Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, and Payroll in California: How To Claim Money That’s Owed to You

Finding out you might have unclaimed money in California—from old checks, refunds, or payroll—can be surprising. Many people move, change jobs, or update bank accounts and never realize they left money behind.

This guide explains how unclaimed property typically works in California, how to search for unclaimed checks, refunds, and wages, and what to expect when you file a claim through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government office, does not handle claims, and cannot check your status. This article is here to help you understand the process so you can follow up directly with the correct official state or local agencies.

What “Unclaimed” Checks, Refunds, and Payroll Usually Mean

In California, unclaimed property usually refers to money or assets that belong to you but have been inactive or unclaimed for a certain period of time. Common examples include:

• Uncashed payroll checks
• Uncashed refund checks (from utilities, insurance, or other businesses)
• Closed bank accounts with remaining balances
• Security deposits (rental, utilities)
• Dividends or stocks
• Money orders or cashier’s checks
• Death benefits or insurance proceeds

When businesses and organizations cannot reach the owner for a certain period, California law typically requires them to turn that money over to the state. The state then holds it and allows people to file claims to get it back.

In California, two main public offices are involved:

1. The California State Controller’s Office (SCO) – handles most types of unclaimed property, including many checks and refunds.
2. The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (also called the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, or DLSE) – handles unpaid wages and some unclaimed payroll.

Who Usually Has Unclaimed Money in California?

People may have unclaimed checks, refunds, or wages if they have:

• Changed jobs frequently
• Moved without updating their address
• Changed their name (marriage, divorce, etc.)
• Closed bank accounts or credit cards
• Switched insurance or utility providers
• Worked short-term, seasonal, or part‑time jobs
• Missed their last check after leaving an employer

You do not have to be low income or meet any special eligibility program rules. If the state has money that legally belongs to you, you usually just need to prove your identity and your right to the funds.

Step 1: Identify What Kind of Money You’re Looking For

Before you search, it helps to know which office is most likely to have your money:

If you are not sure which category your money falls into, it is common to:

1. Search the California unclaimed property system by your name; and
2. Check the Labor Commissioner’s unpaid wage listings if you suspect unpaid wages.

Step 2: Searching for Unclaimed Checks and Refunds (State Controller’s Office)

Most unclaimed checks and refunds in California are handled through the State Controller’s Office (SCO) under the state’s unclaimed property program.

How to Search for Unclaimed Property

The SCO typically offers:

• An online searchable database for individuals and businesses
• A way to submit claims online or by mail after you find property in your name

To search, you generally:

1. Go to the official California State Controller’s Office unclaimed property website (you can find it by searching for “California unclaimed property SCO” on a search engine).
2. Use the search tool to look up:
   • Your full legal name
   • Any former names (maiden names, previous married names)
   • Common name variations (with or without middle initial)
   • Your business name, if you’ve owned a business
3. Review the search results for:
   • Your correct address (current or previous)
   • The holder’s name (bank, employer, utility company, etc.)
   • The approximate amount (if shown)

You can search for free. You do not need to pay anyone to run this search for you.

What If You Find Property in Your Name?

If you see property that appears to belong to you, the SCO website usually allows you to:

• Start a claim online, or
• Print a claim form to complete and mail.

You will often need to create an account or profile with the state’s system to proceed with an online claim.

Step 3: Claiming Unclaimed Checks and Refunds from the State

The process can vary slightly by claim type, but most claims follow this pattern:

1. Confirm You Are the Rightful Owner

You will usually be asked to confirm:

• That you recognize the name and address listed
• That you are the actual owner or an authorized representative (for example, executor, heir, or business owner)

2. Gather Required Documents

The California State Controller’s Office may request different documents depending on the situation. Commonly requested items include:

• Proof of identity
  • Current driver’s license, state ID, or passport
• Proof of Social Security Number
  • Social Security card
  • Tax document or pay stub (if allowed by the office)
• Proof of address (linked to the property record)
  • Old or current utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement
• Name change documents, if your current name is different from the name on the property
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court-ordered name change
• Business documents, if claiming for a business
  • Business license
  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Proof of authority to act for the business (e.g., officer or owner)

If you are claiming on behalf of someone else (such as a deceased relative), you may also need:

• Death certificate
• Letters of administration or letters testamentary
• Proof you are the heir, executor, or authorized representative

The claim instructions from the state usually specify which documents apply to your situation.

