Kaminsky, DiNapoli reveal return of more than $3.4 million in Unclaimed Funds to 9th Senate District

Ahead of the holiday season, Senator Todd Kaminsky and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli revealed the return of more than $3.4 million in unclaimed funds to the 9^th Senate District. 

In July, Kaminsky sent more than 19,000 notification letters to his constituents who had unclaimed funds with the State.  Kaminsky and DiNapoli were joined by some of those constituents today.  As a result of Senator Kaminsky’s notification, the State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds (“OUF”) returned $3,475,031.65 to 6,853 claimants.

“Government should always work for the people,” said Senator Kaminsky. “I wanted to ensure that my constituents who had unclaimed funds not only knew it, but also knew how to recoup their money.  As a result of the 19,000 letters I sent in July, the Comptroller has returned $3,475,031.65 to constituents in my district.  I am ecstatic to have played a small role in bringing back these funds back to the district and putting money back into the hands of people who need it the most.”

“There is more than $94 million waiting to be reconnected with local residents, and over $550 million for all Long Islanders," said State Comptroller DiNapoli. “This money has been turned over to my office for temporary safe-keeping, and we want to return it as soon as possible. Today’s event with Senator Kaminsky, and his outreach in his district, increases awareness about unclaimed funds and helps us to get even more checks out in the mail to the rightful owners.”

Candyea Brown, a resident of Elmont, who received Kaminsky’s notification said, “I am incredibly thankful to Senator Todd Kaminsky for making me aware of my unclaimed funds with the State.  After receiving his letter, I completed the form and was sent a check within a short amount of time -- it was quick and easy.”

Barbara Fischkin, of Long Beach, said, “This is an example of one of the many things Senator Kaminsky does for the community.  He is always there for us when we need him.  $127 may not seem like a lot, but it comes in handy and shows that he cares.”

“My wife and I received over $3,000 in unclaimed funds and it couldn’t have come at a better time -- just before the holidays,” said Antonio Mercado of Valley Stream. “We’re happy to have this money returned to us and we’re very  grateful to Senator Kaminsky and his staff for assisting us in the process.”

But there still is more than $94 million in unclaimed funds within the 9^th Senate District waiting to be claimed, and over $550 million in unclaimed funds available to residents of Long Island.

“I urge everyone to check and see if they are owed any money that is being held by the state,” said Senator Kaminsky.

If you believe you are owed funds from the state, you can contact Senator Kaminsky’s District Office at 516-766-8383 for assistance or visit http://www.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/index.htm.