Government

Ohio State Fair kiosk helps visitors find $675K in unclaimed funds

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August 12, 2026

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Visitors to the Ohio State Fair initiated more than $675,000 in unclaimed-funds claims after checking with a state-operated kiosk during the 12-day event, according to a Richland Source report. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds said 1,561 fairgoers began claims totaling $675,451.70, an average of about $433 per person.

Some visitors uncovered substantially larger amounts, including one person who found $47,000 and another who located approximately $40,000. Akil Hardy, superintendent of the division, said the fair allows state employees to meet residents directly and help them find money they did not know was owed to them. Over the past five years, the kiosk has connected fairgoers with $2.4 million in unclaimed property.

The kiosk is part of a broader state effort that helped increase submitted claims by 50% in fiscal year 2026 compared with the previous year. Ohio has eliminated W-9 and notarization requirements for claims and added nearly two dozen processing employees. The division paid more than 182,000 claims during the fiscal year that ended June 30, a 168% year-over-year increase. Residents can search for unclaimed funds through the state's website.