3. Submit the Claim

Most Californians can choose between:

• Online submission: Upload scanned copies of documents and submit through the official website.
• Mail submission: Print the claim form, sign it, and mail it along with copies (and sometimes originals) of required documents to the official address listed on the form.

Some claims may require a notarized signature, especially for larger amounts or certain ownership types. The SCO’s instructions typically state when a notarized form is required.

4. Wait for Review

After you apply, the state generally:

• Reviews your claim
• Verifies your documents
• Confirms that there is no conflicting claim to the same property

Processing times vary. Some people receive a decision in a few weeks; more complex claims can take several months.

If your claim is approved, the state usually issues:

• A check made payable to you, or
• Another method of payment as specified in the program’s rules

If your claim is denied or delayed, you may receive a letter or message explaining:

• What is missing
• Why they cannot verify your ownership
• Whether you can submit additional documentation or appeal

Step 4: Claiming Unpaid Wages and Unclaimed Payroll (Labor Commissioner / DLSE)

Not all unclaimed payroll is managed through the State Controller’s unclaimed property system. When an employer has violated labor laws or failed to pay wages, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (DLSE) may step in.

When the Labor Commissioner May Be Involved

The Labor Commissioner may hold money for workers when:

• The office wins a wage claim or judgment against an employer and collects money
• An employer cannot locate former employees to pay them
• There are civil penalties or settlements that include unpaid wages

In these cases, the Labor Commissioner may keep the money for a set time and allow workers to claim what they are owed.

How to Check for Unpaid Wages or Payroll with the Labor Commissioner

The Labor Commissioner typically:

• Maintains public lists of workers who are owed wages or have unclaimed payments
• May list:
  • Employee names
  • The employer’s name
  • The amount owed
  • A case or judgment number

To check, you can:

1. Search online for the official California Labor Commissioner (DLSE) website.
2. Look for sections labeled something like:
   • “Unpaid Wages”
   • “Unclaimed Wages”
   • “Judgment Search” or “Wage Claim Search”
3. Enter your:
   • Name
   • Possible employer name
   • Location or case information, if known

If you find a match, the listing or website usually gives instructions on how to submit a claim for those wages.

Claiming Wages from the Labor Commissioner

If you are listed as owed money:

• You may be asked to submit a claim form or written request
• You will typically need to prove your identity (similar to the SCO process)
• In some cases, you may need to confirm:
  • Where you worked
  • Approximately when you worked
  • Your job title or duties

The Labor Commissioner’s office will usually review your submission and, if they confirm you are the right person, they may:

• Issue a payment for the wages owed
• Provide instructions if more documentation is needed

If you do not find your name, but believe you have unpaid wages from an employer, you can also:

• Ask the Labor Commissioner’s office how to file a new wage claim
• Provide details about your employer, hours worked, and what you believe you are owed

Key Documents to Gather Before You Start

Being prepared can make the process smoother. For most unclaimed checks, refunds, or payroll claims in California, it helps to gather:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Social Security documentation
  • Social Security card
  • IRS tax form (if allowed)
• Address history information
  • Old leases, bills, or bank statements
  • Any documents showing you lived at the address listed on the property
• Employment records, if related to payroll
  • Old pay stubs
  • W-2 or 1099 forms
  • Offer letters or termination letters
  • Records showing your employer’s name and location
• Name change documentation, if needed
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order
• Estate or authorization documents, if claiming for someone else
  • Death certificate
  • Letters of administration / testamentary
  • Power of attorney (if accepted)

Having clear, legible copies is important. Some agencies accept scanned copies, while others may require originals or notarized documents for certain claims.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Many people run into avoidable issues when claiming unclaimed money. Common problems include:

• Name mismatch
  • The name on your ID does not match the name on the property, and no legal proof of name change is provided.
• Insufficient address proof
  • No documents show you lived or operated at the address listed in the record.
• Missing or unclear identification
  • Poor-quality document scans or missing pages.
• Claiming property that belongs to someone else
  • For example, property in a similar name in a different city or state.
• Incomplete forms
  • Leaving required fields blank or not signing where required.
• Missing notarization when required
  • Some larger or complex claims may be rejected if a notarized signature was requested and not provided.

