Imagine opening your mailbox and finding a check for up to $1,000—no strings attached, no forms to fill out, and no hoops to jump through.

For hundreds of thousands of people, this isn’t a daydream—it’s about to become reality, thanks to a new state law that’s making it easier than ever to reclaim forgotten funds.

If you’ve ever lived in this state, you’ll want to read on—because you or someone you know could be in for a very pleasant surprise.

What’s the big news?​

The Arkansas State Auditor’s office is rolling out a program that’s sending out “surprise” checks—some as high as $1,000—to residents who are owed unclaimed property.

This initiative is powered by Act 114 of 2025, a new law that allows the state to automatically return money to its rightful owners, even if they haven’t filed a claim.

With over $400 million in unclaimed property sitting in state coffers and an estimated 360,000 Arkansans in line for a payout, this is one of the largest efforts of its kind in the country.


Unclaimed property is a catch-all term for financial assets that have been forgotten, abandoned, or simply left behind.

Think of it as a lost-and-found for your money. Here are some common examples:

• Uncashed payroll or rebate checks
• Forgotten savings or checking accounts
• Security deposits from utilities or rentals
• Insurance payments or refunds
• Stocks, bonds, and uncashed dividends
• Customer overpayments
• Traveler’s checks and unredeemed money orders
• Trust distributions
• The contents of safe deposit boxes

It’s not just cash, either. The Arkansas State Auditor’s office has come across some truly unique items, including a telegram referencing a conversation with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a $10,000 bill, and even signed Nolan Ryan baseball cards. (If you’re a baseball fan, that last one might make you wish you’d checked sooner!)

How the new law works​

Here’s where things get exciting. Under Act 114, if the Arkansas State Auditor “reasonably believes” that a resident is owed property valued between $50 and $1,000, they can send out a check automatically—no claim required.

If you’re owed more than $1,000, you’ll still need to fill out a simple claim form and provide a copy of your driver’s license for verification.

For shared property (like a joint bank account), both parties will need to file online.

Eligible Arkansans will receive a letter in the mail letting them know a check is on the way, and most payments should arrive within 90 days.

The average payout is expected to be just over $100, but some lucky folks will see checks up to $1,000.

Why is this happening now?​

State Auditor Dennis Milligan has made it his mission to reunite Arkansans with their lost funds. “This program is very, very important to me,” he says.

“You know, $200 might not mean anything to one person, but it may mean the difference between being able to pay a utility bill or put some food on the table.”

In fact, Milligan has even driven to people’s homes to personally deliver checks and convince them the money is real—not a scam.

The new law is designed to remove barriers and get money back into the hands of Arkansans who need it most, especially as many people remain unaware that the program exists.

According to Milligan, one in four Arkansans has money waiting for them in the unclaimed property program.


Also read: Only days left for Americans to claim $5,000 checks—here’s the notice you need

How to check if you’re owed money​

Even if you don’t receive a letter, it’s worth checking the Arkansas unclaimed property website (or your own state’s site if you’ve moved). Here’s how:

1. Visit the official Arkansas Unclaimed Property website.
2. Enter your name and city to search for any unclaimed property in your name.
3. Follow the instructions to claim your funds if you find something. For amounts over $1,000, you’ll need to provide some identification.

If you’ve lived in other states, check their unclaimed property programs as well. Every state has one, and you might be surprised at what you find!


Also read: 8 valuable senior discounts to check out this August

With so much money being distributed, scammers are sure to try their luck. Remember:

• The state will never ask for payment to process your claim.
• Official communications will come from the Arkansas State Auditor’s office.
• If you’re ever in doubt, contact the office directly to verify.

Arkansas isn’t alone in this effort. Other states have similar programs—like Missouri’s “Money Match,” which is sending out surprise checks up to $500, and a $45 million pot in another state that’s just waiting to be claimed.

If you have friends or family in other states, encourage them to check their eligibility, too.

Read next: This little-known program is mailing $500 surprise checks—here are the 2 requirements you must meet
Have you ever received an unexpected check from a state unclaimed property program? Did you find a forgotten bank account, or maybe a long-lost refund?