Check your mail: You could have up to $250 waiting for you from NY’s unclaimed funds

Syracuse, N.Y. – New York is sending tens of thousands of checks out to people who have unclaimed money left in bank accounts, uncashed checks and unused gift cards.

In the past, it was up to people to file a claim to recoup any unclaimed money. But now, the state is sending checks to people who have $250 or less in the comptroller’s fund.

“Our goal with this program is to return people’s money,” said Jennifer Freeman, a spokesperson for New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. “Money is owed to a lot of different people in the state.”

So far this year, the comptroller’s office has sent 70,000 checks totaling $5.4 million, according to DiNapoli’s office. About half of the checks have been cashed. Another 16% were undeliverable. Most claims are $50 to $100.

So if you get a check fr