Living in New York City is expensive, and every little financial help can make a difference. Recently, many residents have been surprised with checks of up to $250 sent directly to their mailboxes. These payments are not scams or lottery wins—they are real refunds from unclaimed money that the state holds for its residents.
New legislation in New York has made it easier for people to receive these funds automatically, without filing claims themselves. Here’s everything you need to know about these surprise payments.
Why Are New Yorkers Getting Surprise Checks?
Previously, people had to actively search for their unclaimed funds and request them from the state. But now, a new law allows the New York State Comptroller’s Office to send small payments automatically to residents.
In 2025 alone, over 70,000 New Yorkers have received payments, with most getting between $50 and $100. This automatic payment system aims to return forgotten money directly into citizens’ hands without extra effort.
Where Does This Money Come From?
These payments are part of the state’s unclaimed funds pool. Unclaimed funds are basically money that belongs to residents but has not been claimed for many years. Common sources include:
- Old or forgotten bank accounts
- Unused gift cards
- Uncashed checks
- Insurance payouts
- Lost or inactive stock certificates
- Deposits for utilities that were never refunded
Often, people move homes or change contact information, and the companies holding their money are unable to return it. Over time, the state takes custody of these funds to keep them safe until claimed.
There Is Still $20 Billion Waiting to Be Claimed
Even though these $250 checks grab attention, they are just a small portion of the total unclaimed money in New York. The Office of Unclaimed Funds currently holds more than $20 billion in unclaimed assets.
On average, the state returns about $2 million per day to residents who actively check and claim their money. So, even if you did not receive a check automatically, there’s a good chance you might still be owed some funds. Claiming it is free and simple.
How to Check If You Are Owed Money
Finding out if you have unclaimed funds is easy. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the New York State Comptroller’s Office.
- Enter your full name in the search box.
- Try alternative spellings, especially if your name is common or could have been entered incorrectly.
- Check the names of relatives, including those who have passed away, as some accounts may date back decades.
- If there’s a match, file your claim online. It’s safe, free, and requires no middlemen.
How to Know If the Check Is Real
If you receive a check from Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s Office, it is legitimate. Ensure that your name on the check matches the envelope and your records. You can also verify the check’s authenticity directly on the comptroller’s official website.
New Yorkers should be aware that this is genuine money, not a scam. It is a rare opportunity to get back money that rightfully belongs to them.
Conclusion
The $250 surprise checks are a welcome financial boost for New Yorkers. But the bigger story is the enormous pool of unclaimed funds still waiting to be claimed. By spending a few minutes checking the official comptroller website, residents could recover money from old accounts, unused gift cards, and forgotten deposits.
Even small amounts like $50 or $100 can help cover daily expenses in an expensive city like New York. This initiative reflects a smart way for the state to return money that is rightfully yours without unnecessary complications.
FAQs
Q1. Why did I receive a check from the NY State Comptroller’s Office?
You received it because you had unclaimed funds under your name. New rules now allow automatic payments of up to $250 to eligible residents.
Q2. Is the check from Comptroller DiNapoli’s office a scam?
No. If the check matches your name and details, it is real. You can verify its authenticity on the official comptroller website.
Q3. What are unclaimed funds?
Unclaimed funds include money from old bank accounts, gift cards, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and other forgotten financial assets.
Q4. How do I check if I am owed money?
Visit the NY State Comptroller’s Office website, enter your name and relatives’ names, and file a claim if there is a match.
Q5. Is there a deadline to claim unclaimed funds in New York?
No. The money remains available until claimed, even for decades-old accounts.