COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) — Ohio is celebrating wins against Michigan both on and off the football field.
Following the Ohio State Buckeyes’ victory over the Wolverines on Saturday in Ann Arbor, officials say Ohio residents also outpaced Michigan residents in efforts to claim unclaimed money during November.
Throughout the month, the Unclaimed Funds departments in both states tracked online searches as residents checked to see whether they had funds owed to them. According to officials, Ohio logged around 50,000 more searches than Michigan during the month.
“Just because the competition is over doesn't mean our work is done. We're here to serve you and to make sure that you go to the website www.unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov
and claim your funds today,” said Susie Wagner, outreach supervisor for Ohio Unclaimed Funds.
In 2024, Ohio returned money to more than 26,000 people, totaling around $150 million, and officials say they are seeing more searches this year.
Media Release from the Ohio Division of Unclaimed funds
Big in Unclaimed Funds Showdown
Ohio topped online searches for unclaimed funds during the month of November.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The state of Ohio has beat Michigan not once, but twice in the past week. After the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the University of Michigan Wolverines on the football field this past Saturday, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds announces Ohio has also won the monthlong “Find Forgotten Funds: The Rivalry Continues” challenge against that state up north. The win goes beyond bragging rights as it is a win for thousands of Ohioans who started the process of claiming money that rightfully belongs to them.
Throughout November, Ohio and Michigan went head-to-head in a spirited competition to see which state could generate the most online searches for unclaimed funds. Fueled by the legendary Ohio State vs. Michigan football rivalry, the competition challenged residents to visit their state’s unclaimed funds website and search their names.
Following the final whistle, Ohio had approximately 395,000 searches conducted on its system compared to Michigan’s 346,000 searches.
“Ohioans have proven once again that we don’t back down from a challenge,” said Susie Wagner, Outreach Supervisor for the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds. “While this campaign was a fun way to raise awareness of unclaimed funds, our work never ends. We’re here to serve Ohioans to make sure they know how to claim their funds so they can put their hard-earned money back in their pockets where it belongs. We look forward to another spirited competition in 2026!”
While the challenge might be over, Ohioans can and should still search for funds any day of the year. The Division’s online system is available 24/7 at unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov.
Below is a list of common questions the Division receives regularly from Ohioans about the process, along with answers to help claimants reunite with their money.
- What are unclaimed funds, and how do I know if I have any?
Unclaimed funds include dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, utility deposits, and more. Ohioans can search for their funds at com.ohio.gov/UnclaimedFunds. - How do I file a claim?
The Division’s new system simplifies the process into three steps: 1, search for funds; 2, gather required documents; and 3, submit your claim online or by mail. - How long do I have to claim funds?
Claimants have 10 years – or until 2036 – to claim any properties that were reported to the Division prior to Jan. 1, 2026. For properties that are reported after Jan. 1, 2026, individuals have ten years to claim those funds from the date they were reported. In other words, once funds are reported to the Division, the 10-year clock starts ticking. - How often can I check for unclaimed funds?
Ohioans are urged to routinely search for funds. The Division has improved and streamlined the claims process, and this new system allows the Division to verify information quicker and easier. There is the potential that you might not need to provide additional documentation; however, if you do, you will receive an email listing which documents you need to send to the state in order for your claim to be approved and for you to receive your funds. If it’s been a while since you last attempted to claim a fund, you are urged to try again. - If I need assistance with my claim, how can I contact the Division of Unclaimed Funds?
If you need any help with a claim, please email the Division at claims@com.ohio.gov or call the Division at 614-466-4433.
A Year of Progress and Innovation
In 2024, the Division returned $149.6 million to Ohioans through 26,420 claims. Following the launch of its new system this past spring, the Division anticipates even stronger results as we approach the end of 2025.
To learn more about unclaimed funds or to file a claim, visit com.ohio.gov/UnclaimedFunds.
