Many Have Received Unclaimed Funds. Don’t Give Up

The Freeman’s Journal/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Edition of Thursday-Friday, Dec. 25-26, 2014

To the Editor:

After reading R. Scott Duncan’s letter in last week’s newspaper describing his difficulties retrieving funds through the state Office of Unclaimed Funds, I want to offer a few thoughts.

The mailing from my office was intended to notify individuals of this useful service and to help people access the more than $13 billion in unclaimed funds held by New York State through the comptroller’s office.
Unclaimed funds could come from an old savings account, utility deposit, a security dividend check or several other sources.

There is no charge to reclaim funds owed to you, and I have heard from a great number of constituents who have successfully retrieved their money – to date, nearly $375,000 has been returned statewide this year alone!

However, when claims are complicated by estate issues and other legal matters, there may be additional requirements to prove that you are the person who is legally allowed to collect the funds. The requirements are listed online at http://www.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/ and many of the forms needed may be found there as well.

The Office of Unclaimed Funds has an extremely detailed “Frequently Asked Questions” section that should be able to help with most concerns. If you require additional assistance, there is also a toll free phone number, 1-800-221-9311.

A link to the Office of Unclaimed Funds can also be found on my website, www.senatorjimseward.com.

JAMES L. Seward
State Senator
R-Milford