Treasurer Spellerberg Answers Questions About Unclaimed Property in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg is answering some frequently asked questions about unclaimed property in the state.

An editorial sent by Spellerberg outlined some of the functions and history of the state’s unclaimed property program.

Why the state holds unclaimed property

In the editorial, Spellerberg says the Unclaimed Property Division (UPD) was enacted by a state law nearly 60 years ago.

The program exists to address situations where financial institutions have lost contact with customers. Unclaimed property can include forgotten bank notes, stock holdings, insurance proceeds, safe deposit boxes, and more.

The UPD maintains custody of the assets until the rightful owners or their heirs claim them. Spellerberg says unclaimed property does not belong to the state.

How much money has been returned

Since its establishment, Spellerberg says the UPD has returned approximately $310 million to its rightful owners.

In 2025, more than $19.7 million was returned to its rightful owners, and nearly $6.6. million through the first quarter of 2026. The average paid claim exceeded $1,000.

How to find what may belong to you

Spellerberg advises Nebraskans to take a minute to go to the UCD’s website to see if they have anything in theirs, their family’s, or their businesses’ names.

Those who have lived in multiple states can find all their unclaimed property through the online national database.

Iowa residents can find their unclaimed property through the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt.