If you recently got a check from New York State for up to $250 and thought it was a random stimulus payment, it’s not. In fact, it’s part of a long-running but little-known program managed by the New York State Comptroller’s Office to return unclaimed money to its rightful owners.
No applications, no waiting lists—just a welcome surprise for thousands of New Yorkers.
Here’s everything you need to know about this unexpected refund and how it works.
What Is This $250 Stimulus Check Program?
This isn’t a traditional stimulus check like the ones sent during the pandemic. Instead, it’s a statewide unclaimed funds initiative created by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to return money that rightfully belongs to residents.
According to the Comptroller’s Office, there is over $13 billion sitting in state accounts—money that comes from:
Forgotten bank accounts
Uncashed paychecks
Unused gift cards
Dormant insurance payouts
Utility refunds
Rather than wait for people to search and claim the money themselves, the state has started mailing out checks automatically, simplifying the process and making it more proactive.
Why Are People Getting Checks from New York State?
These $250 payments are part of an outreach push to return unclaimed property. The amount you receive depends on how much unclaimed money is tied to your name. Some people may get less, some more—but the most common check is around $250 or under.
Spokeswoman Jennifer Freeman from the Comptroller’s Office put it simply:
“Our goal with this program is to return the money to the people. Many different people in the state are owed money.”
Who Is Eligible for This $250 Check?
There’s no set income limit or eligibility criteria. If you’ve ever:
Changed banks
Switched employers
Moved houses
Forgot about a refund or rebate
Left a gift card unused
…then you could have money owed to you.
This program tracks and returns those forgotten funds automatically, so you don’t have to jump through hoops or even apply.
Do You Need to Apply for the Check?
No, and that’s what makes this initiative stand out. There is no application process, no forms to fill, and no website to register on.
If the state identifies you as someone who has unclaimed funds, they will verify your information and mail you a paper check to the address they have on file. It’s that simple.
Is This a Scam? How Can You Be Sure the Check Is Real?
With so many scams going around, especially involving money, it’s natural to be cautious. But here’s how you know your check is legit:
It will come from the New York State Comptroller’s Office
The envelope and check will include official state branding
You can verify the payment by visiting the official site: osc.ny.gov
If in doubt, call their office directly to verify
Never respond to random emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal or banking information in exchange for a check. The state will never contact you like that.
What If You Didn’t Get a Check But Think You Might Be Owed Money?
Even though the new system is sending out checks automatically, not everyone has been processed yet. You can manually check if the state owes you money by visiting: https://www.osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds
You’ll just need to enter your name and possibly your last known address to search the database. If there’s a match, you can claim it easily online.
This quiet but powerful program from New York’s Comptroller’s Office is putting real money back into people’s hands—no strings attached. While it may look like a stimulus check, it’s actually your own money being returned.
With over $13 billion still unclaimed, chances are someone you know (or even you) might be next. Keep an eye on your mailbox—and don’t forget to search your name online just in case.
