Nebraskans are being encouraged to check for lost money through the state’s unclaimed property program while also preparing for a new savings option aimed at helping future homeowners.
In a recent interview on KCNI Public Affairs, Joey Spellerberg discussed both the state’s unclaimed property program and Nebraska’s newly approved First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act, which takes effect January 1, 2027.
According to the State Treasurer’s Office, one in five Nebraskans has unclaimed property being held by the state. The assets can include dormant bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, insurance proceeds, stock holdings, safe deposit box contents, and other forgotten financial assets.
Spellerberg explained that the program exists to help return that money to its rightful owners.
“We operate a website, NebraskaLostCash.gov, where you can go on, you can search your name, your business name and see if maybe you have unclaimed property,” Spellerberg said. “And it happens, right? Either you forgot about a bank account or maybe a payroll check was never cashed or maybe accounts were forgotten about. Really unclaimed property is consumer protection. It’s protecting Nebraskans because after a certain point, the companies, the holders, they have to remit those lost funds to the Treasurer’s office. And then we go out and return it back to Nebraskans.”
Under Nebraska law, the Treasurer’s Office safeguards the funds until they are claimed by the rightful owner or heirs. Since the program began nearly 60 years ago, approximately $310 million has been returned to Nebraskans. In 2025 alone, the office returned more than $19.7 million through nearly 20,000 claims.
Spellerberg acknowledged that some residents are skeptical when they hear the state may be holding money for them, but emphasized the program is legitimate.
Residents can search for unclaimed property for themselves, relatives, or businesses by visiting NebraskaLostCash.gov. Those who have lived in multiple states can also search nationally through MissingMoney.com.
Spellerberg also discussed Nebraska’s new First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act, which was approved by lawmakers this spring and signed into law in April. Beginning January 1, 2027, Nebraskans will be able to open designated savings accounts with tax advantages to help save for down payments and closing costs.
The accounts will allow individuals to contribute up to $5,000 annually, with a lifetime cap of $25,000. Married couples can contribute up to $10,000 annually, with a $50,000 lifetime limit. Contributions will be deductible from Nebraska state income taxes, while earnings in the account can grow tax free when used for qualified homebuying expenses.
Spellerberg said the idea came after hearing concerns about rising housing costs and researching programs already in place in neighboring states.
“Just like you would save for, you know, college or retirement,” said Spellerberg. “We just want to start that culture in Nebraska of saving for a first time home purchase.”
Nebraska’s median home price has increased from roughly $155,000 a decade ago to around $290,000 today, while the average age of a first-time homebuyer nationally has climbed to 40 years old.
The law defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who has never owned a primary residence, or in some cases, someone who has not been listed on a property title for at least three consecutive years following a divorce. The accounts may also be opened by parents or grandparents saving on behalf of a qualified beneficiary.
Listen to our full conversation with Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg here:
