The Town of Wallkill Emergency Medical Services has recovered $16,035.32 in unclaimed funds with assistance from the office of state Sen. James Skoufis and the New York State Comptroller’s Office.
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Skoufis, D-Orange County, joined local officials Sept. 23 to highlight the recovery and encourage Orange County residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations to check the state’s database for unclaimed money.
Wallkill EMS had been unable to access several insurance payments and checks it never received. The funds were eventually turned over to the comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds. Skoufis’ office helped connect the EMS organization with the comptroller’s office to recover the money.
Alexandria Morrice, executive director of Wallkill EMS, said the money will be used to upgrade advanced life support equipment on the organization’s ambulances and fly cars.
“As an emergency services organization, we need resources to function safely, treat patients, and save lives,” Morrice said. “Our service area is large and our call volume is high, so equipment, supplies, training, and support are always in demand.”
Morrice said the $16,035.32 “goes a long way” and thanked Skoufis’ office and the comptroller’s office for helping return the funds.
Unclaimed funds can include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, stock certificates and unused gift cards. After a period of time, property considered abandoned is turned over to the comptroller’s office.
There is no fee or time limit to claim the money.
Nearly $107 million in unclaimed funds is currently held for Orange County residents, businesses and organizations. According to the comptroller’s office, $106,801,944.89 is waiting to be claimed across 629,862 accounts.
During the 2025-26 state fiscal year, the comptroller’s office returned $2,761,974 in unclaimed funds to Orange County residents.
“Unclaimed funds belong in the hands of their rightful owners,” DiNapoli said. “I encourage every New Yorker, business and organization to search our free online database to see if they have money waiting for them.”
The comptroller’s office launched an Expedited Payment Program in 2025 that sends certain unclaimed funds of up to $5,000 to verified individuals by mail without requiring them to file a claim. A notification letter is sent before a check is issued.
In Orange County, 6,496 expedited-payment checks totaling $1,046,412 have been sent to residents. Statewide, more than 300,000 expedited-payment checks totaling more than $73 million have been mailed since the program began, with an average check of $225.