Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Unclaimed Assets in South Carolina

Many people are surprised to learn that they might have money or property being held by the state without realizing it. In South Carolina, this is called unclaimed property or unclaimed assets, and it can include everything from old bank accounts to uncashed paychecks.

This guide explains, step by step, how to search for and claim unclaimed assets in South Carolina through official channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or application site, but this overview can help you understand what to expect and how to get started with the proper state office.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in South Carolina?

Unclaimed assets are generally money or property that a business or institution owed you, but could not reach you to deliver. After a certain period of time with no contact, those funds are typically turned over to the state’s unclaimed property program for safekeeping.

Common examples of unclaimed property in South Carolina include:

• Old bank accounts (savings or checking) that were left inactive
• Uncashed checks, such as:
  • Paychecks
  • Refund checks
  • Insurance claim checks
• Security deposits
  • Apartment or rental deposits
  • Utility deposits (electric, water, etc.)
• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
• Insurance policy benefits
• Safe deposit box contents
• Credit balances from closed accounts or store credit

The state’s role is usually to hold the property until the rightful owner or heirs claim it. There is typically no charge from the state to search or file a claim.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Property in South Carolina?

Almost anyone who has lived, worked, or done business in South Carolina could have unclaimed assets, including:

• People who moved and didn’t update their address
• Individuals who changed jobs and never received a final check or retirement distribution
• Students who attended college in South Carolina and left accounts or deposits behind
• People who had insurance policies, bank accounts, or investments in the state
• Heirs or family members of someone who passed away and left unclaimed assets

Even if you do not live in South Carolina now, it may be worth searching if you have:

• Ever lived in South Carolina
• Owned property or a business in the state
• Worked for an employer based in South Carolina

Step 1: Understand Which Office Handles Unclaimed Assets

Each state typically has a specific office that manages unclaimed property. In South Carolina, this is usually handled by a state-level unclaimed property program, often located within:

• The State Treasurer’s Office, or
• A similar state financial or revenue agency

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

• The web address ends in “.gov”
• The page clearly lists a South Carolina state office name, physical address, and phone number
• There are no fees required to perform a basic search

If you are unsure, you can call:

• The South Carolina State Treasurer’s Office (using a phone number you look up independently) and ask for the unclaimed property division, or
• A general state information line and request to be transferred to the official unclaimed property program

Step 2: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You do not usually need many documents just to search, but you will need information to help narrow down results. Before you start, it helps to have:

• Full legal name, including:
  • Current name
  • Previous names or maiden names
• Current and past addresses in South Carolina
• Social Security number (SSN) (you may not need to enter the full number for a search, but it can help identify you later)
• Business name, if you owned or managed a business in the state
• Names of deceased relatives who lived or worked in South Carolina (for possible heir claims)

Having this ready will make the process smoother and help you recognize which listings may belong to you.

Step 3: Use the Official South Carolina Unclaimed Property Search

To find unclaimed assets in South Carolina, you typically use the state’s official online search tool for unclaimed property.

How the search usually works

1. Go to the official South Carolina state unclaimed property page

   • Use a trusted search engine to look for terms like “South Carolina unclaimed property” or “South Carolina State Treasurer unclaimed”.
   • Make sure you are on a .gov website and verify the agency name.

2. Search by name

   • Enter your last name and first name.
   • Try variations:
     • With and without middle initial
     • Previous names, married names, or maiden names

3. Narrow by city, zip code, or business name, if the site offers that option

   • This can help if your name is common.

4. Review each result carefully

   • Look for:
     • Your current or past addresses
     • Former employers or banks you recognize
     • Cities where you have lived, studied, or worked

You can usually repeat this search for:

• Your spouse or partner
• Parents or grandparents, especially if they have passed away
• Any business or nonprofit you were associated with in South Carolina

Step 4: Identify Which Claims Likely Belong to You

Search results often show limited information for privacy reasons, but they usually include:

• Owner name
• Last known address or city
• Type of property (for example, “wages,” “bank account,” “insurance,” “stocks”)
• Sometimes a range or category of dollar value (small, medium, large)

As you look through the list, consider:

• Does the owner name exactly match or closely match yours?
• Does the address or city line up with a place you lived or worked?
• Does the type of property make sense (for example, an insurance refund from a company you recognize)?

