State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli visited small businesses in Flushing, Queens on Saturday to deliver checks for unclaimed funds to local business owners. He was joined by Congresswoman Grace Meng, New York City Council Member Sandra Ung, and Peter Tu from the Flushing Chinese Business Association during the visit, which also included a stop at the newly remodeled Flushing Library Auditorium.
“Flushing is one of New York’s strongest neighborhoods, a wonderful place to celebrate Lunar New Year with its residents,” said DiNapoli. “I had a busy afternoon visiting local businesses, learning more about the issues they’re facing and returning unclaimed funds. I appreciate Rep. Grace Meng, Council Member Sandra Ung and Peter Tu of the Flushing Chinese Business Association for joining me as we walked through the vibrant and busy neighborhood that included a stop at the Flushing Library, and I urge New Yorkers to go to my website to see if they have lost money coming to them. Happy Lunar New Year!”
Meng highlighted how important these funds are for small businesses in her district: “Thank you to State Comptroller DiNapoli for working to return unclaimed funds to small businesses in my congressional district,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng. “Small businesses are the backbone of our region’s economy and the unclaimed funds that we delivered to local businesses, which consisted of thousands of dollars, will greatly assist these establishments. Whether it’s a large chunk of money like this or just a small amount, every bit helps, and it is something that small businesses are entitled to receive. After all, it is their money.”
Council Member Ung also emphasized how significant these returned funds can be: “I want to thank State Comptroller DiNapoli for coming to Flushing to personally present these unclaimed funds checks to our local business owners,” said New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung. “This isn’t pocket change. In some cases, we’re talking about tens of thousands of dollars or more that rightfully belongs to them. For small businesses that kind of money can make a real difference, whether it’s covering payroll, investing in improvements, or simply providing a little breathing room. Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and every little bit we can do to support them is incredibly important. I’m grateful to the Comptroller for delivering that impact directly to Flushing.”
Unclaimed funds typically result when individuals or organizations lose track of assets such as utility deposits, trust funds, bank accounts that have been inactive for years, uncashed checks or unused gift cards—these monies never expire and remain available until claimed.
The state comptroller’s office has already returned over $105 million in 2026 alone after distributing more than $580 million last year across New York State.
In Queens specifically there remains over $1 billion in unclaimed assets awaiting rightful owners.
The office processes returns daily—over $2 million each day—and maintains records tracing back as far as the 1940s.
Anyone interested in searching for lost assets can use an online tool (osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds) provided by the state comptroller’s office or call (800) 221-9311 for help.
Photos from Saturday’s event are available at flickr.com/photos/nycomptroller/.