Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Find Unclaimed Assets in California

Many people have unclaimed money in California and don’t realize it. This can include things like forgotten bank accounts, old refund checks, insurance payouts, security deposits, and more. California’s state government holds this property until the rightful owner (or heirs) claim it.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how to:

• Understand what unclaimed property is in California
• Use the official California unclaimed property search
• Collect the documents you may need
• Submit a claim through official channels
• Avoid fees and scams
• Know what to do if you’re an heir or executor

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and does not process claims. This article simply walks you through how people typically use California’s official resources to find and claim unclaimed assets.

What Are “Unclaimed Assets” in California?

In California, “unclaimed property” or “unclaimed assets” usually refer to money or financial accounts that have been inactive for a certain period of time. When the business holding the money (like a bank or insurance company) cannot reach the owner, it is often required by law to turn that property over to the State of California.

Common types of unclaimed assets in California include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, vendor payments)
• Insurance benefits and payments
• Utility deposits and refunds (electric, gas, phone, internet)
• Safe deposit box contents (these are handled a bit differently)
• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
• Dividends and interest payments
• Store credits or gift certificates (in some situations)

California’s state agency that handles unclaimed property is typically the State Controller’s Office (SCO). The SCO keeps a database where individuals can search for unclaimed property and file claims through official channels.

You do not lose ownership just because the property becomes “unclaimed.” The state usually holds it until you or your heirs claim it, subject to certain laws.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Money in California?

Many people are surprised to find money in their name. You might have unclaimed property if:

• You moved and didn’t update your address with employers, banks, or utilities
• You changed your name (marriage, divorce, legal name change)
• You closed an account and forgot about the last balance or refund
• You received checks that were lost, never delivered, or never cashed
• A relative passed away, and their accounts were never fully settled
• You had old memberships or subscriptions with security deposits
• You had employer stock plans or benefits that you didn’t track closely

There is no income or immigration requirement to have unclaimed property. The key is simply whether there is money or property in your name (or connected to your Social Security number, Tax ID, or last known address) that ended up with the state.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can usually search without documents, but having some information ready can help you spot results that belong to you, especially if you have a common name.

Helpful details include:

• Full legal name (and any former names, including maiden names)
• Middle name or initial
• Current and past addresses in California
• Alternate spellings or initials used on accounts
• Name of a deceased relative whose property you might claim as an heir

If you’re searching on behalf of someone else (for example, as an executor of an estate or business owner), you may also want:

• The business name and any “doing business as” (DBA) names
• The decedent’s full name and last known address
• Your relationship to the person or entity

You can still search without these, but they help you quickly rule out results that are not yours.

Step 2: Use California’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

California typically offers a free, public online search tool through the State Controller’s Office. HowToGetAssistance.org is not connected to this database, but you can access it through the official state website or by contacting the State Controller’s Office directly for guidance.

How to run an online search

The exact screens can change, but the process usually looks like this:

1. Go to the official California State Controller’s Office unclaimed property page.
2. Choose the option to Search for Unclaimed Property.
3. Enter your last name and first name.
4. Optionally, add:
   • City
   • Zip code
   • Business name (if searching for a company)
5. Review the list of matching results.

Each result typically shows:

• The name tied to the property
• The last known address or city
• The reporting company (bank, employer, insurer, etc.)
• A general property type (e.g., “wages,” “refund,” “bank account”)
• Sometimes the approximate amount (small, medium, large)

You can usually select multiple properties that appear to belong to you and move them into a claim “basket” or list.

If you can’t use a computer

If you prefer not to search online or cannot access the internet, you can:

• Call the California State Controller’s Office unclaimed property phone line to ask about other search options.
• Request paper forms or written instructions by mail.

Ask explicitly for the unclaimed property division to ensure you reach the correct office.

Step 3: Confirm Which Records Are Actually Yours

It’s normal to see several listings that look similar, especially if you have a common name. Take time to confirm which entries truly belong to you.

Check each listing for:

• Name and middle initial
• Past addresses you recognize
• Known employers, banks, or companies
• Property type that fits your history (for example, “Payroll” from a company you worked for)

If something doesn’t match your history, it is usually safer not to claim it. Claiming property that is not yours can lead to delays and extra documentation requests.

