Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in California: How to Find and Claim Your Money

Finding out you might be owed money from old utility deposits or mortgage escrow funds in California can be a pleasant surprise—but only if you know where to look and how to claim it.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how unclaimed deposits and escrow funds usually end up with the State of California, how you can search for them, and what to expect when you try to claim them. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and cannot process claims, but this article can help you understand the typical steps so you can go through the official state processes with more confidence.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Utility deposits

When you open a gas, electric, water, internet, or other utility account, the company may charge a security deposit. Typically, this deposit is:

• Held by the company while your account is active
• Refunded to you (with or without interest, depending on the company) when:
  • You close the account and pay your final bill, or
  • You build a good payment history for a certain period

If the company cannot reach you after you move or close your account, your refund check may never be cashed or may be sent to an old address. After a certain period with no contact, the utility company is usually required by law to turn that unclaimed money over to the State of California.

At that point, it generally becomes unclaimed property handled by the California State Controller’s Office.

Escrow funds

Escrow funds are commonly associated with mortgages and real estate transactions, such as:

• Money held for property taxes
• Money held for homeowners insurance
• Funds left in an escrow account after a home sale, refinance, or loan payoff

When a mortgage is paid off, refinanced, or transferred to a new servicer, any extra money in your escrow account should normally be refunded to you. If your loan servicer cannot contact you or the check goes uncashed, those funds may eventually be turned over to the State of California as unclaimed property, too.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Utility Deposits or Escrow Funds?

You might have unclaimed funds in California if:

• You paid a deposit for electricity, gas, water, or internet and later:
  • Moved and closed your account
  • Changed the account holder’s name
  • Did not receive or cash the final refund check
• You sold a home or refinanced a mortgage in California
• Your mortgage was:
  • Paid off
  • Transferred to a new lender or servicer
  • Modified in a way that closed or switched escrow accounts
• You received a refund check from a utility or mortgage servicer that:
  • You misplaced
  • You never cashed
  • Was sent to an old address
• You are the heir or executor of someone who lived in California and had utilities or a mortgage

If any of these apply, it is often worth checking whether the State of California is holding money in your name.

How Unclaimed Property Works in California

In California, unclaimed deposits, refunds, and similar funds are generally handled through the state’s unclaimed property program, administered by the California State Controller’s Office.

Common examples of unclaimed property include:

• Utility deposits and overpayments
• Escrow balances from mortgages or real estate
• Uncashed refund checks or insurance checks
• Dormant bank accounts and safe deposit box contents
• Some other types of unused credits or payments

Typical timeline before funds become “unclaimed”

Exact timelines can vary by type of property and by company, but in general:

1. The company (utility, lender, escrow company) holds the funds for a set period while trying to contact you.
2. If there is no activity and no contact for a legally defined period (often a few years), the company is usually required to report and send the funds to the state.
3. Once the funds are turned over, the state becomes the custodian of the money until someone files a valid claim.

The money usually stays available to claim indefinitely, but the process to get it back can be more detailed the longer it has been sitting.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can often search without documents, but having some details ready can make things smoother, especially if you find multiple results with similar names.

Useful information to gather:

• Full legal name (and any previous names, such as a maiden name)
• Middle initial or middle name
• Current and past California addresses
• Name of utility companies or mortgage/escrow companies you used
• Approximate years you lived at each address or had each account
• Your Social Security number (only for verification on secure official sites or forms)

If you’re searching on behalf of someone else (like a deceased relative), also gather:

• Proof that you’re the executor, trustee, or heir
• Death certificate (if applicable)
• Any estate documents such as wills, letters testamentary, or trust papers

Step 2: Search for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in California

You do not search for these funds through HowToGetAssistance.org. Instead, you would typically use California’s official unclaimed property search tools or contact the State Controller’s Office directly.

How to search (general process)

While exact website screens may change over time, the typical process looks like this:

1. Go to the California State Controller’s Office unclaimed property search page (using an official government website, usually ending in “.ca.gov”).
2. Enter your:
   • Last name and first name
   • Optionally, a city or zip code to narrow results
3. Review the list of results that match your name.
4. Look for any properties that:
   • List a previous address you recognize
   • Show names of known utility providers, mortgage lenders, or escrow companies
5. Click on entries that appear to be yours to see more details and start a claim.

If you do not have internet access, you can typically:

• Call the California State Controller’s Office unclaimed property phone line and ask about alternative ways to search and claim.
• Request paper forms by mail.

Step 3: Identify Which Claims Are Utility Deposits or Escrow Funds

The unclaimed property listing may include a property type and the holder name (the company that sent the money to the state).

Here are clues to help you identify the type of funds:

You do not always need to know exactly what the property is before starting a claim, but understanding the likely source can help you gather the right documents.

Step 4: Start Your Claim Through Official California Channels

Once you find a property that appears to be yours, California’s system usually allows you to start a claim online or request instructions for paper filing.

Typical online claim steps

Although details can change, the usual flow is:

1. Select the property you want to claim.
2. Confirm that the listing information (name, address) matches you.
3. Provide contact information (mailing address, phone, email).
4. Answer questions about:
   • Your relationship to the property (e.g., the original owner, heir, representative)
   • Whether you lived at or received mail at the listed address
5. Submit the initial claim request electronically.
6. Receive instructions on what supporting documents to send.

You are not actually submitting the documents through HowToGetAssistance.org; all claims are handled by the State Controller’s Office or through their official claim process.

Step 5: Prepare the Documents You May Need

The documents you must provide can vary based on your situation and the type of property. For utility deposits and escrow funds, common requirements include:

For claims in your own name

You may be asked for:

• Government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • U.S. passport
• Proof of Social Security number, such as:
  • Social Security card
  • Tax document (with partial or full SSN)
• Proof of address that matches the unclaimed property listing, such as:
  • Old utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement or mortgage statement
  • Tax bill with your name and that address

If you don’t have old documents with the exact address, the state may provide alternative options, such as:

• A signed statement explaining how you are connected to the address
• Other documents showing your name and the city/zip code

For escrow or mortgage-related funds

Additional documentation may include:

• Mortgage statements that show your name and address
• Loan payoff letter or closing documents
• HUD-1 settlement statement or closing disclosure
• Documentation from your loan servicer showing escrow balances or refunds

For claims on behalf of someone else

If you’re claiming money for a deceased relative, a business, or a trust, you may need:

• Death certificate (for a deceased owner)
• Legal documents showing you as:
  • Executor or administrator of the estate
  • Trustee of a trust
  • Authorized officer for a business
• Letters testamentary, letters of administration, or trust documents
• Sometimes, proof of relationship to the deceased (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate)

The State Controller’s Office typically provides a list of acceptable documents depending on your claim type.

Step 6: Submit Your Supporting Documents

After starting an online or paper claim, you usually must send in your supporting documents.

Common options include:

• Uploading documents through the official unclaimed property portal (if available)
• Mailing copies to the address provided by the State Controller’s Office
• In some cases, faxing or delivering documents if the instructions allow it

Tips when submitting documents:

• Follow the exact instructions for copies vs. originals.
• Include your claim number on all pages if a claim number has been assigned.
• Do not send original documents unless the state specifically requires them.
• Keep copies of everything you submit.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once the State Controller’s Office receives your claim and documents, typical next steps include:

1. Review for completeness – Staff check that all required documents are included.
2. Verification – They verify your identity and connection to the property (e.g., addresses, account relationships).
3. Approval or request for more information –
   • If everything is clear, your claim is usually approved.
   • If something is missing or unclear, you may receive a letter or email requesting additional documents.
4. Payment –
   • If approved, the state issues a check to the name and address you provided.
   • It may take several weeks or longer, depending on processing times and claim complexity.

