Unclaimed money is money that passengers inadvertently leave behind at airport screening checkpoints. In most cases, this consists of coins that passengers remove from their pockets while undergoing security screening. TSA always seeks to make sure that all traveler property, including loose change, finds its way back to the proper owner. However, when loose change does not, it will be directed to critical aviation security programs.

During FY 2018, TSA collected $960,105.49 in unclaimed money. Receipts of unclaimed money are deposited into a Special Fund account so that the resources can be tracked easily and subsequently expended.

In FY 2018, TSA collected $960,105.49. TSA uses these funds to provide civil aviation security in accordance with P.L. 108-334. In previous years, funds have been used to pay for checkpoint maintenance, translation of checkpoint signage into different foreign languages, PreCheck (creation of ineligibles list for delivery to Secure Flight, vetting, and expansion costs), and Adjudication Center system enhancements. As of March 15, 2019, TSA has not expended any of the funds collected in FY 2018. With the recent passage of the FY 2019 appropriations, TSA currently is assessing suitable uses of these resources.