LAPLACE — Before finalizing a Christmas budget, St. John the Baptist Parish residents should check if they are eligible to receive an unclaimed property check from the Louisiana State Treasurer’s Office.

Check L’OBSERVATEUR’s public notices section Wednesday (Nov. 28) to view a list of all St. John the Baptist Parish residents entitled to a combined $4.08 million in unclaimed property.

St. John residents may also refer to latreasury.com to search the online database and collect money. Database entries list the claim type and monetary range, from less than $25 to more than $100.

Property under $1,000 can be claimed online or by calling 1-888-925-4127. Owners must verify their social security number and submit proof of address if the listed address has changed.

Claims exceeding $1,000 must include a notarized claim form, picture identification and proof of social security.

Additional proof of ownership may be required in some cases.

According to the State Treasurer’s Office, local businesses turn over millions in unclaimed cash, stocks, bonds, securities and insurance each year.

Names of unclaimed property owners are published in print and online the week after Thanksgiving.

Payout is made possible by the Louisiana Department of Revenue, according to Louisiana State Treasurer John M. Schroder Sr.

“My office is printing 2,500 checks every day and over the next several weeks, 85,000 residents will receive checks in the mail,” Schroder said.

“If your name is not on the list, you should still visit our website and search, because we might have money for you from a previous year.”

Call 1-888-925-4127 for more information.