Oklahoma has about $1.2 billion in unclaimed funds. Have you checked to see if any is yours?

Christopher Lane II, Oklahoman
Updated ·3 min read
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More than 825,000 Oklahomans do have unclaimed property and it might be time to check if you can claim some of the state's more than $1.2 billion in abandoned money or assets held by the Oklahoma State Treasurers' unclaimed funds division.

Here's what you need to know.

What kind of abandoned funds would show up on the Oklahoma unclaimed funds list?

Unclaimed money or assets can, among other things, include

  • Amounts owed to suppliers/vendors

  • Overpayments/refunds/rebates

  • Credit memos

  • Items held in safekeeping

  • Loan collateral

  • Deposits held by depository institutions

  • Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds

  • Garnishments or court deposits

  • Payroll/wage obligations

  • Security deposits

  • Escrow funds

  • Unidentified receipts

  • Amounts held by a fiduciary or trustee

  • Dividends, interest, royalties

  • Matured insurance policy proceeds

  • Amounts due under insurance contracts

  • Amounts distributable at liquidation/dissolution

After a certain period of time, if uncashed or unclaimed, the assets will go to the state for safekeeping.

More: How attractive is Oklahoma for business? Not very, according to CNBC ranking

magnifying glass on a dollar background
magnifying glass on a dollar background

Who's eligible for Oklahoma's unclaimed property?

You must have a "proprietary interest" – ownership or the right to the unclaimed funds – in the unclaimed property. You may request the funds on behalf of a family member or friend. If deceased people are owed funds, the person appointed to handle the estate can file a claim on their behalf. You also can file a claim on behalf of another person if you're the parent, custodian, guardian, conservator or trustee or have power of attorney.

How do I find out if I have unclaimed property in Oklahoma?

There is a safe nationwide unclaimed property search that can be found at missingmoney.com, or you can also visit the Oklahoma State Treasurer's website to use a similar search tool.

Search your name or business name, city and hit "search" to start your claim. Be aware that some names could be misspelled or listed as last name first or vice versa so you should keep looking through all the possible options. The results include addresses so you know which name might be yours. New claims are added daily so it's best to periodically check back.

What proof is necessary to claim the funds?

A Social Security number, a state-issued ID or a driver's license are important to have while filing. There are a variety of other documents needed, depending on the situation, which can be found on the Oklahoma State Treasury frequently asked question section.

How does the state acquire Unclaimed Property?

Oklahoma's Unclaimed Property Law requires holders to annually report and deliver property to the State Treasurer's Office. All holders are required by law to attempt to contact the owners before reporting the property to the State. This applies to holders located within Oklahoma, as well as holders within other states.

How do I file for unclaimed funds in Oklahoma?

You can upload your claim form and documentation online or mail the form and documents to the Oklahoma State Treasurer's Office 9520 N. May Ave., Lower Level, Oklahoma City, OK 73120

What is the state treasury website and phone number for the Oklahoma State Treasurers Office for Unclaimed Funds?

The phone number is 405-521-4273. The website is https://www.oktreasure.com/.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Unclaimed property Oklahoma: How to find if you're owed money