COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Many Ohioans are owed money from sources they have forgotten about, including bank accounts, rent or utility deposits, uncashed checks, or insurance policies.

To help people recoup those disregarded dollars, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds has a website to search for missing money. But changes are coming to the site that could put finding unclaimed funds on pause.

Image of Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds website

“We’ve got a new system coming!” a message on the website reads. “We appreciate your patience as our website will be down for scheduled maintenance in late February.”

Currently, the website offers claim form instructions, how-to videos, as well as other tools and information to help people get their money back. While specific details about the changes coming were not offered, some small print hinted at a future reveal.

“In 2025, we are getting a system upgrade!” the agency offered under the larger message. “Stay tuned for more details on what this means for you.”

To avoid any delay due to site maintenance, people should check now if they are owed money. The process starts with a visit to the Unclaimed Funds website. Anyone can search by name and generate a claim form if unclaimed funds are found. Then, individuals must gather supporting documents and send the paperwork to the division by mail or online. The process is the same whether someone is searching for or claiming funds for themselves or on behalf of a loved one who has died.

Supporting documents needed to claim funds include:

• A clear copy of a photo ID
• Proof of address — such as a driver’s license, State ID, work ID, income tax return, mortgage deed, bank loan papers, auto registration, divorce decree, birth certificate, report card, college transcript, bank statement, insurance papers, or medical card.
• If the original owner has died, documentation from the Probate Court in the county where the account owner lived at the time of death will be needed.

There is no time limit or deadline when claiming funds. The division holds the money until the rightful owner or heir makes a claim.