Riverina residents urged to claim money from Revenue NSW ahead of festive season

The money is currently being held unclaimed by Revenue NSW, with Wagga and the Riverina tallying $1,783,629 available to claim of the state's total $461 million.

Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the unclaimed money would be better reunited with its rightful owners.

"Christmas is a time of year where all families could do with a little extra," he said.

"COVID-19 has also seen many families tighten their budgets."

Mr Tudehope said people could find out if they can afford a little extra Christmas cheer this year with a simple click of a button.

"A quick search could help identify money that is sitting, waiting to be claimed through Revenue NSW, that could be used these Summer holidays," he said.

"This money belongs to the people of NSW and I want to make sure it goes back to them."

Almost $17 million has been paid to claimants since December last year.

Revenue NSW holds more than a million unclaimed items from private companies, State Trustees, local councils and government agencies that can't be returned to the owner because their contact details are out of date and they cannot be tracked down.

"It's quick and easy to check if you have unclaimed money," Mr Tudehope said.

"Simply visit the Revenue NSW website and type your name into the free search tool. If you do find some money, lodge a claim with Revenue NSW and collect your money.

"It only takes a few minutes and you could walk away with some extra Christmas money in your pocket to spend on loved ones."

The NSW Government holds unclaimed money indefinitely until it is claimed. It includes share dividends, trust accounts, refunds, commissions, deceased estates and money from a range of other sources.