As Thanksgiving approaches, gratitude takes center stage. It’s a time to reflect on what we’ve gained, give back where we can, and recognize the systems that quietly work in the background to make communities stronger.
Unclaimed property laws might not come to mind when we think of generosity. Yet they embody that same spirit of stewardship and public good. These programs protect individuals and organizations and help states reinvest in essential services that benefit everyone.
In short, the unclaimed property system doesn’t just safeguard what’s lost — it gives back in ways many people never see.
Turning Forgotten Funds Into Public Good
While most people associate Thanksgiving with giving and goodwill, unclaimed property laws reflect those values all year long. Annually, billions of dollars in uncashed checks, dormant accounts, and unclaimed refunds are transferred to state unclaimed property programs. States hold these assets securely until rightful owners or heirs come forward, preserving their full right to reclaim what belongs to them.
In the meantime, many states use interest earned — or in some cases, the funds themselves — to support programs that improve quality of life for their residents.
Accurate and timely reporting from holders makes this possible. When organizations fulfill their reporting obligations, they help ensure that states have the resources to both protect owners and strengthen the public programs that rely on these funds.
Note for the Curious:
Some state programs are structured so efficiently that even modest interest earnings from unclaimed property can support recurring public initiatives — helping stabilize budgets without raising taxes. Legal and policy analyses confirm that interest on unclaimed funds has historically served as a meaningful revenue source for states.
Where Unclaimed Property Dollars Go
Unclaimed property funds quietly support some of the most essential public programs in the country. To see how this looks in practice, states typically direct available funds or interest earnings into three main areas:
- Education
- Infrastructure and community investment
- Public services
Education
Education is one of the most common beneficiaries of unclaimed property revenue. In Florida, a portion of proceeds goes directly into the State School Trust Fund, supporting public schools across the state. Wisconsin follows a similar path, directing unclaimed and escheated property revenues to its School Trust Funds, which help sustain public school libraries and statewide educational resources.
In Oregon, unclaimed property dollars flow into the Common School Fund, supporting K–12 education from classroom materials to district-level programs. Oregon even maintains a transparency dashboard showing how these funds are invested and used.
The Illinois Treasurer’s Office places a major emphasis on improving financial literacy statewide, supporting initiatives such as Money Minded Illinois, Financial Literacy Month events, and school-based economic education partnerships. Yet only about 64% of older teens demonstrate baseline proficiency on statewide financial literacy testing. This underscores an ongoing need for accessible financial education and public programs that help residents build financial confidence.
Note for the Curious:
Many state treasurers, including Illinois, provide statewide financial literacy programming — from classroom partnerships to public-access workshops — to help residents build long-term financial skills. These initiatives often complement a state’s broader commitment to consumer protection, including the stewardship of unclaimed property.
Infrastructure and Community Investment
In many states, unclaimed property revenues support major infrastructure and community initiatives. Delaware, one of the country’s largest generators of unclaimed property revenue, uses these funds to support its general operating budget and a range of essential public services.
Massachusetts directs unclaimed property revenue into its General Fund, supporting transportation improvements, public health programs, and community development initiatives. New York similarly uses interest earned on unclaimed property balances to strengthen its General Fund, indirectly supporting transit systems, emergency services, and infrastructure upgrades.
Note for the Curious:
General Fund allocations vary significantly by state, but they often include long-term capital investments — meaning forgotten checks and dormant accounts can help repair roads, modernize public buildings, and improve public transit.
Public Services
Other states use unclaimed property revenues to support essential public services. In Texas, surplus funds have contributed to veterans’ initiatives and certain education programs. California applies interest earnings from its Unclaimed Property Fund to the state’s General Fund, supporting community services and statewide assistance programs.
Together, these examples show how unclaimed property reporting fuels meaningful public outcomes. Whether reinforcing school budgets, supporting health initiatives, or strengthening infrastructure, these funds play a quiet but important role in helping states meet the needs of their residents.
Why It Matters for Holders
Unclaimed property compliance is often viewed solely through the lens of regulatory requirements, but its impact reaches much further. Each accurately filed report helps protect owners, reduce audit risk, and strengthen the programs that depend on these funds.
For organizations, compliance is more than a legal obligation — it’s a form of stewardship. Timely and accurate reporting ensures that states can reunite owners with their property and support public initiatives in the meantime.
Because states often rely on unclaimed property resources to strengthen public programs, holders play a direct role in supporting the communities where they do business. Every remitted account contributes to a system designed to safeguard citizens and reinvest in public good.
Compliance as a Form of Gratitude
Unclaimed property laws protect both owners and the public by turning forgotten funds into long-term community value. During a season centered around gratitude and giving back, it’s worth recognizing how compliance contributes to that cycle.
At UPCR, we appreciate the organizations that trust us to support their compliance efforts and streamline their reporting processes. Together, we help ensure unclaimed property is managed responsibly — and that the public programs supported by these revenues continue to thrive.
As you plan for year-end, consider how the dollars your organization remits may be helping strengthen the states you serve — and if you ever have questions about that process, we’re always here to help you navigate it with confidence.