For heirs or executors, look for records that:

• Match the deceased person’s name
• Match their former addresses
• Match employers or entities you know the person dealt with

Step 4: Start a Claim Through Official California Channels

Once you pick the records you believe are yours, the official site typically allows you to click a button or checkbox to start a claim. This often launches an online claim form or generates paper forms to print and mail.

You can generally expect to provide:

• Your full legal name
• Your current mailing address
• Your phone number and/or email
• Your date of birth
• Information to show your connection to the property owner and address

The process may vary somewhat depending on:

• If you’re claiming for yourself
• If you’re an heir or beneficiary
• If you’re a business owner or officer
• If you’re claiming property over a certain dollar amount

The official claim form will usually list the specific documents required for your situation.

Step 5: Gather Commonly Required Documents

The California State Controller’s Office usually needs documentation to verify both identity and ownership. Requirements can change, and some claims may need more evidence than others, but many people are asked for some combination of the following:

1. Proof of identity

Often required for any individual claimant:

• Government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Sometimes an additional ID, such as:
  • Social Security card
  • Birth certificate

2. Proof of address or connection to the property

To show you lived at or used the address connected to the asset, you may be asked for items such as:

• Old utility bills
• Bank statements
• Lease agreements or mortgage statements
• Tax documents listing that address

3. Proof of Social Security number (SSN) or Tax ID

For some claims, the agency may ask for proof of your SSN or a business Tax ID, such as:

• Social Security card
• W‑2 or 1099
• Paystub with full or partial SSN

4. Additional documents for heirs or estates

If the original owner is deceased, you may need:

• Death certificate of the property owner
• Will, trust, or letters testamentary (court paperwork naming an executor or administrator)
• Proof of relationship (for example, birth certificate or marriage certificate)
• Any other estate documents requested by the agency

5. Documents for businesses

If you’re claiming on behalf of a company, you may be asked for:

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, partnership agreements)
• Proof of authority (for example, paperwork showing you are an officer or authorized representative)
• Business tax ID (EIN) documentation

Quick Reference: Common Documents vs. When They’re Needed

*Exact requirements are set by the official California agency and may vary by claim. Always follow the current instructions provided with your claim form.

Step 6: Submit Your Claim (Online or By Mail)

California generally offers at least one of these claim submission options:

1. Online submission

   • You complete the form at the official California unclaimed property website.
   • You may be able to upload scanned documents or photos of your ID and proof.

2. Mail-in submission

   • You print and sign a claim form generated from the official site or requested by phone/mail.
   • You attach copies of the required documents (never send originals unless officially instructed).
   • You mail the packet to the address listed on the form for the State Controller’s Office.

Use only the addresses and instructions provided directly by the California State Controller’s Office. HowToGetAssistance.org does not accept or forward any claims.

Step 7: What to Expect After You File a Claim

Processing times can vary. Some claims are straightforward; others take longer if:

• Documentation is incomplete
• Ownership is complex (for example, many heirs or business changes)
• The property is large or unusual

Typically, after filing a claim you can expect:

1. Acknowledgement:

   • If submitted online, you may receive a confirmation number or on-screen receipt.
   • If mailed, the process may start once the agency receives your packet.

2. Review:

   • Staff at the State Controller’s Office review your documentation.
   • They may compare your information with what was reported by the original holder.

3. Requests for more information (if needed):

   • You might receive a letter or email asking for additional documents or clarification.
   • Respond promptly, following the instructions provided.

4. Decision and payment:

   • If approved, the state generally issues a check or otherwise transfers the funds according to its procedures.
   • If denied, you may receive a written explanation.

If you have questions about a pending claim, you can contact the unclaimed property division of the California State Controller’s Office using the phone number or mail address provided on your claim materials.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

People often run into delays or denials for reasons like:

• Missing or incomplete documents
• The name on the claim not matching the name on the property record
• Unclear proof of address or connection to the listed address
• No proof of relationship in heir or estate claims
• Claim forms not signed where required
• Submitting claims through a non-official service instead of directly to the state

If your claim is denied, you can usually:

• Review the explanation from the State Controller’s Office
• Provide any additional documents requested
• Contact the office via its official phone number for clarification on next steps

The state may have a formal review or appeal process. Any rights to appeal and the time limits usually appear in the denial notice or on the official website.

