NSW: Millions in unclaimed cash waiting for a home, govt says

AAP General News (Australia)
12-27-2006
NSW: Millions in unclaimed cash waiting for a home, govt says

SYDNEY, Dec 27 AAP - Almost 225,000 people are missing out on a personal dividend,
windfall or entitlement that could be theirs at a keystroke, the NSW government says.

More than $100 million in unclaimed cash is sitting in the state government's coffers,
including $761,000 from one deceased estate.

Treasurer Michael Costa says people wondering if they are eligible for a belated Christmas
gift should log onto the OSR website to make inquiries and lodge a claim.

He said the NSW Office of State Revenue (OSR) is holding $105.9 million in unclaimed
money, believed to be owned by 224,800 people from across NSW, Australia and countries
such as the UK and Ireland.

The money, from deceased estates, dividends, inactive superannuation accounts and the
like, is sent to the OSR to be held until collected by its rightful owners.

"These items range in value from a $20 NRMA share dividend to more than $761,000 from
a deceased estate," Mr Costa said.

"Over a lifetime a person might work in several jobs and forget they paid superannuation
into several funds.

"Other people change addresses and don't advise companies of the change.

"The website is free and it's easy to navigate. It's your money and you're entitled to claim it."

In 2006, the OSR paid 3,981 claims worth $6.7 million, including one Perth resident
reunited with $18,400 in lost superannuation.

The OSR website shows the name of the money's owner, the type and source of the funds,
and the owner's last known address.

For more information visit www.osr.nsw.com.au.

AAP ab/was/imc/de

KEYWORD: UNCLAIMED

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.