CLEVELAND – The FOX 8 I-Team has delved into the challenges residents face in accessing their unclaimed funds from the state of Ohio. The investigation comes in light of discussions surrounding the Cleveland Browns potentially receiving $600 million in unclaimed funds to support a new dome project, which has sparked increased public interest in the availability of these funds.
Numerous complaints have surfaced on social media, where individuals express frustration over the difficulty in retrieving their money. One of those affected, Melissa Quillin-Grignon, shared her struggles, stating that she and her mother have been pursuing their claim for over a year, facing considerable delays and a lack of communication from the state.
In response to these concerns, the Ohio Department of Commerce revealed that they have recently implemented a new system intended to streamline the claims process. According to Susie Wagner, the Division of Unclaimed Funds Outreach Supervisor, around 30% of claims are now being approved more rapidly, sometimes within just a few days. However, the state’s website indicates there is still a staggering $4 billion in unclaimed funds, stemming from various sources such as abandoned bank accounts and uncashed insurance checks.
Despite improvements, many residents continue to encounter obstacles in claiming their funds. Wagner acknowledged the delicate balance the department must maintain between simplifying the process for claimants and adhering to legal requirements to ensure funds are disbursed to their rightful owners.
State Senator Casey Weinstein expressed his concern over the situation, noting that he has received numerous messages from frustrated constituents. He is committed to exploring further reforms to enhance the claims process, citing the heart-wrenching stories of citizens struggling to access their due funds.
The urgency for transparency is further magnified by the recent proposal for the Browns to use unclaimed funds for their stadium project—leading to an 80% surge in claims being processed, with reports of up to 13,000 claims submitted daily.
To facilitate the claims process, the Department of Commerce recommends that individuals gather the necessary documentation and carefully follow the instructions provided on their unclaimed funds website. A spokesperson emphasized that many pending claims are due to incomplete submissions and encouraged continued communication with their office for any requested additional information.
Quillin-Grignon remains hopeful, expressing her desire to secure the funds her mother worked hard for, demonstrating the impact that effective and accessible systems for unclaimed funds can have on the lives of Ohioans.
This situation highlights the importance of citizen engagement and government responsiveness, with lawmakers and state officials actively seeking solutions to improve access to unclaimed funds for those who rightfully deserve them.