$1 Billion in Unclaimed Funds: Use Your Smartphone to See if You’re Eligible

The state of North Carolina is distributing over $1 billion in unclaimed funds to its citizens. Using a smartphone, individuals can determine if they are eligible to receive any of this money.

State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced that there is currently more than $1 billion in unclaimed funds available for residents to claim, as reported by ABC12 News Channel on May 2, 2022. This includes a variety of assets such as bank accounts, wages, bonds, and stocks that have been abandoned for a period of one to five years.

To check if they are eligible for unclaimed money, individuals can use an online portal and enter their surname or business name.

The portal is a free resource for Americans, but officials warned against using third-party sites that may charge fees. Scams have also been reported.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, many residents have appreciated the assistance offered by the scheme. Tobias Boutilier, a café owner, commented that the extra help is especially valuable for small businesses like his, which have tight margins and many expenses to manage.

To address the ongoing impact of inflation, various direct payment programs have been implemented. An article published by WUSA9 on October 23, 2022, in Alexandria, Virginia, 170 individuals will receive $500 monthly for two years, with no strings attached, allowing beneficiaries to use the funds as they wish.

Meanwhile, in Coachella, California, 140 families will receive $400 a month for two years as a gift, which does not need to be repaid, according to an article by Desert Sun published on November 1, 2022. The funds can be deposited into a checking account or loaded onto a prepaid card mailed to the recipient.