In addition, the government has taken custody of several hundred million dollars worth of insured accounts from failed banks. In most cases policies aren't considered legally abandoned until the insured's 115th birthday. Before that, virtually no effort is made to find beneficiaries. Do not assume that because your stock is no longer listed on an exchange that it is worthless. Stockholders in companies that merged or were acquired often are eligible to receive distributions or spin-off shares from the restructuring, even if it happened years ago.
Trustees often are unable to locate creditors living in other states.
Virtually every American has given or received savings bonds bonds at birthdays, graduations and other special events. The whereabouts of at least 47,000 who are owed funds is unknown. This figure doesn't include checks that were delivered but went uncashed. The Railroad Retirement Act replaces Social Security for railroad employees, providing for the payment of retirement, disability and survivor benefits. Five percent of beneficiary addresses on file are not current.