What are unclaimed funds?
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 169 states that accounts become unclaimed when, over a specified period of time there has been no activity, and the holder of the funds cannot locate the owner. The time frame varies depending on the property but in most cases, it is five years. Unclaimed property is turned over to the State which acts as custodian of the funds until they can be returned to their rightful owner. Savings, checking, certificate of deposit accounts; payroll (wages, bonuses, commissions); stocks and bonds (uncashed dividends, interest checks, underlying shares principle); insurance proceeds; credit balances; customer deposits; travelers checks; and money orders are all examples of unclaimed property.
Is there a time limit for claiming funds?
No, the funds are held until the rightful owners can be located.
Where can you find out if you have any unclaimed funds?
The Division of Unclaimed Funds maintains a database on the State of Ohio website, which includes accounts dating back to 1968.
Sets of books containing the names and addresses of Ohioans owed money are available at the Main Library (Information & Reference Department), and at the Anderson Branches, Green Township, and Symmes Township. Every summer, when the updated books are published, copies circulate among the remaining branches.
In addition, three sets of these books circulate among the remaining branches. Here’s the schedule:
| September 24-28 | Bond Hill Branch | Forest Park Branch | Mt. Healthy Branch |
| October 1-5 | Deer Park Branch | Greenhills Branch | West End Branch |
| October 8-12 | Norwood Branch | Elmwood Place Branch | Price Hill Branch |
| October 15-19 | Oakley Branch | Clifton Branch | Delhi Township Branch |
| October 22-26 | Hyde Park Branch | Corryville Branch | Covedale Branch |
| October 29-November 2 | Mt. Washington Branch | Walnut Hills Branch | Westwood Branch |
| November 5-9 | Mariemont Branch | Avondale Branch | Cheviot Branch |
| November 12-16 | Madisonville Branch | Wyoming Branch | Miami Township Branch |
| November 19-23 | Madeira Branch | Reading Branch | Harrison Branch |
| November 26-30 | Loveland Branch | Sharonville Branch | Monfort Heights Branch |
| December 3-7 | Blue Ash Branch | St. Bernard Branch | Groesbeck Branch |
| December 10-14 | Pleasant Ridge Branch | Northside Branch | College Hill Branch |
| December 17-21 | North Central Branch |
What happens if your name is in the list of accounts?
You’ll need to fill out a form to request more information about the account and procedures for filing a claim. (Check the Ohio Department of Commerce website for more detailed instructions.) Claim forms are available at the Main Library (Information & Reference Department) and at all branches.
Completed forms should be mailed to:
Division of Unclaimed Funds
77 South High Street, 20th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108
Do other states have unclaimed funds accounts?
Yes, every state and the District of Columbia has abandoned property laws. To search for unclaimed property in other states, try the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators website.
More information about unclaimed funds, including frequently asked questions, laws, rules, and guidelines, and instructions for claiming funds, can be found at the State of Ohio website.
Have any other questions about unclaimed funds?
Please contact the Information & Reference Department at 513-369-6932.
