Aaron Sanderford
LINCOLN — “Free money” sounds like a scam. But on Feb. 1 in Nebraska, it’s real. Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese wants to give Nebraskans back their money and long-lost property.
It’s Unclaimed Property Day in Nebraska, the day the state reminds people to check online at www.nebraskalostcash.gov for lost property and cash being held by the state.
In 2022, the Treasurer’s Office received $29.4 million worth of property. That includes lost last paychecks, money from unused gift cards and retirement savings from old jobs.
People checking the website or calling the Treasurer’s Office in 2022 reclaimed $18.2 million worth from the treasurer, according to the state’s most recent available figures.
The state has paid out an average of 15,750 claims a year over the past three years, including 22,221 in 2023.
“I encourage everyone to look for your name,” Briese said. “Look for family members. Look for friends and neighbors as well. Let them know if you see something.”
Identity will be verified
The Treasurer’s Office verifies a person’s identity before sending a check or the items. The amount of verification depends on the type and amount of property returned, Briese said.
How to check
Go online and click on www.nebraskalostcash.gov or call the Unclaimed Property Division of the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office at (877) 572-9688.
Briese warns Nebraskans to avoid paid sites offering to do the work of applying for their items. The state site, he said, does not charge for this.
“There are services that hire out to do this, but if you want to do it yourself, and do it for free, get on our website … or the treasurer’s website,” he said. “It’ll get you there.”
Briese said he has never found property tied to his name on the site but has helped friends and family members find money and property.
He urged residents to check the site periodically, because new property makes its way to the agency daily.
“We’re here to try to get the dollars back to the rightful owners,” Breise said. “And I would certainly encourage everyone to get online and see if they can find something there.”