Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in South Carolina: A Step‑by‑Step Guide to Claiming What You’re Owed

Unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are more common than many people realize in South Carolina. If you moved, changed service providers, refinanced a home, or closed on a mortgage years ago, you may have money sitting in the state’s unclaimed property system.

This guide explains, in plain English, how unclaimed deposits and escrow balances usually end up with the state, how to check if anything is owed to you, and what you typically need to do to claim it through official South Carolina channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only. It does not handle claims, applications, or payments. To actually claim money, you must go through the appropriate official South Carolina offices or websites.

Understanding Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds

What are unclaimed utility deposits?

When you start service with a power, water, gas, internet, or phone company, you may pay a security deposit. That deposit is usually:

• Held until you build a good payment history, or
• Refunded when you close the account or move

If the utility company cannot successfully send you a refund (for example, your mailing address changed and they cannot reach you), the money is generally considered unclaimed after a certain waiting period. In South Carolina, companies are required to turn these funds over to the state’s unclaimed property program.

Typical examples:

• Electric deposit from a previous apartment
• Water or sewer deposit when you moved out of a rental
• Gas company deposit that never showed up after you closed your account

What are unclaimed escrow funds?

Escrow funds usually relate to real estate and mortgages. When you pay your mortgage, part of the payment may go into an escrow account to cover:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Mortgage insurance (if applicable)

When the loan is paid off, refinanced, or transferred, there may be a leftover balance in the escrow account. Lenders or mortgage servicers are generally required to refund any excess balance to you.

If they try to refund you and cannot locate you (for example, after you move or change banks), those leftover escrow funds may eventually be turned over to the state’s unclaimed property office.

Typical examples:

• A small leftover escrow balance after paying off a mortgage
• Surplus funds after a refinance where old escrow was never fully refunded
• Money left in escrow after an insurance or tax adjustment

Who Oversees Unclaimed Money in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, unclaimed property – including utility deposits and escrow funds – is generally handled by the state’s unclaimed property program. This program is usually run by the state treasurer’s office or a similar state-level financial department.

Businesses such as utility companies, banks, mortgage servicers, and title companies are required to:

1. Try to return the money to you directly
2. If they cannot reach you for a certain period, report and transfer the funds to the state

Once the state holds the money, it typically stays there until the rightful owner (or their heirs) files a claim.

Are You Likely to Have Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds?

You might have unclaimed funds in South Carolina if you have ever:

• Opened and closed utility accounts (power, water, gas, internet, or phone)
• Paid a security deposit to a utility company
• Moved without leaving a forwarding address or updating your contact information
• Paid off, sold, or refinanced a home loan
• Had multiple mortgage servicers over the life of your loan
• Used a title company or closing attorney in a South Carolina property transaction
• Changed your name (marriage, divorce, or legal name change)

Even small amounts – sometimes $10, $25, or $50 – may appear as unclaimed property.

How to Search for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in South Carolina

You typically do not need a lawyer or third‑party service to search for unclaimed funds. Most people can handle the process themselves through official state resources.

Step 1: Gather basic information

You will usually need:

• Full legal name (and any previous names)
• Current address
• Former addresses in South Carolina
• Names of former utility companies or mortgage lenders/servicers (if you remember them)
• Social Security number (sometimes used to confirm identity, not always needed for a basic search)

Having multiple name and address variations is helpful, especially if you have moved often.

Step 2: Use the official South Carolina unclaimed property search

Most states, including South Carolina, provide a free online search tool through the state treasurer’s office or equivalent agency.

Typical steps:

1. Go to the official South Carolina state government website or state treasurer’s office site.
2. Look for a section labeled something like “Unclaimed Property,” “Unclaimed Funds,” or “Missing Money.”
3. Use the search tool by entering your:
   • Last name
   • First name
   • City or ZIP code (if available)

You can also:

• Search under previous names (e.g., maiden name)
• Search for business names, if you operated a business that had utility accounts

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

• Call the state treasurer’s unclaimed property division (or the similar office listed on the state’s main phone directory) and ask about mailed search forms or assistance
• Visit a state or county office that can help you use a public computer to search

Step 3: Identify potential matches

Search results typically show:

• Owner name
• Last known address
• Holder name (for example, “XYZ Electric Co.” or “ABC Mortgage Servicing”)
• Type of property (e.g., “Utility Deposit,” “Escrow Funds,” “Refund,” or “Credit Balance”)
• Sometimes, a rough dollar range or category

If the name, address, and holder look familiar, you can move forward to file a claim.