If you believe an entry belongs to you, most official sites will have a “Claim” or “Start Claim” button next to that item.

Step 5: Start the Claim Process Online

Once you identify property that may be yours, the next step is usually to submit a claim through the state’s online system.

Typical online claim steps

While the exact layout can vary, you can generally expect:

1. Select the property

   • Click the claim button for each item that appears to belong to you.

2. Provide basic contact information

   • Full legal name
   • Current mailing address
   • Phone number and email address

3. Answer eligibility questions

   • Whether you are the original owner or an heir
   • Whether you have ever lived at the listed address
   • Confirmation that information is correct and truthful

4. Submit the claim request

   • After this step, some states generate a claim number and a list of supporting documents you must provide.

You are not submitting the actual documentation yet in some systems; instead, you are initiating the claim and then following instructions on how to send proof (either by mail, upload, or email, depending on the official process).

Step 6: Gather Required Documents to Prove Your Claim

To prevent fraud, the state will ask you to prove your identity and your connection to the unclaimed property. Requirements can vary by situation, but common documents include:

For individuals claiming their own property

• Valid photo ID (copy, scan, or upload), such as:
  • State driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security number, such as:
  • Social Security card
  • Tax form (like a W‑2) that shows your SSN
• Proof of current address, such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease or mortgage document
• Proof of past address or connection to the account, when needed:
  • Old utility bill or bank statement
  • Pay stub from a former employer
  • Lease agreement at the address listed on the unclaimed property record

For heirs or representatives

If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has passed away or on behalf of a business, additional documents may be required, such as:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Obituary or probate records, if requested
• Will, letters testamentary, or other probate documents showing you are the legal heir or executor
• Business documents (for business claims), such as:
  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Business license
  • Proof you are an authorized officer or representative

Always follow the exact list of documents the South Carolina unclaimed property program requests after you start your claim. If anything is unclear, you can contact the state unclaimed property office directly using the phone number listed on the official site.

Step 7: Submit Your Documentation

After collecting the required documents, the next step is to send them to the state agency in the way they specify. This may include:

• Uploading documents online through a secure portal
• Mailing copies to the agency’s mailing address
• Faxing documents, if the agency still accepts this method
• Delivering documents in person, in rare cases, if the office allows walk-in assistance

When submitting documents:

• Include your claim number on all pages, if you have one
• Do not send original documents unless the agency specifically requests them
• Keep copies of everything you send for your own records

If you mail your documents, you may choose to use a service that confirms delivery, such as certified mail, but this is your decision and not a requirement of HowToGetAssistance.org.

Step 8: Wait for Review and Possible Payment

Once your claim and documents are received, the South Carolina unclaimed property program will review your information.

What usually happens next

• A staff member verifies your identity and connects you with the claimed asset.
• The agency may contact you by mail, phone, or email if:
  • More documentation is needed
  • Some information is unclear
  • The claim is approved or denied

Typical timing

Processing times can vary depending on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• Whether your documentation was complete and easy to verify
• The type and size of the property

Some claims may be resolved in a few weeks, while others can take longer. The state’s official site or staff can often provide a general timeframe.

How payment is usually made

If your claim is approved, the state typically:

• Issues a check made out to you, or
• In some cases, processes an electronic payment, if that option is available

Safe deposit box contents or physical items may require extra steps, such as arranging shipment or pickup, depending on state procedures.

