: Apr 10; consumer credit balances: Feb 15; NYS agencies: June 10; support collection units: Apr 10; virtual currency: Nov 10 (APL §1319).²⁷
• Due diligence letters to owners: Before reporting, holders must send notice to owners; for property over $1,000 (statute text as of 2018) a second notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least 60 days before the reporting date, unless the owner has claimed or the first mailing came back undeliverable.¹⁰
• Where to report: osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds/reporters (reports are uploaded at ouf.osc.ny.gov/app/submit-a-report)³
• File format: NAUPA standard electronic format (NAUPA 2) accepted; secure file upload, flash drives, CD; SFTP by authorization. Negative reports not required.¹⁷
• Penalties: Late payment or delivery: interest at 10% a year from the due date (APL §1412). Wilful failure to file full reports or affidavits: $100 for each day of wilful delay (APL §1412). Extensions cover reports only, not payment.²⁷
• Voluntary disclosure: Yes: the Voluntary Compliance Program (Self-Directed Compliance Program or a Voluntary Compliance Agreement) waives penalties and interest for eligible holders (first-time reporters not yet contacted about an audit) that report within six months of acceptance; look-back is 10 years plus the dormancy period for general ledger items.²⁸

New to this? See who must report. Other states' dates are in the holder reporting deadlines table.

Other rules specific to New York

• Law: New York Abandoned Property Law (APL), Chapter 1 of the Consolidated Laws; key sections: §300 (banks), §400 (utilities), §501 (corporations), §511 (brokers), §600 (courts), §700 (life insurance), §1315 (miscellaneous), §1402 (list), §1405 (interest), §1406 (claims), §1407 (payment), §1412 (penalties), §1416 (finder agreements), §1422 (owner notice)¹⁸
• New York can return small amounts without a claim: since Chapter 498 of 2024 the Comptroller may pay verified owners directly under an expedited payment program ($250 cap in 2025; Comptroller-set from 2026).⁸
• Some New York unclaimed funds earn interest for up to five years after they reach the Comptroller (bank deposits, utility deposits, court funds and two other categories), at the Tax Department overpayment rate minus 1 point.¹²
• From July 1, 2025 (Chapter 129 of 2025, signed May 23, 2025, takes effect "on the first of July next succeeding" enactment), energy services companies (ESCOs) must turn over unclaimed customer deposits and refunds like regular utilities, after 2 years.¹⁹
• Court-deposited money under $10,000 now held by the Comptroller can be claimed without a court order when the court record shows who is entitled (Chapter 453 of 2014; threshold raised from $5,000).¹¹
• Checks (warrants) issued by New York State agencies become reportable after only 1 year (APL §1308 and §1315); the Calendar lists §1308 as "Unclaimed Wages Department of Labor".²⁰
• Unclaimed cryptocurrency is covered: holders turn it over after 5 years, the Comptroller sells it, and an owner who later claims gets only the sale proceeds minus sale costs, not the coins.²¹
• Undisbursed child support that county support collection units cannot deliver goes to the Comptroller as unclaimed funds, and parents can claim it through the regular OSC claims process.²²
• Finder fees for property held by the Comptroller are capped at 15%, and finder contracts must be notarized and use the Comptroller's prescribed form.²³
• An OSC refund check must be cashed within 180 days; after that you must file a new claim.²
• Heirs without a court-appointed representative can claim only funds under $1,000; a funeral-expense payer can be reimbursed up to $5,000.¹⁵
• OSC will not tell you the amount until your claim is reviewed; the online list shows items of at least $20 or one share of stock.⁵
• Finders must collect their fee from the owner: OSC will not withhold it from the refund.²⁵

New York unclaimed property: questions people ask

When is the New York unclaimed property report due?

Depends on the industry (OSC Calendar of Events): all business entities and brokers/dealers: report and pay by March 10 (cut-off Dec 31).²⁷ Details above.

What is the dormancy period for unclaimed property in New York?

3 years for most property;⁹ other types differ (see the table).

Which law governs unclaimed property in New York?

New York Abandoned Property Law (APL), Chapter 1 of the Consolidated Laws.¹⁸

Where do I search for New York unclaimed property?