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims. To actually claim money, you must follow the official instructions from the South Carolina unclaimed property program.

Typical claim steps in South Carolina

1. Select the property

   • In the online system, you usually check a box next to each item you believe belongs to you.
   • Add them to your “cart” or claim list.

2. Begin a claim form

   • The site generally walks you through an online claim application.
   • You will be asked for personal information to confirm your identity and current contact details.

3. Upload or mail supporting documents

   • Some smaller claims may require minimal documentation.
   • Larger claims or more complex ones (like those involving estates or name changes) usually require more proof.

4. Submit the claim

   • You may be able to submit everything online.
   • In some cases, you may need to print, sign, and mail the claim form with copies of your documents.

5. Wait for review

   • The state unclaimed property office typically reviews your documents.
   • If approved, payment is generally made by check mailed to your current address, or another method specified by the office.

Documents You May Need to Claim Your Money

The exact documents vary by situation, but the table below summarizes what is commonly requested.

The state may ask for additional documents based on your specific claim, especially for larger or more complex amounts.

Special Notes for Utility Deposits in South Carolina

How utility deposits typically become unclaimed

A utility deposit may end up as unclaimed property when:

• Your account is closed, and the company issues a refund check that is never cashed
• Mail is returned as undeliverable
• The account was in a former name or at an old address you no longer use

South Carolina utility companies are generally required to follow state unclaimed property laws, which specify:

• How long they must hold the money
• When they must turn it over to the state

If you see the name of a utility company you recognize next to your unclaimed property listing, it is often related to a deposit or credit balance on a closed account.

What if your utility company still has the money?

If the funds have not yet been turned over to the state, the utility may still hold the deposit.

You can try:

1. Contacting the utility company’s customer service
2. Asking if you ever had a deposit and whether it was refunded
3. Requesting information on their refund process if a credit is still on your account

If the utility says the deposit was escheated (turned over) to the state, you would then follow the South Carolina unclaimed property process.

Special Notes for Escrow Funds and Mortgage-Related Balances

How escrow funds become unclaimed

Escrow-related funds may be turned over as unclaimed property when:

• A mortgage is paid off and a small balance remains in escrow
• A loan is transferred to another servicer and leftover funds are not properly disbursed
• A property sale or refinance leaves a remaining credit with the title company or lender
• Refund checks are mailed but never cashed

When these funds are not claimed and the business cannot reach you, they may eventually be reported to the state treasurer’s unclaimed property program.

If your mortgage servicer is still in business

If you believe a mortgage or escrow balance was never refunded but do not find it in the state search tool, you can:

1. Contact your current or former mortgage servicer directly.
2. Ask for records of any escrow refunds related to your old loan.
3. Request confirmation of:
   • Any refunds issued
   • The address they were sent to
   • Whether anything was turned over to the state

If the servicer states the funds were turned over to South Carolina, you can then search and claim them at the state level.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Property in South Carolina?

In many states, including South Carolina, unclaimed property held by the state usually does not expire. The state often holds it until the rightful owner (or their heirs) claims it.

However:

• Deadlines can apply on the business side before the funds reach the state.
• Rules can occasionally change.

Because of that, it is generally wise to:

• Search periodically (for example, once a year or when you move)
• Claim funds promptly once you find them

For the most accurate information about time limits, check the official unclaimed property office for South Carolina or call their listed phone number.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Claims for unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds may be delayed or rejected if:

• Identity cannot be verified

  • Missing or unclear ID
  • Names on documents do not match the name on the claim

• Insufficient proof of connection to the address or account

  • No documents tying you to the old address, business, or mortgage
  • Inconsistent or incomplete documentation

• Missing estate documents (for deceased owner claims)

  • No proof you are the legal heir or estate representative
  • Required probate or small-estate paperwork not submitted

• Incorrect information on the claim form

  • Typos in Social Security number, date of birth, or contact details
  • Claim submitted under the wrong person or business

To help avoid problems:

• Carefully read the documentation instructions on the official state site or form
• Double-check all names, addresses, and account details before submitting
• Provide clear copies of documents (front and back when relevant)

If a claim is denied, the notification often explains why and may include instructions to correct and resubmit or information on appealing the decision.

