You’d be surprised how many legitimate businesses have cash sitting around waiting for the right person to claim it. From unclaimed dividends to customer service settlements, these seven companies regularly distribute money to people who take the initiative to request it.

#1: State Unclaimed Property Programs

Most states hold billions in unclaimed money—forgotten bank accounts, insurance payouts, and utility deposits. You can search your name on MissingMoney.com or your state’s treasurer website for free. A retired teacher in Ohio discovered $3,847 in unclaimed funds from a savings account she’d forgotten about in the 1990s, and the process took just five minutes to claim.

#2: Credit Card Companies

If you’ve overpaid your credit card balance or have earned rewards you haven’t redeemed, the issuer owes you that cash. Call your card company directly and ask about outstanding balances in your favor or forgotten cash-back earnings. Many people don’t realize they can request a check for unused rewards points or credits from companies like Chase or American Express.

#3: Class Action Settlement Administrators

When companies settle lawsuits, they create claim processes for affected customers. These settlements cover everything from defective products to unfair billing practices. You can search ClassActionRebates.com or visit the Federal Judicial Center’s website to find active settlements related to products you’ve purchased or services you’ve used.

#4: Insurance Companies

Insurance firms sometimes owe refunds when you’ve cancelled policies early, overpaid premiums, or qualify for discounts you never applied for. Contact your insurance provider and politely request a review of your account history. One homeowner recovered $1,200 in overcharged premiums simply by asking her agent to audit her policy from the past five years.

#5: Utility Companies

Overpaid utility deposits, billing errors, and energy assistance programs mean many households have unclaimed credits. Call your electric, gas, or water company and request an account audit, especially if you’ve been a customer for years. Some utilities have hardship programs that provide direct payments to eligible customers who inquire about assistance options.

#6: Brokerage and Investment Firms

If you’ve left money in old investment accounts or brokerage firms, you might qualify for unclaimed securities distributions. Contact your previous brokers or check FINRA’s BrokerCheck database to locate dormant accounts. A former trader found $4,500 in dividend payments sitting unclaimed in a Fidelity account from a job she’d left fifteen years earlier.

#7: Employer Pension and Benefits Plans

Former employers often hold unclaimed pension payments, 401(k) rollovers, or employee benefits. If you’ve changed jobs, contact your previous HR departments directly and ask about outstanding balances. The Department of Labor’s Pension Search Tool can help you locate lost retirement accounts from past employers you may have forgotten about entirely.

These companies aren’t hiding this money—they’re legally required to have it available. The key is being proactive enough to ask for what’s rightfully yours.