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

If you’ve ever paid a utility deposit or had a mortgage escrow account in Colorado, you may have money sitting unclaimed in your name. This can happen when you move, change accounts, or lose track of an old bill or property.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Colorado typically work, how to search for them, and how to file a claim through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only — it is not a government office, and you cannot file or check claims through this site.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

In Colorado, certain types of money that belong to you but aren’t claimed for a period of time may be turned over to the state’s unclaimed property program. Two common examples are:

• Utility deposits – money you paid to start or secure service, such as:

  • Electric
  • Gas
  • Water and sewer
  • Trash or recycling
  • Some phone or internet accounts

• Escrow funds – money held in an escrow account related to:

  • A mortgage (property taxes or homeowner’s insurance collected with your payment)
  • A refinance or home sale (overpayments, leftover balances)
  • Occasionally rental or lease escrows

If the company or financial institution cannot reach you after a certain period, Colorado law usually requires them to transfer (escheat) the funds to the state. The state then holds that money until the rightful owner (you or your heirs) submits a claim.

How Utility Deposits Become “Unclaimed” in Colorado

Utility deposits can become unclaimed property when:

• You move and don’t leave a forwarding address
• A deposit credit is issued, but:
  • The refund check is never cashed, or
  • The credit sits on a closed account
• The utility company tries to contact you and mail is returned or ignored
• The account is closed with a credit balance remaining

Common examples:

• A college student moves after renting an apartment and forgets the power deposit.
• A household changes providers and doesn’t realize there was a remaining credit.
• A tenant’s rental deposit that includes a “utilities” portion is settled, but a portion remains with a provider or escrow agent and is never refunded.

Once the account has been inactive and unclaimed for a set period (often a few years, depending on the type of account), the company typically must send those funds to the Colorado unclaimed property program.

How Escrow Funds Become “Unclaimed” in Colorado

Escrow funds can become unclaimed when:

• A mortgage is paid off or refinanced and:
  • The escrow account has leftover funds
  • The lender issues a refund, but you never receive or cash the check
• A home sale closes and:
  • Excess funds remain in an escrow account
  • There is a misapplied payoff or overage
• A dispute is resolved but no one claims the associated funds
• The servicer or title company cannot locate you after the transaction

If they cannot deliver your money and they lose contact with you for a certain time, those funds may be turned over to the state as unclaimed property.

Who Typically Can Claim Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds?

You may be able to claim money if you are:

• The person named on the account
• A co-owner (for example, a spouse on a utility or mortgage account)
• A business owner whose business name appears on the account
• A heir or legal representative of someone who has passed away, if:
  • You’re an executor or personal representative
  • You’re a surviving spouse or legal heir
  • You have court documents showing your authority

In general, to claim unclaimed property you must be able to prove your identity and, in some cases, prove your connection to the old address or account.

Key Documents to Gather Before You Claim

Having the right documents ready can make the process smoother. Requirements vary with the claim type and amount, but these are commonly requested for Colorado unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds:

For individuals:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Colorado driver’s license or ID
  • Passport
• Proof of your Social Security number
  • Social Security card (if requested)
  • Tax forms or pay stubs (if accepted)
• Proof of address or connection to the property
  • Old utility bill or mortgage statement
  • Lease agreement or property deed
  • Bank statement showing payments to the company
• Name change documents (if your last name has changed)
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order

For escrow or mortgage-related claims:

• Closing statement from the home purchase, refinance, or sale
• Mortgage statements showing the lender/servicer
• Escrow account summaries (if you have them)

For heirs or estates:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Letters testamentary or court appointment of personal representative
• Will or other inheritance documents (if applicable)
• Your own ID and any documents tying you to the deceased (e.g., birth or marriage certificate)

If you are unsure which documents will be needed, the safest approach is to collect ID plus anything that clearly connects you to the name, address, or account listed in the state’s unclaimed property record.

How to Search for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Colorado

You do not search through utility companies directly for old deposits in most cases. Instead, you typically search Colorado’s unclaimed property database (sometimes called “Great Colorado Payback” or similar names).

Although specific website addresses may change, the general steps are similar:

1. Locate the official Colorado unclaimed property website

   • Search online for your state plus “unclaimed property” or “treasurer unclaimed.”
   • Make sure the site clearly belongs to a Colorado state agency, often the State Treasurer.

2. Use the name search

   • Enter your first and last name.
   • Try:
     • Current name
     • Previous names (including maiden names)
     • Common misspellings of your name
   • If you owned a business, search under the business name too.

3. Review the results

   • Look for entries that:
     • Show an old Colorado address you recognize
     • List a utility company, mortgage servicer, bank, or title company
     • Show a property type such as “utility deposit,” “credit balance,” “escrow,” “refund,” or similar wording.

4. Select each property you believe is yours

   • Most systems let you “add to cart” or “start claim” for each item.
   • You may be able to claim multiple items at once.

5. Start the claim process on the official site

   • You’ll be asked for contact information and sometimes basic identity verification.
   • Note any claim ID or reference number provided.

