Could you be one of the people missing out on a $500 check? Here’s what to watch for
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Imagine opening your mailbox to find a letter that could lead to $500—or more—landing right in your bank account, no extra steps required.
For thousands of people across the country, that’s exactly what’s happening.
A new state initiative is helping individuals reconnect with unclaimed money they may not even realize is theirs.
If you or someone you know receives one of these letters, don’t toss it aside.
It’s not a scam or a sales pitch—it’s part of a growing effort to return forgotten funds to their rightful owners, and it could mean a check is on its way to you.
One such program currently making waves is Pennsylvania’s “Money Match” initiative, which has already reunited thousands of residents with long-lost funds.
What is the Money Match program?
The Money Match initiative, led by Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, is designed to return forgotten funds to residents—like old bank accounts, uncashed checks, or insurance payouts.
If the state finds unclaimed property in your name valued at $500 or less, you’ll receive a letter in the mail.
About 45 days later, a check follows automatically.
There’s no paperwork and no need to apply.
This month, over 40,000 letters began going out across Pennsylvania starting May 8, with checks expected to arrive by June 22 for those included in the first wave.
In the program’s first round, nearly 8,000 Pennsylvanians received more than $2 million.
The second round is now underway, and even more residents stand to benefit.
Also read: You could be missing out: See if you're owed part of $2.3 million in unclaimed property
How it works
Treasurer Garrity urges Pennsylvanians: “If you receive a Money Match letter, read it and keep it. About 45 days later, your unclaimed property will arrive in the form of a check from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department—don’t miss it.”
What if you're owed more than $500?
The automatic payout only applies to single-owner claims valued at $500 or less.
If you’re entitled to more than $500—or your unclaimed property is shared with someone else—you’ll need to file a claim online at the Pennsylvania Treasury’s website.
It’s a quick process, and considering the average claim is over $1,000, it’s well worth checking.
Also read: Is there hidden money waiting for you? How to instantly check if you have unclaimed cash
Even if you don’t get a letter...
You can still search for unclaimed property tied to your name, a relative, or a past address.
Just visit the Pennsylvania Treasury’s official website.
It’s free, secure, and could uncover money you didn’t realize you were owed.
What counts as unclaimed property?
You might be surprised by what qualifies.
The Treasury currently holds over $5 billion in unclaimed property, including:
Also read: Could your Wells Fargo account be flagged? Here’s how to make sure your money doesn’t get sent to the state
Why now?
The program was made possible by Senate Bill 24, passed unanimously last year.
It updated how Pennsylvania handles unclaimed property and allowed the Treasury to launch programs like Money Match.
Inspired by similar efforts in other states, Treasurer Garrity aimed to make returning unclaimed money easier than ever.
This isn’t a one-time opportunity either.
More rounds of letters will be mailed out in the future, so even if you don’t receive one now, there’s still a chance you’ll hear from the Treasury later on.
What about other states?
Pennsylvania isn’t the only state with an unclaimed property program—though not all are as proactive.
If you’ve ever lived or worked in another state, it’s worth checking their official unclaimed property websites.
You could have money waiting from an old job or account!
Also read: Schumer announces Senate vote on Social Security Fairness Act, millions could be affected
Watch out for scams
Scammers often try to take advantage when there’s money involved. Here’s how to stay safe:
What you should do next
Whether you’ve received a letter or decide to check online, taking a few minutes now could lead to a pleasant financial surprise.
Don’t miss the opportunity—spread the word and help others do the same!
Read next: Tax nightmare: Shocking IRS bill leaves victim in “deep pit”
Did you receive a Money Match letter? Have you ever found lost money through a state program? Share your story in the comments—your experience might inspire others to check and claim what’s rightfully theirs!
For thousands of people across the country, that’s exactly what’s happening.
A new state initiative is helping individuals reconnect with unclaimed money they may not even realize is theirs.
If you or someone you know receives one of these letters, don’t toss it aside.
It’s not a scam or a sales pitch—it’s part of a growing effort to return forgotten funds to their rightful owners, and it could mean a check is on its way to you.
One such program currently making waves is Pennsylvania’s “Money Match” initiative, which has already reunited thousands of residents with long-lost funds.