Special Situations: Heirs, Estates, and Deceased Owners

If the person who owned the property is deceased, California generally allows heirs, beneficiaries, or legal representatives to claim the assets. The process is more involved, but typically follows this pattern:

1. Confirm the property belongs to the deceased person

Use the official search tool, but enter the name of the deceased and review addresses and employers that match their life.

2. Determine your role

You might be:

• The executor or administrator of the estate
• A beneficiary named in a will
• A legal heir under California law when there is no will

3. Follow the estate instructions on the official site

California usually offers specific claim forms for:

• Executors/administrators with court authority
• Heirs when there is no probate
• Trusts with a successor trustee

Expect to provide:

• A certified death certificate
• Letters testamentary or equivalent, if you are an executor
• Will or trust documents, if relevant
• Proof of your identity and relationship

Because rules around estates and inheritance can be complex, some people choose to speak with an attorney familiar with California probate law if they are unsure how to proceed.

How to Tell You’re Using an Official California Channel

Because unclaimed money can be tempting, there are also scam attempts and fee-based services that claim they will find or claim money for you. Some services are legitimate “finders,” but they are not required to obtain your property, and they charge a portion of your money.

Here are ways to stay on safe, official paths:

• Look for “.ca.gov” in website addresses when dealing with California state government.
• Confirm you are on the State Controller’s Office site when searching for unclaimed property.
• Be cautious of websites that:
  • Ask for large upfront fees
  • Demand you sign contracts giving them a percentage of your claim
  • Request sensitive information without clearly being a state agency

For extra assurance, you can:

• Call the California State Controller’s Office directly using a phone number from a trusted source (such as a printed state publication, or directory assistance).
• Ask, “Is this the unclaimed property division of the State Controller’s Office?”

You do not have to pay a private company to search for or claim unclaimed property in California. The state’s own search tool and claim process are typically free, aside from any notary or mailing costs you might choose to incur.

Do You Need a Lawyer or Paid Service?

Most individuals do not need a lawyer or paid service to claim unclaimed property in California, especially for simple, small claims.

You might consider legal help when:

• The property is very large or complex
• There are disputes among heirs
• There is an ongoing probate case or complicated trust
• You are unsure about your rights as an heir or beneficiary

If you decide to work with a “finder” or third-party service:

• Read contracts carefully before signing.
• Understand exactly what they charge (often a percentage of recovered funds).
• Know that you can almost always go directly to the state instead, for free.

Other Places to Check Beyond California

If you have moved between states or worked for companies in different locations, you might have unclaimed property outside California as well.

You can:

• Search the official unclaimed property website for each state you lived or worked in.
• Contact the unclaimed property office of other states’ treasurers or controllers.
• For federal items like U.S. savings bonds or certain tax issues, check with the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service through their official contact points.

Each state and federal agency has its own process, separate from California.

If You Don’t Find Anything Now

If your search turns up no results, it does not necessarily mean you will never have unclaimed property. More property is reported to the state continuously.

You might want to:

• Check again periodically, such as once a year.
• Search under former names, nicknames, and common misspellings.
• Search using old addresses where you lived previously.

Also, keep your contact information updated with:

• Employers
• Banks and credit unions
• Insurance companies
• Utility providers

This can help prevent new unclaimed property from building up in the future.

Key Takeaways for Finding Unclaimed Assets in California

• Unclaimed assets are often old accounts, checks, or refunds that couldn’t reach you and were turned over to the State of California.
• The California State Controller’s Office usually runs the official unclaimed property search and claim process.
• You can generally search for free, online or by contacting the state directly.
• To claim property, you typically need proof of identity, address, and relationship to the owner (for heirs or estates).
• Claims can often be filed online or by mail using official forms, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Watch out for scams and know that you don’t have to pay a third party to claim property that belongs to you.
• If a claim is complex or involves an estate, you may choose to consult a professional familiar with California law.

By following these steps and working directly through the official California unclaimed property channels, many people are able to locate and reclaim money that has been waiting for them for years.