On the official search at ouf.osc.ny.gov.¹ Searching and claiming there is free.³

How do I claim unclaimed property in New York?

All claims can be filed online; most are paid within 30 days.¹ First step: Search OSC's online database by last name or business name (refine by first name, city and ZIP; or use the Property ID from an OSC letter).¹ All the steps.

What is the New York unclaimed property phone number?

(800) 221-9311 or (518) 270-2200.⁵ Hours: Phone: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm⁵

How long does a New York unclaimed property claim take?

Most claims are paid within 30 days.² Details above.

Where are the New York unclaimed property claim forms?

osc.ny.gov/…¹⁶

Is it free to claim unclaimed property in New York?

Free: there is no fee to claim.³

Moved? Neighboring programs

• Vermont unclaimed property
• Massachusetts unclaimed property
• Connecticut unclaimed property
• New Jersey unclaimed property
• Pennsylvania unclaimed property

See which state holds your property, or list every search with the multi-state checklist.

Sources

Footnote numbers point here. Open "Quoted text" for the exact words relied on ("[…]" marks words left out).

1. How to Search & Claim Property Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Oct. 14, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (9)

   Go to our search database.

   All claims can be filed online within minutes, and most are paid within 30 days.

   This is a free and secure service provided by the New York State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds.

   Enter your last name or the name of your business in the Last or Business Name field.

   To start a claim, select the Claim button next to each of the properties you’re entitled to, and then the Continue to File a Claim button at the top or bottom of the table.

   Identify your relationship to the owner in the Claimant Relationship dropdown for each of the properties.

   If you do not wish to provide your SSN, you must mail your claim instead.

   Check the box and enter your first and last name in their respective fields to electronically sign your claim.

   Complete and mail a blank claim form only if:

2. Claim Submitted—What's Next? Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Oct. 26, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (4)

   Direct deposit or pre-paid cards are not available at this time.

   States no further action is needed on your part at this time, your claim should be processed within 30 days.

   You should receive a confirmation email within 48 hours informing you of whether more information is needed for verification and processing.

   You have 180 days to cash your check. If you do not cash it by then, you will have to file a new claim.

3. Unclaimed Funds (home page) Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Oct. 31, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   After a period of inactivity, lost money is legally considered abandoned property and turned over to the New York State Comptroller’s Office, where there’s no fee or time limit to claim it.

   If you are a Holder securely upload your NAUPA file.

4. Abandoned Property Law §1416 (consolidated text) New York State Senate (official consolidated laws) · nysenate.gov · archived copy, captured Dec. 18, 2025 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   No such agreement shall be valid if it provides for payment of a fee in excess of fifteen percent of the value of recoverable property.

5. Contact Us (Unclaimed Funds) Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Sept. 17, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   1-800-221-9311 or (518) 270-2200

   Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

   All items that appear online are at least $20 or one share of stock.

6. A.3372 of 2025-26 (Dinowitz): finder agreement disclosure; quotes APL §1416(3)(d) and GBL §393-e New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov bill search) · nyassembly.gov · bill introduced Jan. 27, 2025; re-referred to Consumer Affairs and Protection Jan. 7, 2026 (not enacted) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   One of the duties of the New York State Comptroller is to serve as the custodian of more than $17 billion in unclaimed funds and restoring lost accounts to their rightful owners.

   Any person, corporation, association, partnership or other entity which sells or offers to sell any abandoned property location services for abandoned property delivered to the state and held by the state comptroller shall, in every solicitation [and agreement] for such services, provide to the purchaser the following notice in a clear and conspicuous manner,

   "Abandoned funds held by the State can be obtained directly from the Office of the State Comptroller by the owner of such funds without paying a fee. These funds are held indefinitely by the Office of the State Comptroller.

7. Blank Claim Form and Claim Form Instructions (PDF) Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Sept. 30, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   Please visit the Office of Unclaimed Funds website at https://www.osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds for more information about what documentation is required.

   If you choose to proceed, be sure to sign your claim form in the presence of a licensed Notary Public and then mail your paperwork to the address provided along with a copy of your government-issued photo ID.

