It's beneficial to check Ohio Unclaimed Funds site

Looking for something to do while snow, ice and frigid temperatures have perhaps kept you home for more time than you'd like in recent days? It could be a good time to check out the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Unclaimed Funds website. According to a recent report by the Akron Beacon Journal, the state still holds more than $4 billion in dormant bank accounts, utility deposits and uncashed checks. That's a huge chunk of YOUR money just sitting (virtually) in Columbus. And remember, if you don't claim it after more than ten years, you run the risk of it being used to fund projects such as a new domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns. The very nature of unclaimed funds suggests many people simply do not remember or know about the accounts in which that money has been languishing. So, if you are thinking to yourself, "I don't have any money lying around," better check, anyway. Go to unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov. You'll see a blue "Get Started" button (and a link to a how-to video, if you need it). Through the site, you can claim funds, submit required paperwork and check the status of claims. Required documents could include items such as proof of address, proof of ID, Social Security number or a W-9. Larger claims may require use of a notary. Despite there still being $4 billion or so to claim, the threat that funds could be used to support the Browns seems to have spurred enough people to action that the division says "Due to high claim volume, some claims may lead to longer-than-expected 120 days processing time." Don't wait, then. Maybe you or a family member has left some money behind, maybe you haven't. But the only way to find out for sure (and keep your money from being forgotten for so long that it ends up being used to pay for state-supported projects) is to check with the division. If you've got a minute to spare, it's worth your time.