Could Maryland Be Holding Money That Belongs To You? How To Check

Maryland returned more than $100 million to residents after the state implemented a new online system that lets officials identify and recover unclaimed funds.

To date, the modernized portals have processed more than $103 million, a sharp rise from the $79 million returned to residents the year before the new systems took effect.

"Marylanders should not have to jump through hoops to get money that belongs to them,” Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman said in a statement. "This increase in payouts demonstrates the value of modernizing systems so that government works better for Marylanders."

The modernized systems tapped by the state include the Kelmar Abandoned Property System and Quick Pay.

The former lets residents file supporting documents online, submit documentation electronically, check claim status, and access property information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no cost to claimants. The latter automatically returns eligible funds under $5,000.

Officials dispatch checks to residents after verifying their mailing address. Unclaimed property includes uncashed checks, dormant financial accounts and insurance proceeds.

Marylanders should visit www.claimitmd.gov to search for unclaimed property and submit a claim online.