ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – There could be money waiting for you in Albany.

The money comes from old bank accounts, uncashed checks, and unused gift cards. DiNapoli says his office returned $580 million to New Yorkers last year.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli tells WENY-TV there’s over $68 million in unclaimed funds in Tompkins, Tioga, Schuyler, Chemung, and Steuben Counties combined. If a gift card is not used within five years of purchase, the retailer is required to give the money to the state. Officials say, however, that if the card is not registered in our name, it will be much harder to get the money back.

DiNapoli stated that some funds date as far back as the 1940s, and if you can prove you’re an heir, you are entitled to the money. He recommends checking the New York Unclaimed Funds website to see if you or a family member has unclaimed money.