Unclaimed property

Could you use some extra cash? If you're like many others, you too could have unclaimed property being held by the state of Missouri.

Last week it was announced that during the 2011 fiscal year the state unclaimed property office returned $36 million of money and items to the rightful owners.

This year's total was a record and a 4 percent increase over last year, according to Treasurer Clint Zweifel.

While a great deal was returned this year, about $600 million is still being held by the state, according to Jon Galloway, the department's director of communications and policy.

While most of what is being held is in the form of cash, according to Galloway, there are also 86 military medals still being held. Since August 2010, 23 medals have been returned to owners, Galloway said.

If you'd like to see if you have any unclaimed property being held by the state, go to www.showmemoney.com. According to Galloway, 55 percent of those who go online to check can complete the process completely online.

Other ways to check on a potential claim are by phone at 573-751-0123 or by mail, writing to: Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel, Unclaimed Property, P.O. Box 1004, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1004.