New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today he is returning even more lost money to New Yorkers through his fast-track program and is raising the payment cap from $250 to up to $5,000. 

“Speeding up the return of lost money is priority of mine, and my office worked with the State Legislature in 2024 to create a way to fast-track money to people,” DiNapoli said. “After a successful first year, we are increasing the threshold up to $5,000. In these challenging economic times, every little bit helps as the cost of gas, groceries and everyday essentials rise.”

Launched by DiNapoli in January 2025, the Expedited Payment Program has increased the speed and scale at which the State Comptroller’s office can return certain unclaimed funds, while ensuring such funds go to their rightful and verified owners. Over 210,000 expedited checks have been issued so far, totaling $48 million, with an average payment of $229. DiNapoli now returns on average over $2 million in unclaimed funds each day. 

Unclaimed funds are turned over to the State Comptroller’s office and can include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance refunds, utility deposits, stock certificates or unused gift cards. Individuals, businesses, nonprofits, religious institutions, schools or municipalities could have unclaimed funds. 

The Expedited Payment Program was made possible by legislation authored by DiNapoli and sponsored by Senator Luis Sepúlveda and Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh (A.10219/S.9410), which was signed into law by the Governor in 2024. 

"I was proud to lead the Expedited Payment Program in the State Legislature and work alongside State Comptroller DiNapoli to make this initiative a reality for New Yorkers,” Sepúlveda said. “I commend the State Comptroller and his office for expanding this program and continuing to put money back into the hands of the people it belongs to. This program demonstrates that when the state works efficiently and responsibly, we can return funds directly to New Yorkers, quickly and without unnecessary barriers. Expanding the Expedited Payment Program from the previous $250 cap to a $5,000 maximum is a significant step forward in cutting red tape, strengthening public trust, and ensuring more families can access resources that make a real difference, especially as the cost of living continues to rise across New York State."

"The law that I sponsored to automatically expedite unclaimed funds payments of up to $250, with no claim required, has been incredibly successful,” McDonald said. “Since the program was implemented in 2025, $48 million in unclaimed funds was returned to New Yorkers through this new program, and I am glad to see that the State Comptroller is expanding this program by increasing the amount that will be automatically returned to the rightful owners. This commonsense change helps people receive their money in a timely manner without unnecessary red tape. Thank you to State Comptroller DiNapoli for your partnership on this issue, and I look forward to seeing the results of this expanded program." 

The law provides the State Comptroller’s office with the discretion to increase the amount that can be returned without the filing of a formal claim, contingent upon rigorous verification of rightful ownership. 

Before a check is issued, the State Comptroller’s office sends a notification letter to let recipients know a check is coming, followed by the check itself. Recipients are encouraged to open the letter and cash the check promptly. If anyone is unsure about a check received in the mail, they can verify it by entering the Claim ID at: osc.ny.gov/verify. There is never a fee to collect or search for unclaimed funds when claimed through the Comptroller’s office, and the accounts never expire.

Not all unclaimed funds qualify for expedited payment, such as estate claims. Individuals and organizations can search for and claim their funds at any time:

• Online: osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds
• By phone: (800) 221-9311, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• In person: at outreach events held across the state