Greater Cincinnati residents, there might be money waiting for you to claim.
Of the $5.4 billion in unclaimed funds being held by the state, nearly $645 million belongs to residents, businesses and organizations in Southwest Ohio, according to the Department of Commerce's Division of Unclaimed Funds. ZIP code 45202, which covers downtown Cincinnati, accounts for $22.9 million alone.
Another $28.3 million in unclaimed funds is tied to Cincinnati ZIP codes 45215, 45242 and 45238. An additional $66.4 million is linked to communities across the region, including Mason, West Chester, Middletown, Dayton, Hamilton and Springfield.
The list comes as the division continues a statewide media campaign led by Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel that encourages Ohioans, particularly
older adults, to check whether they have unclaimed funds.
The release adds that the number of claims submitted this year has increased by about 50% compared with 2025. Additionally, the division paid more than 184,000 claims last fiscal year, totaling $190 million. In 2025, however, the overall amount returned to Ohioans was $149.9 million.
In addition to raising awareness about unclaimed funds, the division is "actively making important enhancements behind the scenes to help Ohioans receive their money faster," the report states. This includes removing barriers that can slow the review and approval process, such as eliminating the requirement for a W-9 tax form, removing the need for notarized claim forms and other changes.
“When we see Ohio communities with especially high amounts of unclaimed funds, it reminds us how important it is for people to check and claim what belongs to them. We don’t want anyone to leave money behind,” division superintendent Akil Hardy said in a statement. “We’re committed to returning more money to Ohioans as quickly as possible by investing in technology that makes the claims process faster and easier.”
How do I get my unclaimed funds?
The Ohio Department of Commerce says Ohioans can check for unclaimed funds in three steps:
- Search for unclaimed funds and generate a claim form by visitingunclaimedfunds.ohio.gov.
- Review and gather the required documentation.
- Submit the claim form and any documents by mail or upload them directly through the system.
How long does it take to get unclaimed funds?
Because of an increase in claims, the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds asks claimants to allow up to 120 days for the state to review a claim. Some claims may take longer.
Ohioans who have submitted claims for funds can check the status of their claim 24/7 by visiting unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov. Individuals with questions are also invited to contact the division’s customer support team at 614-466-4433.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Missing money? Southwest Ohio Has $645 million in unclaimed funds