8. A.10219 of 2023-24 (Rules, at request of the State Comptroller), signed as Chapter 498 of the Laws of 2024: abandoned property expedited payment program (APL §1407) New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov bill search) · nyassembly.gov · signed Nov. 22, 2024 (chap. 498); effective immediately · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   The Office of the State Comptroller, and more specifically the Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF), is charged with returning unclaimed funds to the rightful owners.

   Any claim which is allowed by the comptroller or ordered to be paid by [him] the comptroller by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to the provisions of section fourteen hundred six of this article, together with such costs and disbursements as may be allowed by the court, shall be paid, together with any interest accrued on such claim pursuant to section fourteen hundred five of this article, out of the abandoned property fund,

   By supplementing the current practice of mailing outreach letters to encourage apparent owners to file a claim, OUF will be able to return funds to the rightful owners more quickly.

9. Unclaimed Funds Annual Report 2025-2026 (PDF) Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Sept. 30, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   The first year of the program was so successful that we raised the amount from $250 to $5,000.

   After a period of inactivity, typically three years, funds may be turned over to the State.

   $651 million was returned in State Fiscal Year 2025-26, a new record!

10. A.10118 of 2017-18 (Weinstein, at request of the State Comptroller): technical APL amendments; quotes APL §§402, 501, 1315, 1405, 1406, 1422 New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov bill search) · nyassembly.gov · bill introduced March 16, 2018; passed Assembly June 5, 2018, referred to Senate Rules (not enacted) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)

    Every treasurer or financial officer who has [in his charge or] possession of or [under his] control of, or who keeps a record of money, bonds, stocks, mortgages or any other securities or property deposited into court and held by [him] such officer, must, once in each year, make a report to the state comptroller

    which has remained unclaimed by the owner of such amount for three years, shall be deemed abandoned property.

    2. Where notice is required by subdivision one of this section, each holder shall, with respect to property listed in such report whose value is in excess of [one] three thousand dollars, send a second written notice to the owner by certified mail, return receipt requested not less than sixty days prior to the applicable reporting date for such unclaimed property,

    provided that no notice pursuant to this subdivision shall be required where: (a) such holder has received a claim from the

11. A.9577 of 2013-14 (Farrell, at request of the State Comptroller), signed as Chapter 453 of the Laws of 2014: court withdrawal actions (APL §1406(2)) New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov bill search) · nyassembly.gov · chap. 453 of 2014; effective immediately · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    (b) Where the value or amount of the claim is less than [five] ten thousand dollars, payment may be made by the state comptroller on sworn application of the claimant when the identity of the claimant as the person entitled to payment is established to the satisfaction of the state comptroller.

    The proposal also increases the threshold for such withdrawal actions from five thousand to ten thousand where the underlying court record established someone’s entitlement to court deposited funds now held by the State Comptroller (and such amount is below the threshold.)

12. S.8253 of 2025-26 (Brisport, at request of the State Comptroller): interest on unclaimed child and spousal support; quotes current APL §1405(1)(a) New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov bill search) · nyassembly.gov · introduced May 27, 2025; passed Senate June 10, 2025, died in Assembly Jan. 7, 2026, passed Senate again June 4, 2026; in Assembly Ways and Means (not enacted) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no owner of abandoned property shall be entitled to receive interest on account of such abandoned property from and after the date a payment of such abandoned property is hereafter made to the state comptroller pursuant to this chapter or any law relating to abandoned property, whether or not [he] such owner was entitled to interest on such property prior to such date, except that interest at the overpayment rate set by the commissioner of taxation and finance pursuant to subsection (j) of section six hundred ninety-seven of the tax law, less one percentage point, shall accrue to abandoned property hereafter paid to the state comptroller under the following provisions of this chapter, for the first five years such property is held by [him] the state comptroller:

    less one percentage point, shall accrue to abandoned property hereafter paid to the state comptroller under the following provisions of this chapter, for the first five years such property is held by [him] the state comptroller:

13. Required Documentation Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Oct. 22, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (8)

    Copy of a child’s birth certificate or legal adoption order (if under age 18).

