YAKIMA, Wash. — Washington state residents may be surprised to learn that the state holds approximately $2.2 billion in unclaimed property, including bond deposits, uncashed paychecks, and forgotten property. This issue affects residents not only in Yakima but across the state.
Although the department cannot determine the exact amount of unclaimed property held by Yakima residents, officials stress there is likely funds available.
Washington’s Unclaimed Property Program accepted a record $365 million in forgotten funds from July 2023 to June 2024. Joe Gisler, Department of Revenue’s Unclaimed Property Claims and Assistance Manager, encourages residents to visit https://claimyourcash.org to search for potential claims. /
“Unclaimed property can actually include any type of property. It could be a bank account, an uncashed check, a money order,” Gissler explained. “When a company owes you money, it has to send it to Washington state as unclaimed property.”
Last year, $154 million in unclaimed property was returned, for a recovery rate of 42%. Gisler attributes the 11% increase to increased public awareness.
“More companies and organizations are reporting unclaimed property, and the more money they receive, the more money they can get back,” Gisler said.
A major contributor to this success was the Money Match program launched in 2023.
“This program automatically returns unclaimed properties to Washington residents after verifying ownership, without the owner filing a claim or submitting documentation.”
The Department of Revenue actively promotes awareness of unclaimed property through advertising, including commercials during Mariners games, and outreach efforts at various events throughout Washington.
“My team’s main job is to advertise unclaimed properties and contact individuals,” Gisler said. “They’re going to look at our highest rates and try to get people to file charges.”
Residents are advised to be aware of potential scams related to unclaimed property. Gisler emphasized the program’s legitimacy: “We do not intend to charge a fee for the return of unclaimed property.” It’s important for people to know that we are a national program focused on consumer protection. ”
To find out if you have unclaimed property, visit claimyourcash.org and enter your information. We encourage you to check back regularly as new unclaimed properties are added throughout the year. Even if you don’t find a claim today, there may be funds waiting for you in the future.
