Monday, February 1, is National Unclaimed Property Day, and there has never been a better time to search for your lost or forgotten money and property in Alabama.

Nearly 33 million people across America – about one in every 10 – have unclaimed property.

In the Yellowhammer State alone, State Treasurer John McMillan’s office holds more than $1 billion in unclaimed property.

These assets come in the form of cash, stock, bonds, insurance benefits and even valuables from safe deposit boxes. They end up with the treasurer’s office after being turned over each year by businesses and financial institutions that lose contact with the owners.

Luckily enough, you may search Alabama’s unclaimed property database online here.

If you find your name on the list, it is free to submit a claim along with your documentation proving ownership. For more information or assistance with a claim, you can also call (888) 844-8400.

During the 2020 fiscal year alone, the Alabama State Treasurer’s Office returned over $36 million to rightful owners and their heirs.

“Our office diligently works to identify, notify and pay the owners of these properties as simply and quickly as possible,” stated McMillan. “Our work is even more important now, during the pandemic and economic hardships when every penny counts.”

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn