Millions of dollars in unclaimed funds are waiting to be returned to Long Islanders, and state officials say checking whether you are owed money takes just a few minutes.

The New York State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds says more than 5 million people in Nassau and Suffolk counties are owed a combined $1.6 billion.

The office hosted an event Wednesday evening at the Copiague Memorial Public Library to teach residents how to search for and claim their money.

Unclaimed funds can come from a variety of sources, including old bank accounts, utility deposits, insurance benefits, uncashed checks and unused gift cards.

The state comptroller’s office returns an average of more than $2 million in unclaimed funds every day. Since January, the office has returned more than $490 million to rightful owners.

Residents who find money in their name can submit a claim by providing the required documentation. The Comptroller’s Office says most claims are paid within 30 days.

"No one wants to lose money, and we want to make sure if you do, you know you can always claim it by going to our website," state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. "Funds sent to our office never expire and are free to claim."

Search for unclaimed funds and the steps to submit a claim through the New York State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds: Claim Search

Residents can also call the Office of Unclaimed Funds at 1-800-221-9311.