Unclaimed money in California

What counts as unclaimed property in California

Unclaimed property is money or assets that a business or government agency owes you but cannot find you. Common types include:

• Uncashed paychecks or final wages
• Refunds you never claimed
• Tax refunds
• Insurance payouts
• Utility deposits
• Savings accounts or safe deposit boxes that you abandoned
• Stock dividends or investment proceeds

The State Controller's Office in California holds this money. If you do not claim it, it stays with the state.

How to search for your unclaimed money

You can search for free using California's official unclaimed property database.

Go to the search site: Visit https://sco.ca.gov/upd_msg.html

Search tips:

• Try your first and last name as they appear on official documents
• Search variations of your name (middle initial, maiden name, nicknames)
• Try old addresses where you lived when the money may have come due
• Search under a business name if you owned one
• Use a middle initial or full middle name if the first search doesn't work

The search results will show the name, amount, and the company or agency that reported the unclaimed property.

How to file a claim

If you find unclaimed property with your name on it, you can file a claim.

Steps to claim:

1. 1
   Step 1: Note the claim number from your search result
2. 2
   Step 2: Visit the State Controller's unclaimed property page and look for instructions on how to file a claim
3. 3
   Step 3: Complete the claim form and gather supporting documents
4. 4
   Step 4: Mail or submit the form with your proof of ownership
5. 5
   Step 5: The State Controller's Office will review your claim

What proof you usually need:

• A government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Proof that the money belongs to you (a letter from the company, bank statement, or utility bill)
• A completed claim form

For larger amounts, the State Controller's Office may ask for additional paperwork. Applying is free.

Claiming for a deceased relative

If you want to claim unclaimed property that belonged to someone who died, you will need to provide:

• A copy of the death certificate
• Proof that you are the heir (such as a will or court order)
• Your government-issued ID

The rules for who can claim vary. Contact the State Controller's Office or speak with a lawyer if you are unsure.

How long it takes

The State Controller's Office reviews claims at different speeds depending on how much paperwork is needed. Simple claims may take a few months. Claims that need more proof can take longer.

Avoid scams

Be careful of unclaimed money scams. Here are red flags:

• Someone contacts you out of the blue claiming you have unclaimed money
• A service asks you to pay a fee or give personal information over the phone
• A website looks official but has a different URL than the state site
• Someone pressures you to claim money quickly

Always use the official California search tool at https://sco.ca.gov/upd_msg.html. You do not need to pay anyone to search for or claim your unclaimed property.

Related resources

For more help, visit the State Controller's unclaimed property page or contact them directly. You can also explore other state and federal benefits you may qualify for.