Some residents are receiving surprise checks worth up to $500 through new unclaimed property programs. Image Source: Pexels / Photo By: Kaboompics.com.
What is the Money Match program?
The Money Match initiative, led by Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, is designed to return forgotten funds to residents—like old bank accounts, uncashed checks, or insurance payouts.
If the state finds unclaimed property in your name valued at $500 or less, you’ll receive a letter in the mail.
About 45 days later, a check follows automatically.
There’s no paperwork and no need to apply.
This month, over 40,000 letters began going out across Pennsylvania starting May 8, with checks expected to arrive by June 22 for those included in the first wave.
In the program’s first round, nearly 8,000 Pennsylvanians received more than $2 million.
The second round is now underway, and even more residents stand to benefit.
Also read: You could be missing out: See if you're owed part of $2.3 million in unclaimed property
How it works
- Check your mail: If you’re selected, you’ll receive a Money Match letter directly from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. Don’t toss it—this is the real thing!
- Hang onto the letter: It confirms the state has matched you with unclaimed funds. Keep it for your records.
- Wait for your check: About 45 days later, a check (up to $500) will arrive in the mail. No calls or forms required.
- Cash or deposit: Once the check arrives, it’s yours to use.
Treasurer Garrity urges Pennsylvanians: “If you receive a Money Match letter, read it and keep it. About 45 days later, your unclaimed property will arrive in the form of a check from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department—don’t miss it.”
What if you're owed more than $500?
The automatic payout only applies to single-owner claims valued at $500 or less.
If you’re entitled to more than $500—or your unclaimed property is shared with someone else—you’ll need to file a claim online at the Pennsylvania Treasury’s website.
It’s a quick process, and considering the average claim is over $1,000, it’s well worth checking.
Also read: Is there hidden money waiting for you? How to instantly check if you have unclaimed cash
Even if you don’t get a letter...
You can still search for unclaimed property tied to your name, a relative, or a past address.
Just visit the Pennsylvania Treasury’s official website.
It’s free, secure, and could uncover money you didn’t realize you were owed.
What counts as unclaimed property?
You might be surprised by what qualifies.
The Treasury currently holds over $5 billion in unclaimed property, including:
- Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, dividends)
- Dormant savings or checking accounts
- Unclaimed insurance benefits
- Utility deposits
- Forgotten stocks or bonds
- Contents of safe deposit boxes
Also read: Could your Wells Fargo account be flagged? Here’s how to make sure your money doesn’t get sent to the state
Why now?
The program was made possible by Senate Bill 24, passed unanimously last year.
It updated how Pennsylvania handles unclaimed property and allowed the Treasury to launch programs like Money Match.
Inspired by similar efforts in other states, Treasurer Garrity aimed to make returning unclaimed money easier than ever.
This isn’t a one-time opportunity either.
More rounds of letters will be mailed out in the future, so even if you don’t receive one now, there’s still a chance you’ll hear from the Treasury later on.
What about other states?
Pennsylvania isn’t the only state with an unclaimed property program—though not all are as proactive.
If you’ve ever lived or worked in another state, it’s worth checking their official unclaimed property websites.
You could have money waiting from an old job or account!
A sample of the official letter notifying recipients about unclaimed property—don’t mistake it for junk mail! Image Source: YouTube / CBS Philadelphia
Also read: Schumer announces Senate vote on Social Security Fairness Act, millions could be affected
Watch out for scams
Scammers often try to take advantage when there’s money involved. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Official letters come directly from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department.
- You’ll never be asked to pay a fee to claim your money.
- If you're unsure about a letter, call or visit the Treasury’s official website to confirm.
What you should do next
- Got a Money Match letter? Keep it safe and expect your check in about 45 days.
- Didn’t get one? Visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property to check your name.
- Help others: Encourage family and friends to check too—especially those who may not be online often.
Whether you’ve received a letter or decide to check online, taking a few minutes now could lead to a pleasant financial surprise.
Don’t miss the opportunity—spread the word and help others do the same!
Read next: Tax nightmare: Shocking IRS bill leaves victim in “deep pit”
Did you receive a Money Match letter? Have you ever found lost money through a state program? Share your story in the comments—your experience might inspire others to check and claim what’s rightfully theirs!
