Northwest Wayne News

Feb. 1 was National Unclaimed Property Day, but State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks is encouraging Michiganders to reclaim their lost money any day of the year. 

In a Michigan Department of Treasury press release, Eubanks reminded residents to "check to see if they have forgotten or abandoned property," and the state agency's "unclaimed property staff are standing by and ready to reunite these assets with their rightful owners or heirs."

While it may be difficult to imagine forgetting about a necessity such as money, the Michigan Treasury has millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets in its custody. This includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes and stock certificates. These properties were all turned over to the state once they were determined to be abandoned as required by law.

"We have returned more than $500 million in unclaimed property to rightful owners over the last five years," said Terry Stanton, manager of Treasury's Unclaimed Property Program, in the release. "Filing a claim is easy, secure and free. We receive new properties every year, so even if you've searched in the past, it's a good idea to make it an annual event. You never know what could be out there until you check."

To find out if you have cash or property, check multiple states at UCPday.com or go directly to the unclaimed property website, which offers enhanced search options and the ability to upload verifying documentation easily and securely.