Imagine receiving an unexpected check in the mail, a pleasant surprise that could significantly boost your bank account. For thousands of homeowners in Arkansas, this dream is about to become a reality. A groundbreaking new initiative is poised to deliver surprise checks, potentially worth up to $5,000, directly into the hands of eligible residents – and the best part is, they don't have to lift a finger to claim them.
This initiative, known as the "Data Match" program, represents a proactive approach by Arkansas state officials to return millions of dollars in unclaimed property to its rightful owners. It’s a testament to the power of leveraging technology to streamline bureaucratic processes and ensure that citizens receive what is rightfully theirs.
The Arkansas Auditor’s Office has confirmed that the program is already underway, with more than $650,000 in unclaimed property identified and ready to be returned through this new system. This initial amount is just the tip of the iceberg, as the state holds a substantial amount of unclaimed funds waiting to be reunited with their owners.
The beauty of the "Data Match" program lies in its simplicity and efficiency. The state can now automatically send payments, ranging from $50 to $5,000, directly to eligible individuals. This eliminates the need for cumbersome paperwork and lengthy claim processes that often deter people from pursuing their unclaimed property.
The initiative was made possible by the passage of Act 114 of 2025, a legislative achievement that reflects the state's commitment to financial responsibility and its dedication to serving its citizens. This act paved the way for the "Data Match" program to become a reality.
Arkansas Auditor of State Dennis Milligan has emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting that over 360,000 properties have already been flagged for review. This means that thousands of Arkansans could soon find unexpected checks arriving in their mailboxes.
“Thanks to the Arkansas Legislature, we’re able to begin mailing checks to people each week so long as we can prove they are owed this money,” Milligan stated. This proactive approach underscores the state’s commitment to returning unclaimed property to its rightful owners.
Unclaimed property can encompass a wide range of forgotten financial items, including uncashed checks, unpaid utility deposits, old insurance proceeds, and other dormant accounts. These seemingly small amounts can add up significantly, providing a welcome financial boost for those who receive them.
Letters notifying recipients of upcoming payments have already begun landing in homes, signaling the imminent arrival of the first batch of checks. This proactive communication ensures that residents are aware of the program and can anticipate the arrival of their funds.
It’s important to note that the automatic payouts apply exclusively to individuals, not to businesses, nonprofits, or claims outside the $50 to $5,000 range. These entities and individuals with larger claims still need to file through the state’s official website at ClaimItAR.gov. This ensures that all claims are properly processed and verified.
The "Data Match" process received unanimous approval during the 2025 legislative session, demonstrating broad support for this innovative approach to returning unclaimed property. The success of similar programs in other states, with around two dozen states already adopting this method, further validates its effectiveness.
The program works by allowing the state to verify a person’s identity across multiple databases before sending a check. This rigorous verification process minimizes the risk of fraudulent claims and ensures that the funds reach the rightful owners.
If a match is confirmed, residents will receive a letter informing them that a check will arrive within 90 days. This timeframe allows residents to verify that their correct address is on file, ensuring that the check reaches its intended destination.
Payments up to $1,000 will be automatically mailed to eligible individuals. However, claims exceeding this amount require some additional paperwork to be submitted through the Auditor’s secure website. This extra layer of security protects larger claims and ensures that they are properly processed.
It's important to understand that certain types of claims, such as those involving heirs of deceased relatives, mineral rights, securities, or tangible items, must still adhere to the traditional claims process. This ensures that these more complex claims receive the specialized attention they require.
Here's a summary of how the Arkansas 'Data Match' payments work: Checks are mailed automatically upon identity verification through state matching of personal data across multiple systems. A notification letter precedes the check, which arrives within 90 days. Extra documents are required via ClaimItAR.gov for larger claims. Businesses, nonprofits, heirs, and claims involving mineral rights, securities, and tangible property must follow the traditional claim process.
The Auditor's Office currently holds approximately $400 million in unclaimed funds. Of this amount, around $83 million falls within the $50 to $5,000 range, making it eligible for payout under the "Data Match" program. This substantial sum represents a significant opportunity to return money to the people of Arkansas.
Auditor Milligan has made it a top priority to find more proactive ways to return unclaimed funds to their rightful owners. The "Data Match" program is a key component of this strategy, alongside other initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and accessibility.
Milligan has also established mobile offices in towns and cities across Arkansas, bringing the unclaimed property claims process directly to residents. For example, a recent stop in Batesville resulted in $1.9 million being returned to Independence County residents alone, highlighting the effectiveness of these outreach efforts.
These expanded efforts have already resulted in the return of $85 million to Arkansans during Milligan's tenure – a figure that surpasses the total returned in the previous five years combined, according to his office. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the impact of proactive leadership and innovative strategies.
The Data Match initiative officially launched on August 5th, and checks are now being mailed out on a weekly basis. This marks a significant milestone in the state's efforts to reunite unclaimed property with its rightful owners.
Milligan anticipates that up to 7,000 checks could be mailed each week once the system is operating at full capacity. With approximately $83 million available for payout within the program's range, the "Data Match" initiative promises to have a significant positive impact on the lives of many Arkansans.
The Auditor’s Office also holds physical property from abandoned safety deposit boxes, including valuable items such as gold bars, jewelry, war medals, and even a baseball signed by Babe Ruth. These items are meticulously cataloged and stored, awaiting their rightful owners.
In the event that an heir emerges later, they will receive the full cash amount for which the item was sold. This ensures that the rightful owner receives the full value of their unclaimed property, even if it is no longer in its original form. This commitment to fairness and transparency underscores the state's dedication to serving its citizens.