Who couldn’t go for a little extra money this time of year? In today’s blog post, we’re sharing information about how to search unclaimed property records to find out if you (or a loved one) is owed money.

According to the British Columbia Unclaimed Property Society (BCUPS), millions of dollars go unclaimed each year in dormant credit union accounts, forgotten insurance payments, unclaimed wages, overpayment to debt collectors and unclaimed proceeds from courts, tax offices and unadministered estates and intestates (that is, a death that occurs when a person does not have a will and next of kin cannot be notified).

The BCUPS has set up an online database where you can search to see whether you have unclaimed property. According to the BCUPS, the database lists more than $100 million in unclaimed funds (and some claims date as far back as 1859!). Information in the database comes from a variety of sources, including:

  • Credit union accounts
  • Wages
  • Insurance payments
  • Court payments
  • Intestate estates (death without a will and next of kin cannot be located)
  • Overpaid debt collections
  • Real estate deposits

Search for unclaimed property here – for more information about the BCUPS, click here.

ADDITIONAL READING:

Are you eligible for government benefits?
Writing your will
Steps to take following a death