Washington state currently holds $2.4 billion in uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, forgotten deposits and other property. And the state wants to give it back to you or your business.

The state Department of Revenue recently reminded Washingtonians that it’s easy to check if you have unclaimed property being held by the state so you can claim it.

“The chance that you or someone you know has unclaimed property is 1 in 7,” said Treasurer Carmen Pigler, president of The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators in a release. “Much better odds than winning the lottery!"

Washington’s Unclaimed Property Program (UCP) is a free public service administered by the department that helps people recover lost or forgotten money or property. 

If a business or organization can’t reach the owner of certain assets for an extended period, those assets are considered lost, forgotten, or abandoned and handed over to the state’s UCP. Officials then work to reconnect the rightful owners or their heirs with their lost money or property.

To check whether you have unclaimed property, go to Washington’s unclaimed property website: claimyourcash.org. 

If your name or the name of your business or organization comes up, you will be directed on how to begin the claim process.