    Bank books, passbooks or bank or mutual fund statements;

    If you don’t have the requested documents, please submit an explanation in writing.

    If your current address is different from the address appearing in the Item Details, submit proof of your connection to the old address.

    Marriage certificate;

    Corporate Seal affixed to a notarized claim form;

    A notarized statement from the Guardian indicating that the owner is still living and that the Guardianship remains in full force and effect.

    Office of the State Comptroller Office of Unclaimed Funds 110 State Street Albany, New York 12236

14. Abandoned Property Law §1406 (consolidated text) New York State Senate (official consolidated laws) · nysenate.gov · archived copy, captured Oct. 8, 2025 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    At any time within four months thereafter, such claimant may apply for a hearing and a redetermination of his claim.

    Claim may be filed with the state comptroller for any abandoned property amounting to over three dollars heretofore paid to the state or hereafter paid or delivered to the state comptroller pursuant to this chapter,

15. Claims for Deceased Owners and Estates Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Oct. 19, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)

    If the value of the funds is less than $1,000, we may process the claim and the payee will be required to distribute the funds pursuant to the Intestacy Laws of the State of New York.

    The certificate of appointment must be dated within six months of when the claim is submitted.

    If there is no court-appointed representative for the estate, the closest living family member may submit a claim by providing a copy of the owner's death certificate and completed Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs.

    If the value of the funds is $1,000 or more, we will send a letter with the account details and value, but only a court-appointed representative may complete the claim.

16. Forms and Publications Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Oct. 13, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Claim Information Affidavit for Securities and Cash - We’ll require you and the reporting organization to complete this form if we can’t find the security/cash item you are requesting to claim.

    Blank Claim Form – Use this form if you can’t find the item you are searching for online.

17. New York: reporting information (dormancy periods, contact, reporting formats) National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Exceptions: Direct to [email protected]

    Comments: Electronic submissions via Secure File Upload are available. Flash drives are also accepted. SFTP by authorization.

18. S.4109 of 2025-26 (Comrie): extends dormancy periods from three to five years; quotes current APL §§300, 501, 511, 700 New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov bill search) · nyassembly.gov · bill introduced Feb. 3, 2025; re-referred to Senate Finance Jan. 7, 2026 (not enacted) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (7)

    (a) Any amounts due on deposits or any amounts to which a shareholder of a savings and loan association or a credit union is entitled, held or owing by a banking organization, which shall have remained unclaimed for [three] five years by the person or persons appearing to be entitled thereto,

    (c) Any amount held or owing by a banking organization for the payment of a negotiable instrument under article three of the uniform commercial code or a certified check whether negotiable or not, on which such organization is directly liable, which instrument shall have been outstanding for more than [three] five years from the date it was payable or from the date of its issuance, if payable on demand;

    (d) After the expiration of [three] five years from the opening of any vault, safe deposit box or other receptacle by a banking organization pursuant to the provisions of the banking law,

    (ii) has, on the thirty-first day of December in any year, remained unpaid to or unclaimed by such resident for a period of [three] five years.

    (a) Any moneys held or owing by any life insurance corporation which shall have remained unclaimed for [three] five years by the person or persons appearing to be entitled thereto under matured life insurance policies on the endowment plan

    3. Any wages payable on or after July first, nineteen hundred sixtythree by a domestic or foreign corporation and held for a resident by such issuing corporation or held and payable by a fiduciary other than a broker or dealer as defined in section five hundred ten of this chapter for a resident shall be deemed to be abandoned property, where for [three] five successive years:

    AN ACT to amend the abandoned property law, in relation to extending the term for claiming unclaimed property from three to five years

19. A.6762 of 2025-26 (Woerner), signed as Chapter 129 of the Laws of 2025: ESCOs and unclaimed utility deposits/refunds (APL §§103, 400, 402, 403) New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov bill search) · nyassembly.gov · signed May 23, 2025 (chap. 129); effective the July 1 following enactment · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    together with any interest due thereon, which shall have remained unclaimed by the person or persons appearing to be entitled thereto for two years after the termination of the utility services to secure the payment of which such deposit was made,

    To close a statutory loophole that allows ESCOs to retain unclaimed customer deposits or refunds, rather than remitting such unclaimed funds to the Abandoned Property Fund administered by the State comptroller.

