Living in a city like New York can often feel like you’re constantly stretching your paycheck just to get by. But recently, many New Yorkers are getting a much-needed surprise: checks of up to $250 showing up in mailboxes across the state. And no, this isn’t some random lottery or scam—it’s real money coming your way, and it could be yours!
Wondering why these checks are being sent out? Let’s break it down.
Why Are People Receiving Surprise Checks?
In the past, if you wanted to claim unclaimed money, you’d have to go searching for it and file a claim yourself. But now, things are a bit different. Thanks to a new law passed in New York State, the Comptroller’s Office has been sending out automatic payments of up to $250 to eligible residents without requiring them to do anything.
This initiative started rolling out earlier this year, and already, in 2025, over $5.4 million has been returned to more than 70,000 New Yorkers. While most checks range from $50 to $100, some lucky recipients have seen as much as $250!
Where Does This Money Come From?
So, where is all this unexpected cash coming from? These surprise checks are part of a much larger pool of unclaimed funds that New York State holds on behalf of its residents. These funds generally come from:
- Forgotten bank accounts
- Unused or unclaimed gift cards
- Uncashed checks
- Insurance payouts
- Old or lost stock certificates
- Inactive utility deposits
What often happens is that people move, change their contact information, or simply forget about their old accounts. Over time, those funds get handed over to the state, and now the Comptroller’s Office is returning that money to you.
The Big Picture: Over $20 Billion Waiting to Be Claimed
If you’re wondering just how much money is out there, get ready for this: New York State is currently holding over $20 billion in unclaimed funds. Yes, you read that right—billion with a “B.”
Every day, the Office of Unclaimed Funds returns about $2 million to people who take the time to search and claim their money. Even if you didn’t receive a check in the mail, there’s a good chance you still might be owed some cash.
How to Check If You’re Owed Money
If you’re curious whether you or your family members have unclaimed funds waiting for you, here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the New York State Comptroller’s Office website.
- Enter your name in the search box.
- If you have a common name, try different spellings or even check the names of relatives, particularly those who’ve passed away—some accounts go back decades, even as far as the 1940s!
If you find a match, simply follow the instructions to file a claim online. No middlemen, no fees—just a straightforward process to claim what’s yours.
Is the Check Real or a Scam?
Now, you might be wondering if the check you received is legit. Rest assured: if the check is from the Office of the New York State Comptroller, it’s real—as long as the name on the check matches yours and the envelope looks official.
Still have doubts? You can always verify your check or the status of your claim directly on the Comptroller’s official website. It’s always best to double-check if you’re uncertain.
The Bottom Line: Money You Didn’t Know You Had
A surprise check in the mail might seem too good to be true, but in New York, it could just be real money waiting for you. Whether it’s $50, $100, or even $250, every little bit helps—especially in a high-cost city like NYC. A few minutes spent online might uncover some cash you didn’t even know existed.
With over $20 billion still up for grabs, now is the perfect time to see if any of that money belongs to you or your loved ones.
FAQ:
Q1. Why did I receive a check from the NY State Comptroller’s Office?
You likely had unclaimed funds under your name. Thanks to new legislation, the state now sends automatic payments of $250 or less to eligible residents.
Q2. Is the check from Comptroller DiNapoli’s office a scam?
No. As long as it matches your name and details, it’s real. You can confirm its authenticity on the official NY Comptroller’s website.
Q3. What are unclaimed funds?
Unclaimed funds are financial assets such as old bank accounts, unused gift cards, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and more.
Q4. How do I check if I’m owed money?
Simply visit the NY State Comptroller’s Office website, search your name (and even your relatives’ names), and file a claim if there’s a match.
Q5. Is there a deadline to claim unclaimed funds in New York?
No, there’s no deadline. These funds remain available for as long as it takes for you to claim them, even if they date back decades.
