The Western Australian government is holding onto a massive pool of forgotten cash, with the state's unclaimed money register ballooning to a staggering $190 million. This treasure trove, belonging to thousands of residents who may be unaware of their windfall, has grown by a significant 26 per cent since 2023.
A Growing Pot of Forgotten Funds
New figures reveal the scale of money left behind in WA, sparking a fresh push to reunite citizens with their cash. The Treasury's register now contains more than 1.3 million individual records, ranging from small sums of just a few dollars to life-changing amounts. In one remarkable case, a deceased estate worth approximately $916,000 went unclaimed for nearly three decades.
The past financial year saw over 3,500 successful claims, with one lucky individual receiving a $314,000 payday. In total, $2.7 million was paid out in 2024-25, though even more was deposited into the account during that period, highlighting the ongoing issue.
What Counts as Unclaimed Money?
The register is a catch-all for various types of lost funds. This includes rental bond refunds, dividend payments, refunds from vehicle licences or education providers, and overpayments on utility bills. A common culprit is old cheques that were never cashed, often due to a change of name or address.
It is important to note that this specific register does not include refunds related to Synergy's recent overpayment scandal. That separate issue, revealed in October, saw almost 174,000 customers overcharged by about $40 million. A Synergy spokesperson stated that, as of Monday, $5.5 million has been returned to 14,033 customers, with an additional $591,000 paid in goodwill payments.
Under WA law, money is classified as unclaimed after six years of no contact from the account owner. However, the government cannot spend these funds; they are held indefinitely until claimed, and there is no fee to make a claim.
How to Claim Your Share
A government spokeswoman strongly encouraged West Australians to check the register. "The Western Australian Government strongly encourages anyone who believes they may have unclaimed money to check the register on the Department of Treasury and Finance website," she said.
The process is simple. You can search using just a name and suburb via the Department of Treasury and Finance website or the ServiceWA app. If you find money listed under your name, you will need to provide proof of identity and proof of association to complete the claim.
While WA's $190 million pot seems large on a per capita basis compared to New South Wales' $300 million fund, it's worth noting the WA figure includes money registered to addresses in other states. Conversely, Revenue NSW holds an extra $394 million owed to interstate addresses, meaning it could be worthwhile for former residents of other states to check their registers as well.
