AUGUSTA – Sen. Erin Herbig, D-Belfast, announced March 12 the addition of more than $12 million to Maine’s Unclaimed Property Fund, and Maine residents are urged to check whether any of that cash belongs to them.

“The State Treasurer is holding onto unclaimed property that belongs to people in Waldo County,” said Sen. Herbig, in a news release. “I recommend that you check the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property list online to see if any of it belongs to you.”

 “Unclaimed property” is money owed to Maine people by third parties, such as former employers, banks or utility companies. Organizations are required to give unclaimed property to the State Treasurer after a specified period of time, after which the owner of the unclaimed property can retrieve it from the state.

Even if you have done everything right, you could have unclaimed property. It could be from a forgotten account, an overpaid bill or uncollected wages. This money could be unclaimed as a result of a change in name, addresses or bank account.

You can search the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property list here. If you find your name, or the name of your current or past businesses on the list, you can claim the property immediately online — for free. 

You can also search your friends and family and let them know about unclaimed properties that may belong to them. To find out if you are owed money in other states, www.missingmoney.com serves as a National Database.

The Office of the Treasurer receives new properties throughout the year. Be sure to check back as often as you can.