State government announces $100 million in unclaimed funds up for grabs!

One Australian state has issued a call to action for all its residents: it's time to check if you're due a windfall!

With a staggering $100 million in unclaimed funds sitting within the state and territory governments, there's a chance that a slice of this fortune could belong to you.


The Victorian Unclaimed Money Register, a treasure trove overseen by the State Revenue Office, is brimming with unclaimed cash.

As the state budget approaches next month, Treasurer Tim Pallas urged Victorians to take a moment to search their names on the register.

'We encourage Victorians to check the website and claim their unclaimed monies—this could provide substantial benefits to people if they make the effort. If you are not sure, our advice is to go to the website and check,' Mr Pallas advised.


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The Victorian government urged its residents to check if they are entitled to unclaimed money. Credits: Shutterstock


The figures are nothing short of astonishing.

In the greater Geelong area alone, over 33,000 individuals have the opportunity to claim a share of more than $4.3 million.

Ballarat residents have $1.8 million in 14,000 entitlements up for grabs, while greater Shepparton boasts a not-too-shabby $1.2 million in unclaimed funds.

The metropolitan areas are also seeing their fair share of unclaimed riches. The City of Melbourne council area has a whopping $17.7 million waiting to be claimed across more than 67,000 entitlements.

Residents of Boroondara could be missing out on $9.8 million, and those in Stonnington have $6.9 million with their names on it.


Some of the unclaimed amounts are enough to make your jaw drop.

One Bendigo citizen has over $137,000 to their name, a Box Hill local could claim more than $880,000, a Nunawading resident is owed over $670,000, and a person in Mount Martha has the right to more than $232,000.

Where does all this money come from? It's a collection of share dividends, salaries and wages, debts, and even unclaimed winnings and prizes.

Last year, the state held nearly $130 million in unclaimed money, marking a $40 million increase from the previous year.

While this figure is significant, it's dwarfed by the $500 million sitting in New South Wales' unclaimed funds.


As the Victorian government encourages people to check for unclaimed funds, Australians across the country are being reminded to also explore other avenues where they might be entitled to money they're not aware of.

This includes potential unclaimed Medicare or MyGov benefits, which could amount to millions of dollars collectively.
Key Takeaways
  • Victorians may have a share in tens of millions of dollars sitting unclaimed on the state government's books, with $100m available across all states and territories.
  • The Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas encouraged everyone to check the Victorian Unclaimed Money Register, especially with the state budget approaching.
  • Significant amounts are available in regional areas such as Geelong, Ballarat, and Shepparton, along with substantial totals in Melbourne council areas like the City of Melbourne, Boroondara, and Stonnington.
  • The unclaimed funds, held by the State Revenue Office Victoria, came from various sources including share dividends, salaries, debts, and winnings, with the state's unclaimed money totalling nearly $130m last year.
Have you ever claimed forgotten funds, or do you know someone who has? What would you do if you claimed some? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
 
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