Is There Money Waiting for You? How to Claim Unclaimed Money Across Australia

Did you know there could be thousands of dollars waiting for you in unclaimed money across Australia? From forgotten bank accounts and unclaimed dividends to rental bonds and insurance refunds, the government keeps a record of money that hasn’t been claimed for years.

I’ve personally helped my clients uncover over $25,000 in unclaimed funds just here in Western Australia, and the best part? It’s completely free to search and claim.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can search for unclaimed money starting in WA and across other states.

Western Australia (WA) – Where to Start

Western Australia currently holds over $170 million in unclaimed money, including:

• Rental bonds

• Refunds from utilities and services

• Dividends and shares

• Insurance payouts

How to Search and Claim:

1. Go to the official website: https://search.unclaimedmonies.treasury.wa.gov.au/

2. Accept the terms and conditions to proceed.

3. Enter your details: Include your full name, suburb, and the organization the money is linked to.

4. Review the results: If funds are found, click on the record to see more details.

5. Submit a claim: Follow the online instructions, providing identification and any supporting documentation.

💡 Pro tip: Check periodically! Money can remain unclaimed for years, and the process is always free.

Other States and Territories – Where Else to Check

If you’ve lived or worked in other parts of Australia, check the unclaimed money registers for each state or territory:

New South Wales (NSW)

• Website: Revenue NSW – Unclaimed Money

• Funds held: Over $234 million, including rental bonds, dividends, refunds, and deceased estates.

Victoria (VIC)

• Website: State Revenue Office – Unclaimed Money

• Funds held: Over $200 million in unclaimed dividends, wages, rents, and lottery prizes.

Queensland (QLD)

• Website: Public Trustee QLD – Unclaimed Money

• Funds held: Includes money from deceased estates, utility overpayments, and other sources.

South Australia (SA)

• Website: Treasury SA – Unclaimed Money

• Funds held: Money from utilities, services, and other entities.

Tasmania (TAS)

• Website: Treasury TAS – Unclaimed Money

• Funds held: Includes amounts from deceased estates and other unclaimed sources.

Northern Territory (NT)

• Websites:

• Treasury NT

• NT Government

• Funds held: Money from deceased estates and other unclaimed accounts.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Website: Public Trustee & Guardian ACT – Unclaimed Money

• Funds held: Includes bank accounts, building societies, and credit union funds.

National Resources

• Moneysmart (ASIC): Find unclaimed money – a comprehensive guide for all states.

• myGov: Check lost money – search for unclaimed money from bank accounts, investments, and insurance.

✅ Tips for Claiming Unclaimed Money

1. Check regularly: Funds can remain unclaimed for years.

2. Gather your documents: Have ID, account details, and relevant records ready.

3. Use official sources only: Avoid third-party services that charge fees.

4. Search multiple registers: If you’ve lived in different states or territories, check each one.

💡 Final thought: Many Australians are sitting on money they don’t even know they have. Take a few minutes today to search—your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.