Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, and Payroll in Colorado: How to Find and Claim Your Money

It’s more common than many people realize to have unclaimed money sitting with the State of Colorado or with a former employer. This can include:

• Unclaimed paychecks
• Refunds or overpayments
• Utility and security deposits
• Old bank accounts
• Insurance proceeds and rebates

This guide explains how unclaimed property usually works in Colorado, how to search for money in your name, and what to expect when you file a claim through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only; it does not hold funds, process claims, or replace any state or employer system.

Understanding Unclaimed Money in Colorado

What is “unclaimed property”?

In Colorado, unclaimed property generally means money or assets that belong to you but have been inactive or uncollected for a certain period of time. Typical examples:

• Uncashed payroll checks from a former job
• Refund checks from utilities, insurance, or medical providers
• Credit balances on closed accounts
• Security deposits (rent, utilities) that were never returned
• Insurance payments or rebates mailed to an old address

When a business, employer, or financial institution cannot reach you after a period of time (called the dormancy period), they are usually required by law to send that money to the State of Colorado. The state then becomes the custodian of the funds until the rightful owner (you, a relative, or your business) files a claim.

The key point:
You do not lose ownership when money becomes “unclaimed.” It just means you need to go through a claim process with the proper official office.

Who Usually Handles Unclaimed Property in Colorado?

Each state has a designated office responsible for unclaimed property. In Colorado, that responsibility is typically handled by the state treasurer’s office or a similar state department.

You can usually confirm you are on the correct official site by checking for:

• A “.gov” website address
• Clear references to the State of Colorado
• Contact information for a state office, not a private company

If you are unsure, you can call:

• The main Colorado state government information line listed on the State of Colorado website, or
• 211 (United Way/2-1-1), which often helps residents identify official state resources

Types of Unclaimed Checks and Refunds You Might Have

Below are some common categories of unclaimed money Colorado residents often find:

1. Unclaimed Payroll Checks and Wages

These usually come from:

• A job you left years ago
• Seasonal or temporary work
• Short-term assignments or internships
• A company that later closed or merged

If paychecks are never cashed and the employer cannot reach you, they typically turn those funds over to the state.

2. Unclaimed Refunds

You may have unclaimed refunds or overpayments if:

• A utility company issued a final-bill refund
• A medical provider or insurance plan refunded an overpayment
• A retailer or service provider sent a check for a credit balance
• You moved before receiving a mailed refund

These refunds often end up as unclaimed property if mail was returned or never cashed.

3. Other Common Unclaimed Property

Colorado’s unclaimed property system may also include:

• Bank or credit union accounts that were inactive for a long time
• Certificates of deposit (CDs) that matured and were not claimed
• Insurance policy benefits paid to you or to a deceased relative
• Stocks or dividends that went uncollected

All of these show up in the same type of state unclaimed property search.

How to Check for Unclaimed Money in Colorado

To claim unclaimed checks, refunds, or payroll in Colorado, you generally start with a name search in the state’s official unclaimed property database.

Step 1: Find the Official Colorado Unclaimed Property Site

Look for the official Colorado unclaimed property page by:

• Going to the main State of Colorado website and searching for “unclaimed property” or “treasurer unclaimed property”
• Calling the Colorado state treasurer’s office and asking how to search for unclaimed funds
• Calling 211 and asking how to find the Colorado unclaimed property search tool

⚠️ Scam tip:
Avoid third‑party sites that ask for upfront fees to search for money in your name. In Colorado and most states, searching for unclaimed property is free through official channels.

Step 2: Use the Name Search

Once you are sure you are on the official Colorado site, you will typically:

1. Enter your last name and first name
2. Optionally add:
   • A middle initial
   • City or ZIP code
   • Previous married or maiden names
3. Run the search and review any results that match you

You can usually search for:

• Your current legal name
• Former names, including married or maiden names
• Business names if you own or owned a business

Step 3: Review Search Results

Search results usually show:

• Name of the owner (you or a business/relative)
• Name of the holder (employer, bank, insurer, company)
• Approximate property type (wages, refund, bank account, etc.)
• Whether the amount is over or under a certain dollar range

If you see entries that match your identity or past addresses, you can usually click a button like “Claim” or “File a Claim” next to each item.

Claiming Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, and Payroll: Step-by-Step

Once you find property that you believe belongs to you, Colorado typically asks you to go through a claim process. The steps can vary slightly, but here is how it generally works.

Step 1: Start the Claim Online

On the official state site, you typically:

1. Select the items you want to claim.
2. Confirm your relationship to the property (e.g., “owner,” “heir,” “business owner”).
3. Enter basic contact information:
   • Full legal name
   • Current mailing address
   • Phone number and email address
4. Submit the initial online form.

This usually creates a claim number. Write it down or save the confirmation page.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Colorado usually requires proof of identity and proof of ownership. Exact requirements depend on the type of property, but you should be prepared with:

Common identity documents (for individuals):

• Government-issued photo ID (Colorado driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Social Security number (SSN) – sometimes entered on the form, not always copied
• Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement)

Proof of ownership or connection (as applicable):

• Old pay stubs or W-2s showing the employer’s name for payroll claims
• Old bills or account statements for utilities or services
• Bank statements or documents showing an account number
• Insurance policy documents
• Former address documentation (old lease, mortgage, tax document) if the unclaimed property is linked to a past address

For business claims:

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, partnership papers)
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) documentation
• Proof you are an authorized officer or owner

For heirs/estates:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Legal documents such as letters of administration or a court order naming you as personal representative, where required

The Colorado claim form will usually list exactly what is needed for your particular claim.

