Lunar New Year brings hope for good fortune, and State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli visited local, small businesses in Flushing Queens Saturday to present owners with unclaimed funds checks. Congresswoman Grace Meng, New York City Council Member Sandra Ung and Flushing Chinese Business Association’s Peter Tu joined him to return the lost money and visit the newly remodeled Flushing Library Auditorium.
“Flushing is one of New York's strongest neighborhoods, a wonderful place to celebrate Lunar New Year with its residents," said DiNapoli. "I had a busy afternoon visiting local businesses, learning more about the issues they’re facing and returning unclaimed funds. I appreciate Rep. Grace Meng, Council Member Sandra Ung and Peter Tu of the Flushing Chinese Business Association for joining me as we walked through the vibrant and busy neighborhood that included a stop at the Flushing Library, and I urge New Yorkers to go to my website to see if they have lost money coming to them. Happy Lunar New Year!”
“Thank you to State Comptroller DiNapoli for working to return unclaimed funds to small businesses in my congressional district,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng. “Small businesses are the backbone of our region’s economy and the unclaimed funds that we delivered to local businesses, which consisted of thousands of dollars, will greatly assist these establishments. Whether it’s a large chunk of money like this or just a small amount, every bit helps, and it is something that small businesses are entitled to receive. After all, it is their money.”
“I want to thank State Comptroller DiNapoli for coming to Flushing to personally present these unclaimed funds checks to our local business owners,” said New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung. “This isn’t pocket change. In some cases, we’re talking about tens of thousands of dollars or more that rightfully belongs to them. For small businesses that kind of money can make a real difference, whether it’s covering payroll, investing in improvements, or simply providing a little breathing room. Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and every little bit we can do to support them is incredibly important. I’m grateful to the Comptroller for delivering that impact directly to Flushing.”
Unclaimed funds occur when people forget about or lose track of their money. The money can come from utility deposits, trust funds, old bank accounts, uncashed checks or unused gift cards. These funds never expire, and it’s quick and easy for people to check online (osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds) to see if they, or anyone they know, has money waiting for them.
In 2025, the Comptroller’s office returned more than $580 million dollars to rightful owners and has already returned over $105 million in 2026.
There is over $1 billion in unclaimed funds for individuals and businesses in Queens waiting for the rightful owners to come forward and claim it.
Every day, DiNapoli’s office returns over $2 million and can track and uncover lost financial assets dating as far back as the 1940s.
Money returned in Queens on Saturday:
- Insurance Brokerage (located at 4110 Main St.) had nearly $24K in lost money.
- Sunny Friendly Medical PC (located at 4199 Main St, Suite 201) had $8,800 in unclaimed funds.
- East Buffet & Restaurant (located at 4107 Main St.) received $4,650.
People can call at (800) 221-9311 for assistance.
Photos of businesses receiving checks:flickr.com/photos/nycomptroller/