Mississippi State Treasurer David McRae is returning $5 million in unclaimed property to residents in counties recently impacted by severe winter weather.
The initiative, known as “Money Match,” is the largest of its kind in state history, automatically connecting 16,000 citizens with lost financial assets.
Recipients do not need to file paperwork to receive these funds and are encouraged to cash the checks immediately to stimulate local economies.
JACKSON, Miss. — State Treasurer David McRae has announced that the State Treasury is initiating its largest-ever “Money Match” project, returning $5 million in unclaimed funds to residents living in counties recently devastated by winter storms.
The proactive sweep successfully identified 16,000 Mississippians who were owed money from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, or insurance proceeds. Unlike standard unclaimed property claims, this initiative automatically mails checks to verified addresses, requiring no action from the recipient other than cashing the payment.
“Mississippians are no strangers to natural disaster,” McRae said. “But we’re strong, we’re resilient, and we come together as neighbors. While the State Treasury can’t repair power lines or send clean-up crews, we can make sure that as many citizens as possible receive their missing money with ease.”
McRae characterized the distribution as a “5 million dollar economic stimulus” targeted at areas where residents are currently facing recovery costs. Officials clarified that these payments are a return of private property and do not replace any state or federal disaster assistance for which residents may be eligible.
Since McRae took office, the Treasury has returned more than $170 million to taxpayers. This total surpasses the combined amount returned by all previous Mississippi Treasurers.
Unclaimed property typically consists of financial assets held by banks or businesses that have lost contact with the owner for five years or more. By law, these funds are eventually turned over to the state for safekeeping until they can be returned.
Residents who do not receive a check in this wave but believe they may be owed money are encouraged to visit the official state website at treasury.ms.gov to conduct a manual search.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