20. Property Type Table (PDF) Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured July 23, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (6)

    MS12 1315 Unredeemed Gift Certificates 5 years

    CK08 1309 Traveler's Checks 15 years

    CK88 1309 Licensed Money Transmitter Receipts/Money Orders (non- bank) 5 years

    CT05 VI Other Court Deposits 3 years

    CK06 1315 Warrants (checks issued by a State Agency) 1 year

    CK06 1308, 1315 Warrants (checks issued by a State Agency) 1 year

21. S.9360 of 2021-22 (Thomas; same as A.7742-A, at request of the State Comptroller), signed as Chapter 640 of the Laws of 2022: unclaimed virtual currency (APL §§103, 1319) New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov bill search) · nyassembly.gov · signed Nov. 22, 2022 (chap. 640); effective immediately · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Any virtual currency held or owing by any banking organization, corporation or other entity engaged in virtual currency business activity which shall have remained unclaimed by the person entitled thereto for a period of five years shall be deemed abandoned property if:

    The proceeds of the sale of virtual currency, less all costs incurred in connection with such sale, shall be deposited by the comptroller in the abandoned property fund and any claimant to such virtual currency shall be entitled only to the proceeds of the sale of such virtual currency by the comptroller.

22. A.7942 of 2021-22 (Weinstein), signed as Chapter 316 of the Laws of 2021: unclaimed support collections (SSL §111-h; APL §1318) New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov bill search) · nyassembly.gov · signed July 30, 2021 (chap. 316); effective immediately · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    5. Except as provided in subdivision six of this section, any funds paid to a support collection unit established by a social services district which have not been disbursed after two years of diligent efforts to locate the person entitled to such funds shall be paid to the state comptroller in accordance with subdivision seven of this section

    Enactment of this bill would benefit parents by enhancing their abilities to claim child support payments or overpayments due by utilizing the established public claims process available on the OSC website.

23. A.10239 of 2011-12 (Dinowitz), signed as Chapter 332 of the Laws of 2012: GBL §393-e and APL §1416 finder agreements (15% cap, notarized prescribed form) New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov bill search) · nyassembly.gov · signed Aug. 1, 2012 (chap. 332); effective the 60th day after · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    3. No agreement [to locate property held by the comptroller] for abandoned property location services pursuant to this chapter shall be valid unless [that] such agreement: (a) is: (i) in such form as may be prescribed by the comptroller; (ii) in writing [and]; (iii) signed by the property owner; and (iv) witnessed and acknowledged by a notary public;

    § 2. Section 1416 of the abandoned property law, as added by chapter 173 of the laws of 1980, is amended to read as follows:

    No such agreement shall be valid if it provides for payment of a fee in excess of fifteen percent of the value of recoverable property.

24. About Unclaimed Funds Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Oct. 20, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Beware of people who pretend to be the government and offer to send you unclaimed money in exchange for a fee or the exchange of confidential personal information.

25. Location Service Providers Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Sept. 17, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    There is no charge for processing claims or returning funds.

    The owner must remit the fee to the provider; we will not withhold the fee from the refund.

26. Verify Your Unclaimed Funds Check Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Sept. 30, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Each check sent from the Office of the Unclaimed Funds includes a unique Claim ID. You can use this ID to verify your check by searching for your claim status in our system.

27. Handbook for Reporters of Unclaimed Funds (PDF) Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured July 23, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    a utility company subject to the filing requirements of Articles IV, V, §§ 1311 and 1315 may combine the filing for Article V and §1315 because they have the same deadline of March 10th, but must submit a separate report for Article IV and §1311 because their deadline, October 10th, is different.

    Interest is 10% per annum (year) from the date payment or delivery was due to the date you make the payment or delivery.

28. Voluntary Compliance Program Office of the New York State Comptroller, Office of Unclaimed Funds · osc.ny.gov · archived copy, captured Oct. 20, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    The Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF) agrees to waive penalties and interest associated with the reported items if the holder complies with the terms of the program.