In three days of watching my mail, I didn't get one bill or notice that called for Temp service, which would have the best chance of finding me. Social Security checks, for example, are forwarded for up to a year. When a Treasury check can't be delivered, it's returned to the government and canceled, says Pamela Locks, director of the Treasury's financial-processing division. The funds are credited to the issuing agency. To get the check reissued, you have to provide the agency with your correct address.
Mail gets lost, people forget about certain assets, heirs never collect.
When mail is returned and owners don't show up, the accounts are supposed to be turned over to the state. Meriton hopes to have 40 states on board by the end of the summer. Jane Bryant Quinn covers personal finance for The Washington Post. St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071. She welcomes letters on money issues and problems but cannot offer individual personal advice.