If your claim is delayed, official agencies typically send:

• A letter, email, or portal message explaining what else they need.

Responding with complete and clear documentation usually helps move the claim forward.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Ownership?

In some cases, you might:

• Be unable to show you lived at the listed address
• Not have proof of your relationship to a deceased owner
• Lack employment records for an old job

Possible next steps include:

• Contacting the state office directly
  • Ask what alternative documents they might accept.
• Checking old records
  • Tax returns, credit reports, or bank statements can sometimes help show an address or employer.
• Confirming you are looking at the right record
  • Make sure the name, approximate time frame, and location truly match your history.

If the agency ultimately cannot verify your ownership, they may deny the claim. You can usually:

• Request information on appeal or reconsideration options, if any are available.
• Check other possible names (for example, a maiden name) or family members who might be the rightful owner.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Money in California?

California’s unclaimed property laws generally allow the state to hold unclaimed property indefinitely. That means, in many cases, there is no strict deadline for you to claim money from the State Controller’s Office once it has been turned over.

However:

• The original holder (like a bank or employer) may only hold the money for a certain number of years before sending it to the state.
• With unpaid wages through the Labor Commissioner, different time limits may apply for filing wage claims or collecting judgments.

Because rules can change and time limits can depend on your specific situation, it is usually best to:

• Search and file a claim as soon as you suspect money may be owed
• Ask the relevant official office about any applicable deadlines for wage claims or appeals.

Verifying You’re on an Official Government Site (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed money is a common topic, there are many private websites and services that offer to search for you or file claims for a fee. Some are legitimate third-party services; others may be misleading.

Key tips to help you stay on official channels:

• Look for .gov domains
  • California state agencies, including the State Controller’s Office and Labor Commissioner, use .gov in their website addresses.
• Check the agency name
  • Official offices include names like “State of California,” “State Controller,” “Labor Commissioner,” or “Department of Industrial Relations.”
• Search independently
  • Instead of clicking ads, type the agency name into a search engine and look for results that clearly show you are on a state government website.
• Be cautious about fees
  • The official California unclaimed property search and claim process are typically free through the state.
  • If someone charges a fee to “help you find money,” you can usually do the same search yourself at no cost.
• Protect your personal information
  • Do not send copies of your ID, Social Security card, or bank information to unverified websites.
  • Official sites explain how your data will be used and have clear privacy and security notices.

If you are unsure whether a site is official, you can:

• Call the California State Controller’s Office or Labor Commissioner’s Office using phone numbers you find independently from trusted sources (not from a suspicious website), and ask them to confirm the correct official website or process.

Getting Local Help and Additional Guidance

If you need help navigating the process, you might consider:

• Calling the State Controller’s Office unclaimed property division
  • To ask questions about property listings, required documents, or claim status.
• Contacting the California Labor Commissioner’s Office
  • To ask about unclaimed wages, wage claims, or judgment collections.
• Dialing 211 in California
  • 211 is a community information service that can often point you toward legal aid, worker advocacy groups, or consumer assistance resources that may help you understand your rights and options.
• Seeking legal advice, if your case is complex
  • For example, large estates, multiple heirs, or complicated business ownership issues.

These resources cannot file your state claim for you in most cases, but they may help you understand:

• Which office to contact
• Which documents are most important
• Whether you may have additional legal rights related to unpaid wages or disputed funds

By understanding how California’s unclaimed property and unpaid wage systems typically work, gathering the right documents, and making sure you’re using official government channels, you can give yourself the best chance of successfully claiming any unclaimed checks, refunds, or payroll that belong to you.