Louisiana returned a record $70.9 million in unclaimed property to residents, businesses, and other rightful owners during fiscal year 2026, according to State Treasurer John Fleming.

Unclaimed Property Division Efforts

The total surpassed the previous record by about $700,000 and exceeded last year’s amount by $1.6 million. Fleming credited the milestone to the efforts of the office’s Unclaimed Property Division, led by director Kathleen Lobell.

Despite the record payouts, the state is still holding approximately $1.2 billion in unclaimed property awaiting its rightful owners. Roughly 1 in 6 Louisiana residents has unclaimed property, with the average claim valued at about $900.

Unclaimed property is created when businesses are unable to locate the owner of financial assets after a period of inactivity or unsuccessful contact attempts. The assets are transferred to the state for safekeeping until they are claimed.

Louisiana residents can search for unclaimed property at LaCashClaim.org using their name to determine whether they have money or other assets waiting to be claimed.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.