Step 3: Submit Your Documents

Colorado often allows one or more of the following:

• Online upload of scanned or photographed documents
• Mailing physical copies or photocopies (never mail original IDs if you can avoid it)
• In some cases, fax or in‑person drop off at a designated state office

Read the instructions on your claim confirmation carefully and follow them exactly.

Step 4: Wait for Review

After submission:

• Your claim is typically reviewed by state staff.
• They may contact you if they need:
  • Additional proof
  • A clearer copy of an ID
  • Clarification on your relationship to the property

Processing time can vary, but it is usually several weeks and sometimes longer, depending on:

• The complexity of the claim
• Whether you are an heir or a business
• How complete your documentation is

What Happens After Your Claim Is Approved?

If your claim is approved, the state usually issues payment in one of these forms:

• Paper check mailed to your confirmed address
• In some circumstances, possibly direct deposit (if offered and you choose it)

The payment will come from the State of Colorado, not from HowToGetAssistance.org or a private company.

If the property was something other than cash (like stocks), the state may:

• Send you the proceeds from a liquidation of the asset, or
• Transfer ownership, depending on their rules

All of this is controlled by the official state office, and their instructions will explain your specific situation.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding potential issues can help you avoid problems.

1. Incomplete Documentation

Claims may be delayed or denied if:

• The ID is missing, expired, or unreadable
• You did not include proof of your former address when the property is linked to that address
• Required estate documents are missing in an heir claim

✅ Tip: Before submitting, double-check the claim instructions and make sure you have every requested document.

2. Name or Address Mismatches

If your name has changed (marriage, divorce, legal name change), or you moved many times, the state may have trouble confirming you are the correct person.

You may need to provide:

• Marriage certificate or divorce decree showing name changes
• Legal name change order
• Documents linking old addresses to your name (lease, tax records, utility bill)

3. Duplicate or Ineligible Claims

Some delays occur when:

• More than one person claims the same property
• Someone claims as an heir but does not meet the legal requirements
• The property has already been paid out in the past

In these cases, the state may request extra clarification or deny the claim if the rules are not met.

Special Situations: Payroll and Employer Issues

Sometimes unpaid or missing wages might be:

• Still with the employer, not yet turned over to the state
• The result of a wage dispute or overtime issue
• Related to a job where the business closed unexpectedly

Here are typical paths in Colorado:

1. Recent Missing Paycheck (Not Yet Unclaimed Property)

If the paycheck is recent and not yet in the state’s unclaimed property system:

• Contact the employer’s payroll or HR department first
• If the employer is unresponsive or refuses to pay, you may contact the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to ask about filing a wage complaint or getting help

2. Old Pay from a Closed Employer

If the company closed or you cannot reach them:

• Search the official Colorado unclaimed property database under your name and your former employer’s name and city (to confirm you have the right record)
• If you find an entry for wages, follow the normal state claim process

Quick Comparison: Where to Go for Different Types of Money

Below is a simplified overview to help you figure out who to contact first.

This table is for general guidance; always confirm details with the relevant official office.

How to Verify You’re Using an Official Colorado Channel

Because unclaimed funds can attract scams, it is important to protect yourself.

Here are practical steps:

• Check the web address: An official Colorado government site uses a “.gov” domain.
• Look for clear agency identification: Phrases like “State of Colorado,” “Office of the State Treasurer,” or another recognized state department.
• Test the phone number: Look up the phone number on the main State of Colorado website, not just on an unclaimed property page you found through a search engine.
• Avoid upfront fees: Many private companies offer to search or file claims for a fee. Colorado’s own search tool is typically free, and you can usually file your own claim without paying someone else.
• Do not send sensitive data by email to unknown addresses: If asked for full SSN or bank information by email or text from a suspicious sender, verify directly with the state office using a publicly listed phone number.

If anything seems questionable, call the main Colorado government information line or 211 and ask how to reach the official unclaimed property program.

If You Do Not Qualify or Cannot Prove Ownership

Sometimes, people find listings that might be theirs but cannot provide enough documentation to meet the state’s requirements. In that case:

• The state may deny the claim or ask for more proof.
• You can ask the unclaimed property office about:
  • Whether there is an appeal or review process
  • What additional documents might help
• If you believe there is an error, you may want to:
  • Gather more records (old mail, tax returns, court records)
  • Talk with an attorney if the amount is large or the situation is complex (for example, a contested estate)

If the property truly cannot be linked to you under the state’s rules, they generally cannot pay it out, even if you strongly suspect it was once yours.

Other Resources That May Help

While HowToGetAssistance.org cannot search or claim money for you, it can be useful to know about other resources:

• Colorado unclaimed property office or state treasurer’s office – for official searches and claims
• Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) – for wage complaints and labor issues
• 211 Colorado – for help identifying government offices and other community resources
• Legal aid organizations – if you need help understanding your rights regarding estates or complicated claims

By using the official Colorado unclaimed property search, gathering your documents, and following the state’s instructions, many people are able to claim uncashed checks, refunds, and payroll that they did not even realize they were owed.