How Reviews and Appeals Usually Work

If your claim is denied or closed and you believe it was in error:

1. Read the denial notice carefully

   • Note the specific reason listed
   • Identify any missing or insufficient documents called out

2. Gather additional documentation

   • For address issues: locate older bills, statements, or tax documents
   • For name changes: provide official name-change documents
   • For estate claims: consult with a probate court or legal resource on proper estate paperwork for South Carolina

3. Contact the unclaimed property office directly

   • Use the phone number or email posted on the official South Carolina unclaimed property program page.
   • Ask what additional steps are needed to reopen or appeal the claim.

4. Resubmit or file an appeal as directed

   • Some offices allow you to submit additional documents under the same claim number.
   • Others may require a new claim with complete documentation.

If the claim involves a large amount, particularly with complex estate issues, some people choose to consult with a qualified attorney familiar with South Carolina probate or property law for guidance. This is optional but may be helpful in complicated cases.

Alternatives if You Do Not Find Any Unclaimed Funds

If a search does not show any unclaimed property in your name:

• Try different name versions

  • Middle initials vs. full middle names
  • Former names or nicknames used on accounts

• Search for relatives

  • Especially parents, grandparents, or deceased relatives who lived in South Carolina

• Check neighboring states

  • If you lived or had utility or mortgage accounts in nearby states, search those states’ unclaimed property programs as well.

If you are not able to locate any unclaimed funds but are facing financial hardship, you may want to look into:

• Utility assistance programs through local charities or community action agencies
• Payment arrangements or hardship programs offered by your current utility company
• 211 by phone, which often connects callers with local financial and utility assistance resources

These are separate from unclaimed property but can sometimes provide help if you are struggling with current bills.

How to Avoid Future Unclaimed Deposits and Escrow Balances

A few simple steps can reduce the risk of money going unclaimed in the future:

• Update your address

  • When you move, file a change of address with the postal service and update your address with:
    • Utility companies
    • Mortgage servicer
    • Banks and credit unions

• Keep records

  • Save closing documents, mortgage payoff letters, and utility final statements.
  • Keep at least a few years of records in a safe place.

• Monitor refunds and credits

  • After closing a utility account or paying off a mortgage, watch for:
    • Final bills
    • Refund checks
    • Notices of credit balances

• Cash or deposit checks promptly

  • Some refund checks may become stale-dated if left uncashed for too long, starting the process that eventually leads to unclaimed property.

• Search periodically

  • Consider checking the South Carolina unclaimed property database every year or whenever you:
    • Move
    • Change your name
    • Pay off a mortgage

Protecting Yourself From Scams

Unclaimed money can attract scammers. To help protect yourself:

• Use only official government websites and phone numbers

  • Look for clear “.gov” domains or the official South Carolina government portal.
  • Verify phone numbers using the state’s main website or government directory.

• Be cautious about unsolicited calls, emails, or texts

  • Be wary of messages claiming you are “guaranteed” unclaimed money for a fee.
  • Do not provide personal details or bank information to anyone you cannot verify as an official state employee.

• Know that searching and claiming your property through the state is generally free

  • Some third-party services offer to help for a percentage or fee. In most cases, you can do it yourself at no cost through the official state process.

• Never pay upfront to “unlock” or “release” government money

  • Legitimate unclaimed property programs do not require upfront fees to access your funds.

If you are unsure whether a website or caller is legitimate, you can:

• Look up the South Carolina state treasurer’s office using a trusted source, such as a printed government directory or the state’s main website
• Call the number listed there and ask to be connected to the unclaimed property division

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds work in South Carolina—and by using the state’s official unclaimed property program—you can check whether any money is owed to you and follow the proper steps to request it.