If you are uncomfortable with online tools, you can usually contact the Colorado State Treasurer’s office or the state’s unclaimed property division by phone or mail and ask about alternative ways to search.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Claim in Colorado

The exact screens and wording can change over time, but the claim process usually follows this pattern:

1. Confirm Ownership Online

After you choose a property from the search results:

• The system may ask:
  • Are you the person or business listed?
  • Are you claiming on behalf of someone else (heir, estate, or company)?
• You select your role and give your:
  • Name
  • Current address
  • Phone and email

2. Receive Claim Instructions

Once you start the claim, the system may:

• Show you a list of required documents
• Provide a claim form to print, sign, and return
  or
• Allow you to upload documents online

Pay careful attention to:

• Whether a signature is required
• Whether documents must be:
  • Notarized
  • Originals or copies
  • Uploaded or mailed

3. Gather and Submit Documents

You typically must provide:

• Proof of identity (usually a photo ID)
• Proof of address or ownership to match the record:
  • Old utility bill, closing statement, mortgage bill, etc.
• Legal documents if claiming for someone else:
  • For estates, companies, or minors

Submission methods can include:

• Online upload on the official unclaimed property portal
• Mail to the address provided on the claim form
• Occasionally fax or in-person drop-off, depending on the office

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot transmit your documents. You must send them directly to the official Colorado unclaimed property office as instructed.

4. Wait for Review

After you submit your claim:

• The office reviews your documents for:
  • Identity verification
  • Ownership or connection to the account
• If more information is needed, they may contact you by:
  • Mail
  • Email
  • Phone (using contact details you provided)

Processing times vary, but it is common for claims to take several weeks or longer, especially if:

• The amount is large
• The ownership is complex
• Required documents are missing or unclear

5. Receive Payment

If your claim is approved:

• Payment is typically sent by check mailed to your current address.
• Some offices may offer direct deposit, depending on their systems.

The payment will usually show:

• The name of the state or unclaimed property program
• Sometimes the original holder’s reference (e.g., utility or escrow company)

Typical Timelines and What Affects Them

Timelines can vary, but this general overview may help set expectations:

If your claim seems delayed, you can contact the Colorado unclaimed property office using the phone number or email listed on the official site and ask for a status update using your claim ID.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding the most frequent issues can help you avoid problems:

• Name mismatch

  • Your current ID doesn’t match the name on the property record.
  • Fix: Provide name change documentation (marriage certificate, court order).

• Insufficient proof of address or connection

  • You can’t show that you lived at or owned the address linked to the account.
  • Fix: Provide old statements, leases, deeds, or other records.

• Missing estate or business authorization

  • You’re claiming on behalf of a deceased person or a company but have no proof of authority.
  • Fix: Submit letters testamentary, business registration, power of attorney, or similar legal documents.

• Unreadable or unclear documents

  • Scans or photos are blurry, cut off, or missing key details.
  • Fix: Resubmit clear copies showing full names, addresses, and dates.

• Incorrect or incomplete claim form

  • Missing signature, unchecked boxes, or skipped sections.
  • Fix: Carefully review the form instructions and complete all required fields.

If a claim is denied, you can typically:

• Request an explanation from the unclaimed property office.
• Submit additional documents that address the reason for denial.
• In some situations, follow the office’s process for appeal or reconsideration, which may involve written requests or, in rare cases, legal action.

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

Sometimes people find a record that looks familiar but cannot fully document their connection to it. In those cases, options can include:

• Check with your former utility or lender
  • If the funds are still with them (not turned over yet), they may have more detailed records.
• Search under different names or addresses
  • Especially if:
    • You had a nickname or alternate spelling
    • You moved often
• Talk with a legal or financial professional
  • If a large amount is involved and ownership is complex, an attorney or housing counselor might help you understand your options.

If the state requires documents you truly do not have, there may be limits on what can be released. The unclaimed property office generally must follow strict proof rules to protect against fraud.

Tips to Avoid Missing Money in the Future

While you’re searching for old deposits and escrow funds, it can help to prevent future issues:

• Update your address with:

  • Utilities
  • Mortgage servicers
  • Banks and credit unions
  • Former employers (for pay or retirement accounts)

• Cash or deposit refund checks promptly

  • Lost or stale-dated checks are a common reason accounts become unclaimed.

• Keep important records

  • Closing documents, lease agreements, and utility bills can be vital proof later.

• Periodically check Colorado’s unclaimed property site

  • New accounts can be added over time. A quick search every year or two may reveal new items.

How to Confirm You’re Using an Official Colorado Channel (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed money is involved, scammers sometimes try to take advantage. To protect yourself:

• Look for official government identifiers
  • The site should clearly show it is an official Colorado government website or a state office such as the State Treasurer.
• Be wary of fees
  • Many people are able to search for and claim property directly from the state at no cost.
  • Some private “finders” or “locators” legally charge a fee to help, but you do not have to use them.
• Never share full identity details on unofficial sites
  • Do not enter your Social Security number or upload ID documents unless you are sure you’re on an official state portal.
• Confirm contact details independently
  • If you are unsure about a call, letter, or email, find the phone number of the Colorado unclaimed property office or the State Treasurer’s office on your own (for example, through a government directory) and call to verify.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not contact people about specific unclaimed property claims and does not ask for personal documents.

When to Reach Out for Extra Help

You might want additional assistance if:

• Your claim involves a large sum or complicated estate
• You are unsure which documents are acceptable
• You believe there is an error in the record

Options include:

• Contacting the Colorado unclaimed property office directly for clarification
• Speaking with:
  • A legal aid organization (especially for low-income households or complicated estates)
  • A housing counselor or consumer law attorney for escrow-related questions
• Calling 211 in Colorado to ask about local legal and financial counseling resources

These organizations are separate from HowToGetAssistance.org and may have their own eligibility rules and services.

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Colorado are handled, how to search the state’s unclaimed property database, and how to submit a complete claim with proper documentation, you can take clear, concrete steps toward recovering money that may belong to you.