How Long Does It Take To Get Unclaimed Money in Texas?

Do you think that a portion of the $3 billion in unclaimed funds that Texas has returned to its rightful owners could have been yours?

Considering that one in ten Americans have some unclaimed money in the United States treasuries, the notion is not impossible.

The assets range from unclaimed insurance money to forgotten funds from deceased relatives, and the total sum amounts to over $58 billion.

If you are a Texas resident, it's worth checking out what funds you may be entitled to and how long will it take for you to get them.

What Is Considered Unclaimed Money in Texas?

Abandoned or unclaimed money in Texas can be any asset in a company or a bank, like Bank of America or Wells Fargo, for which there has been no contact with the owner for one year or longer (depending on the asset).

When this dormancy period ends, the state of Texas, or more precisely the Unclaimed Property Division of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, takes control of the funds.

Not every abandoned property can be considered unclaimed. Here is an overview of different types of assets you can claim:

This list is not final, but as a general rule, material items are rarely considered unclaimed property.

How Long Does It Take To Get Unclaimed Money in Texas?

There is no statute of limitations for abandoned funds, and the Unclaimed Property Division will keep the assets until the rightful owner claims them.

This means that there is no deadline. You can search for your money and file a claim whenever you want.

How To Find Unclaimed Money in Texas With DoNotPay

DoNotPay is the most efficient method for finding unclaimed money in Texas. Our Missing Money tool can scan multiple unclaimed money databases and locate funds connected to your name.

Here is how to do it:

1. Access DoNotPay account from a web browser
2. Click on the Missing Money feature
3. Type in your full name and your current and previous addresses

In case DoNotPay locates any unclaimed funds to your name, our Claim My Property feature will help you claim it. We do all the work, which will save you a significant amount of time.

An additional perk is that you can search for your unclaimed assets for any state, not just Texas.

Alternative Methods for Finding Unclaimed Money in Texas

You can try searching for unclaimed money on your own but take note that the U.S. doesn't have a centralized system for this purpose.

This doesn't mean that you should start googling Unclaimed Money in Texas. You'll likely end up on a scam website or at least on a service with questionable reviews.

If you decide to search for unclaimed money in Texas by yourself, your best option is the Unclaimed Property Division website.

Here is how it works:

1. Visit the Unclaimed Property Division website
2. Click on the Get Started button on the home page
3. Type in your first name, last or business name, property ID, current Zip code, and contact information
4. Click on the Search button
5. Select the properties you wish to claim
6. Click on View Claimed Properties
7. Choose your relationship to each property
8. Click on the File Claim button
9. Provide claimant information—which may include your full name, current and previous addresses, Social Security number, or other additional info
10. Click on the Next button to file the claim

How Long Will It Take To Get My Money?

Once you locate your property and file a claim, it may take between 90 to 120 days to get your money. If the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts needs any additional info from you, the process may take longer.

The payment will be in the form of a check to your financial institution. The check is sent to the claimant's name, which means no one else can cash or deposit it. Most banks receive checks from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, but you should talk with your bank to make sure.

Reasons Why Money Becomes Unclaimed

There are plenty of reasons why funds remain unclaimed. Most of the time, it's because a person forgets about them or doesn't even know the money exists.

Some other possible reasons are:

• The amount is too small, and either the claimant won't be bothered to retrieve it, or the company won't make any significant effort to give the money back
• There was no way to contact the heirs after a person passed away
• Tenants don't collect their deposits after moving house
• People leave their jobs without picking up their last paycheck

How Can I Stop My Property From Becoming an Unclaimed Asset?

With people having multiple bank accounts, moving often, and changing employment, it's reasonable that an asset will slip off one's mind. There are several ways to ensure you don't leave any property without supervision.

Here are some useful tips:

1. Keep copies of your contracts and bank statements for all accounts
2. Don't ignore mail and emails from financial institutions
3. Inform your financial institution and any company you interact with about the change of address if you move
4. Make sure to use all your accounts at least once a year. This means that you should make a manual transaction, not auto-draft from it
5. Cash or deposit your checks as soon as possible since they all expire. This rule applies even if there is no expiration date on a check
6. Make sure to collect your last paycheck and any benefits when leaving your job
7. Inform your employer about your current address
8. Keep a list of all your existing bank accounts, insurance policies, safe-deposit boxes, investments, and other assets

Discover How DoNotPay Can Make Your Life Easier

Do you know that with DoNotPay, you can dispute parking tickets in any city in Texas, including Austin, Houston, and Arlington?

We can also help you renew your driver's license, manage your electric bills, or cancel local newspapers like Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, or San Antonio Express news.

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Our app can assist you in establishing and maintaining contact with your incarcerated friends and relatives. We can help you find an inmate in any facility in Texas, guide you through the rules and regulations of Texas prison phone calls, and show you how to send care packages to inmates.

We can do much more than this. Explore our handy features by accessing DoNotPay from your web browser.

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