You cannot check claim status through HowToGetAssistance.org. To get updates, you generally must use California’s official claim status tools or contact the State Controller’s Office directly via their phone line or mailing address.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid delays:

• Name mismatch

  • Example: Property is listed under a maiden name, nickname, or with spelling errors.
  • Tip: Provide documentation showing name changes (marriage certificate, court order) and clearly explain connections.

• Insufficient proof of address

  • If you don’t have any documents showing you lived at the exact address on the property record, it may slow down your claim.
  • Tip: Try to provide multiple forms of evidence—older tax records, voter registration, or employer/payroll documents that tie you to the area.

• Missing legal authority (for estates or businesses)

  • Claims made by someone without accepted proof that they are the executor, heir, or authorized representative are often rejected.
  • Tip: Make sure you have official letters from the probate court or incorporation documents if claiming for a business.

• Incomplete forms

  • Missing signatures, unchecked boxes, or skipped questions may cause the state to send your forms back or ask for corrections.
  • Tip: Review the instructions slowly and double-check every section before submitting.

If a claim is denied, the notice usually explains why. In many cases, you can reapply or provide additional documents to fix the issue, depending on the reason for denial.

How to Appeal or Ask for a Review

California’s unclaimed property process typically allows for:

• Reconsideration if you can submit new or stronger documents
• Follow-up communication if you believe the decision was based on a misunderstanding

Steps can include:

1. Carefully review the denial notice or letter explaining what was missing.
2. Gather additional evidence that addresses the specific issues.
3. Contact the State Controller’s Office using the official phone number or mailing address listed in your correspondence.
4. Ask about the proper way to resubmit or appeal your claim.

Appeal procedures may change, so always rely on the most recent instructions provided directly by the State Controller’s Office.

If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Funds

If your search in California does not show any money in your name:

• Double-check spelling and variations of your name.
• Try searching old addresses, previous names, and any names under which you might have opened utility or mortgage accounts.
• Consider searching other states, especially where you used to live or had utilities or a mortgage.

For current concerns about utility deposits or escrow refunds that haven’t yet become unclaimed property:

• Contact your utility company’s customer service or billing department.
• Contact your mortgage servicer or escrow company and ask for a written explanation of your escrow balance and any refunds.
• Request account statements showing how the funds were applied or refunded.

If you believe a company is withholding a refund or deposit improperly, you can also ask about filing a complaint with:

• The California Public Utilities Commission (for certain utility providers)
• Consumer protection offices such as the California Attorney General’s Office or local consumer affairs departments

How to Avoid Future Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds

A few simple habits can help keep your money from going unclaimed again:

• Update your mailing address with utilities, lenders, and banks whenever you move.
• Sign up for online account access so you can monitor balances and refunds.
• When you close a utility account or pay off a mortgage, ask:
  • “Will I be receiving any refund?”
  • “How and when will it be issued?”
• Keep records of:
  • Final bills and confirmation numbers
  • Loan payoff letters and escrow statements
• Cash or deposit refund checks promptly and keep copies of checks until they clear.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Because unclaimed money can sound appealing, it can also attract scammers. Here are some ways to stay safe:

• Be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails saying you have unclaimed money and asking for:
  • Upfront fees
  • Your full Social Security number
  • Bank account numbers or passwords
• Remember:
  • In California, you can search and file unclaimed property claims yourself through official government channels, typically at no cost.
  • Some legitimate “finders” or “heir locators” may charge a fee, but you are not required to use them.

To confirm you’re on an official government site or talking to an official office:

• Look for:
  • Website addresses ending in “.ca.gov” for California state agencies
  • Clearly listed government office addresses and non-toll-call phone numbers
• If unsure, you can:
  • Call a public information line for the California State Controller’s Office
  • Contact 211 for help locating official government numbers in your area

Never give sensitive information unless you’ve clearly verified you’re dealing with an official government office.

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are handled in California, you can take clear, practical steps to see whether any of that money belongs to you—and, if it does, follow the official claim process through the California State Controller’s Office to request it.