STATEHOUSE-Hoosiers in Northern Indiana are currently missing out on $18.7 million worth of unclaimed property. Rep. Tim Neese (R-Elkhart), in accordance with Attorney General Greg Zoeller, is informing residents how they can claim what is rightfully theirs. Unclaimed property has many forms but commonly comes from investment earnings, insurance proceeds, benefits, wages, and money from savings and checking accounts. The state holds these items for up to 25 years. Elkhart County residents have 6,673 pieces of unclaimed property totaling over $5.1 million. Over $350 million dollars is available statewide. "People are always looking for extra money and Hoosiers might have hundreds or even thousands of dollars unclaimed," Rep. Neese said. "Take a few minutes to look up not only your name but friends, family, and neighbors too. If money out there is yours, then the Attorney General and I want to make sure you get it." Many Hoosiers are already collecting their property. In 2009, more than 55,000 properties totaling $42.2 million were returned to people all over the state. Included in that figure was a $2.4 million portion given back to residents in eight Northern Indiana counties - including Elkhart. Not all unclaimed property comes in the form of money. In fact, nearly one percent of assets are tangible items often found in a safety deposit box. "It is quick and easy to find out if you have unclaimed assets," Rep. Neese said. "You simply enter your name into the website or call the toll free number. You will find out immediately if you have missing property." If you want to discover your unclaimed property, then visit http://www.indianaunclaimed.com/ or call 1-866-IN-CLAIM (462-5246). |