Comparison: Who Is Claiming and What You May Need

Below is a simple overview of common claimant types and the kinds of documents that are often requested in South Carolina:

*Exact requirements are set by the official South Carolina unclaimed property program and may differ based on the specific claim.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid delays when claiming unclaimed assets in South Carolina:

• Incomplete documentation

  • Missing ID, SSN proof, or proof of address
  • Forgetting to include required probate or business documents

• Name mismatches

  • Large differences between the name on your ID and the name on the property record
  • Not providing proof of a name change (for example, marriage certificate)

• Insufficient proof of connection to the property

  • Unable to show you lived at the listed address or worked for the listed employer

• Unclear heirship

  • Several potential heirs and no clear legal documentation
  • No probate record establishing who can legally claim

If your claim is denied or questioned, you can usually:

• Contact the unclaimed property office directly to ask what additional documentation might help
• Provide clarifying documents (such as a marriage certificate, court order, or additional proof of address)
• Ask if there is a formal review or appeal process for your case

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Your Claim?

Sometimes a person may strongly suspect a property belongs to them but:

• They no longer have any paperwork tied to that address or account
• The name on the record is slightly wrong or incomplete
• Family inheritance issues are unresolved

In those situations:

• Explain your situation clearly to the state unclaimed property staff.
• Ask what alternative documents could be considered, such as:
  • Tax records
  • Court records
  • Employer letters
• If you are acting as an heir, you may need to work with a probate court to properly establish your legal right to claim.

If the state ultimately finds that you do not qualify, they will typically retain the property until a valid claimant comes forward, following state law.

How to Avoid Scams When Searching for Unclaimed Property

Because unclaimed assets can involve money, it’s important to be careful about scams and unofficial services.

Here are ways to stay safe:

• Use official state websites

  • Look for .gov addresses and clearly stated South Carolina agency names.

• Be cautious with emails or phone calls

  • If someone contacts you saying you have unclaimed money and asks for upfront fees or your full Social Security number, verify directly by:
    • Calling the state unclaimed property office using a number you locate yourself.

• Third-party “finder” services

  • Some companies offer to find and claim your unclaimed property for a fee or percentage.
  • In many states, these services are allowed but not necessary. You can usually:
    • Search and file a claim on your own, free of charge, through the official state portal.

• Never share sensitive information on non-secure forms

  • Avoid entering your full SSN, bank account numbers, or ID images on any site that does not clearly belong to the state of South Carolina and does not show secure connection indicators (such as “https” and proper security notices).

If you have doubts, you can:

• Call the South Carolina State Treasurer’s Office or the official unclaimed property number for confirmation.
• Ask if a specific company or individual contacting you is known or authorized.

Tips for a Thorough Unclaimed Property Search

To make your search as complete as possible:

• 🔍 Check under old names

  • Include maiden names, nicknames, and spelling variations.

• 📍 Search by multiple locations

  • Any city, county, or address in South Carolina where you have lived, worked, or owned property.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Look up family members

  • Search for deceased relatives. You may be able to claim as a legal heir, depending on documentation.

• 🌎 Search in other states as well

  • If you have lived or worked in states other than South Carolina, you may want to look up each state’s official unclaimed property program separately.

Key Takeaways for Finding Unclaimed Assets in South Carolina

• South Carolina’s unclaimed property program holds money and property that could belong to you, your business, or your family.
• You typically:
  1. Use the official state unclaimed property search (on a South Carolina .gov site).
  2. Identify potential matches using your name, old addresses, and past employers.
  3. Start an online claim for any property that appears to be yours.
  4. Submit required documents (ID, proof of address, inheritance records, business filings, etc.).
• Claims are reviewed by the state agency, which may approve, deny, or request more information.
• You can usually search and claim directly with the state at no charge, without using third-party services.
• Always verify you are using an official South Carolina government site or phone number before sharing personal information.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not process claims or applications, but by understanding these steps, you can approach the official South Carolina unclaimed property program with more confidence and a clear idea of what to expect.