Thousands of Pennsylvania residents are set to receive checks of up to $500 in the coming weeks, thanks to the state’s Money Match program. This initiative, which was approved by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Josh Shapiro, is designed to automatically return unclaimed property to its rightful owners.
What is the Money Match Program?
The Money Match program is a new way for the state government to return unclaimed financial assets to their rightful owners. This could include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payments, and other forms of unclaimed property.
Instead of requiring people to submit formal claims, the program automatically identifies eligible recipients and sends them a check in the mail.
The law that established the Money Match program was passed unanimously by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and signed into law last year. Its purpose is to simplify the process of returning unclaimed assets to people, cutting through bureaucratic delays.
State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, a supporter of the program, praised it as a way to help Pennsylvanians receive what is rightfully theirs with minimal hassle.
How Many People Are Benefiting?
The Money Match program is already making a significant impact. Over the summer, the state sent out more than 39,000 checks, totaling $9.2 million in returns. In August, another 40,000 notifications are expected to be sent out, and by the end of the year, around 80,000 Pennsylvania residents could receive these checks.
For many families, this money is arriving at a crucial time. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity emphasized how these funds could help people manage essential expenses like food, gas, or paying bills.
“Every dollar we return to Pennsylvania families is money they can use to buy food, fill up their gas tank, or pay their rent or mortgage,” said Garrity.
Is the Money Match Program a Scam?
One of the key points that state authorities stress is that this program is legitimate. The checks sent out are not a scam or fraudulent scheme. In fact, the Money Match program was created with the full backing of the state government, and residents can trust the checks they receive are for real.
State officials have advised recipients to cash their checks as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out.
How Can You Know if You’re Eligible?
To check if you have any unclaimed property and could receive a check, residents can visit the official Money Match program website. Notifications will be sent out in August and September, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your mail in the coming weeks.
With over $5 billion in unclaimed assets, Pennsylvania has a large pool of resources to distribute. The program is designed to ensure that citizens can receive these funds without dealing with the often complicated processes that usually come with claiming unclaimed property.
The Money Match program in Pennsylvania is a valuable opportunity for residents to reclaim forgotten funds, with checks of up to $500 being sent to thousands of eligible people.
With over $5 billion in unclaimed property and an expected 80,000 recipients, this program makes it easy for citizens to receive money that is rightfully theirs. If you haven’t yet checked to see if you’re eligible, it’s worth visiting the program’s official website to see if you have any unclaimed assets.
