District 8 residents gathered for Community Workshop, Discovering Unclaimed Funds for Themselves and Their Loved Ones
Westchester County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson, in partnership with the New York State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds, hosted a successful Unclaimed Funds Workshop on Tuesday, October 20, at the Thomas H. Slater Center in White Plains, helping residents locate and reclaim money that rightfully belongs to them.
More than a dozen residents participated in the workshop, with many successfully recovering unclaimed funds or identifying potential funds belonging to family members and loved ones. The event not only helped put money back into residents’ hands but also empowered participants to share valuable information with relatives who may be unaware that they have unclaimed assets waiting to be claimed.
Westchester County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson said, “At a time when so many families are working hard to make ends meet, every dollar matters. What made today’s workshop particularly meaningful was seeing residents discover money they didn’t even know they had, and others learning that their loved ones may have funds waiting for them as well. This is what effective government looks like — bringing resources directly into our communities, removing barriers to information, and making a real difference in people’s everyday lives. I am grateful to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and my colleagues in state government for their partnership in helping our residents reclaim what is rightfully theirs.”
The workshop provided residents with information about the types of unclaimed funds held by New York State, including forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and funds belonging to deceased family members. Participants learned how to navigate the claims process, search for unclaimed assets, and access assistance through the State Comptroller’s Office.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “It was great to join County Legislator Jewel Williams-Johnson, the New York State Comptroller’s Office, and other colleagues to help Westchester residents find and claim money that may rightfully belong to them. Events like this make it easier for people to access these resources by providing hands-on assistance with the search and claims process. I encourage everyone to check the state’s free Unclaimed Funds database and find out if there is money waiting for you!”
State Senator Shelley Mayer said, “Many New Yorkers are unaware that they may be owed unclaimed funds, including money belonging to loved ones who have passed away. These funds can range from small amounts to significant sums, and every New Yorker should have the opportunity to claim what is rightfully theirs. I thank the State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Westchester County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson for raising awareness and helping residents learn how to find and access these funds.”
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said, “Every year millions of dollars in funds go unclaimed, and some of it belongs to families right here in Westchester. The goal of our event today is to help residents reclaim these funds which are theirs. I’m grateful to the State Comptroller’s Office for partnering with us, and I encourage everyone who isn’t able to join us today to reach out to the Comptroller’s office for help filing a claim. It only takes a few minutes, and the results could be amazing.”
Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky said, “Every New Yorker should check the Unclaimed Funds database. It’s easy to do and could put money back in your pocket which rightfully belongs to you. Thank you to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson for their partnership in organizing this helpful constituent event.”
According to the New York State Comptroller’s Office, approximately $2 million in unclaimed funds is returned to rightful owners each day. Yet many New Yorkers remain unaware that they may be entitled to money that has gone unclaimed for years.
The event reflects Legislator Williams Johnson’s continued commitment to making government services more accessible and ensuring residents are connected with resources that can positively impact their financial well-being. The workshop’s success also demonstrated the power of community outreach, as residents left equipped not only to pursue their own claims but also to help family members discover funds they may be entitled to receive.
Residents who were unable to attend are encouraged to search for unclaimed funds through the New York State Comptroller’s Office. The process is free and can be initiated online at https://www.osc.ny.gov/ouf or by calling 1-800-221-9311.