California is holding $14 billion in unclaimed property. Here’s how to get your share
The California State Controller’s Office manages around $14 billion in unclaimed property, and some of the money could belong to you.
Across the nation, one in seven people has unclaimed property, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.
“Each state maintains a database of unclaimed property for that state, and — by law — attempts to return the property to its rightful owners,” said the group, an affiliate of the National Association of State Treasurers.
Here’s how to search for unclaimed property in California and get the money you’re owed, according to the California State Controller’s Office:
What is unclaimed property?
Unclaimed property in California is defined as “any financial asset left inactive by its owner for a period of time, typically three years,” according to the State Controller’s Office.
That does not include real estate under California law, the agency said.
According to the State Controller’s Office, the most common types of unclaimed property in California are:
- Bank accounts and safe deposit box contents
- Stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and dividends
- Uncashed cashier’s checks and money orders
- Certificates of deposit
- Matured or terminated insurance policies
- Estates
- Mineral interests and royalty payments
- Trust funds and escrow accounts
- Utility account deposits
How do I know if I have unclaimed money in California?
To begin the claim process, go to the Unclaimed Property Division website and click “Search for Property.”
You’ll be asked to enter the following information:
- Name
- City
- Address
- Property ID number
If you’re owed anything, one or more property ID numbers will appear on the search results page next to your name and address.
You should then click on the property ID number link and then print and fill out a claim affirmation form, the agency said.
How do I file a claim for cash or property in California?
If you have cash or property to claim in California, you’ll be asked to provide documents along with the claim affirmation form.
The documents will help the State Controller’s Office determine whether you are filing a claim as an owner, heir, government agency or someone representing a business.
These documents could include your:
- Social Security card
- Paystub
- Bank statement
- Tax form
- Marriage certificate
- Court documents
If your claim is eligible, you can opt to file it electronically on the state website or complete the process via mail.
By law, the Controller’s Office must consider all claims within 180 days of receiving a complete claim package.
Do I have to pay a fee?
In California, you can collect money and property owed to you for free.
There’s no fee associated with claiming your property, the State Controller’s Office said.
Is there a deadline?
There’s no deadline to claim property once it’s been transferred to the State Controller’s Office by banks, businesses, insurance companies and other entities.
The State Controller’s Office “safeguards this lost or forgotten property for as long as it takes to reunite it with the rightful owners,” the agency said on its website.
Can I file a claim for someone who died?
According to the State Controller’s Office, you can file a claim for the property of someone who died if you are an heir, trustee or personal representative.
If you are an heir of a deceased property owner, you will be asked to provide certified copies of a will or trust that proves you are entitled to claim the property.
If you don’t have either document, you have to complete additional forms first, according to the State Controller’s Office.
How will I know if my claim was received?
The California State Controller’s Office will mail a claim receipt letter to you after receiving your claim.
You can also visit claimit.ca.gov and click on “Claim Status Search” to check.
How soon can I get my money?
After the State Controller’s Office receives all required documentation, simple cash claims may be processed within 30 to 60 days, the agency said.
“More complex claims” involving high-dollar cash properties and securities or claims filed by heirs are generally processed within 180 days, the agency said.
What can I do if I’m owed money in another state?
You can conduct a national online search for unclaimed property through websites including MissingMoney.com, which is affiliated with the National Association of State Treasurers.
This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 5:00 AM.