Landry Names Feb. 1 Unclaimed Property Day

BATON ROUGE – Gov. Jeff Landry has proclaimed Feb. 1 Unclaimed Property Day in Louisiana.

The term “unclaimed property” describes money that belongs to people who can’t be located. The funds could come from things like unpaid life insurance benefits, dormant bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, stock dividends or utility deposit refunds.

In Louisiana, when the owners of assets cannot be located, the companies holding them are obligated to send them to Louisiana Treasury’s Unclaimed Property program for safekeeping. The most common reason the money becomes lost is due to an old address.

- Sponsors -

“Whether it’s a forgotten paycheck from several years ago or a long-lost life insurance policy from a decade past, this is your money and you never lose your right to claim it,” said Treasurer John Fleming in a press release. “It’s your money, and Treasury is dedicated to holding it in trust until it finds its way back to you.”

There is no time limit on collecting the unclaimed money. If a person is deceased, their heirs are entitled to it. 

Fleming said there is more than $1.2 billion waiting to be claimed. $759 million has been returned via 1.5 million checks over the past 50 years since Louisiana’s Unclaimed Property program was initiated. Statistically, one in six Louisianans has money in the system, with the average claim being around $900.

- Partner Content -

Entergy’s Energy Smart Program Brings Cost Conscious Innovation to New Orleans

Offering comprehensive energy efficiency at no cost to the consumer, Entergy’s Energy Smart program incentivizes Entergy New Orleans customers to perform energy-saving upgrades in...

Fleming encourages residents to check LaCashClaim.org for their own names, and to also check for the names of their family members, deceased relatives, businesses, organizations and churches. They also can search for your funds from the LA Wallet app on your smartphone.

“No matter which way you choose, it’s free and easy to make a claim. And it’s your money,” said Fleming.

Digital Sponsors / Become a Sponsor

Follow the issues, companies and people that matter most to business in New Orleans.

Email Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter