PA Residents Get $22M

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity has announced the distribution of nearly 100,000 checks totaling over $22 million as part of the state’s Money Match program. These checks are being mailed to residents across the state, and Garrity encourages recipients to cash or deposit them promptly. The Money Match program is a significant initiative that aims to return unclaimed property to its rightful owners, and its first year has been remarkably successful, exceeding initial expectations.

The program allows for the automatic return of unclaimed property valued up to $500, eliminating the need for individuals to search or file a claim. With the latest batch of checks, the total amount returned through the program will surpass $50 million. This achievement is a testament to the program’s efficiency and the state’s efforts to cut bureaucratic red tape. The Money Match program was established by Act 81 of 2024, which unanimously passed the House and Senate.

It’s essential for residents to be aware that these checks are legitimate and represent real money that belongs to them. Garrity emphasizes the importance of regularly searching for unclaimed property online, as not all claims qualify for the Money Match process. Unclaimed property can include a wide range of items, such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stocks, and even the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. With over $5 billion in unclaimed property in the state’s care, it’s estimated that more than one in 10 Pennsylvanians is owed some amount, with an average claim value exceeding $1,000.

To search for unclaimed property, residents can visit the Pennsylvania Treasury’s website at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. If anyone receives a Money Match check in error, they can contact the Treasury at MoneyMatch@patreasury.gov for assistance. The success of the Money Match program demonstrates the state’s commitment to reuniting residents with their lost funds and promoting a more efficient and transparent process for claiming unclaimed property.