Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Texas: Step‑by‑Step Guide to Claiming Your Money

Many Texas residents leave money behind without realizing it—especially utility deposits (like for electricity, gas, or water) and mortgage escrow refunds. When companies cannot reach you, these funds may eventually be turned over to the State of Texas as unclaimed property.

This guide walks you through how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds usually work in Texas and how you can try to claim them through official channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or claims portal, but this overview can help you feel prepared before you contact the official offices.

Understanding Unclaimed Property in Texas

What is “unclaimed property”?

In Texas, unclaimed property typically means money or assets that belong to you but have been inactive or not claimed for a certain period of time. Common examples include:

• Utility deposits and refunds (electric, gas, water, cable, internet)
• Mortgage escrow balances or refunds
• Closed bank accounts
• Uncashed checks
• Insurance payouts

When a business cannot contact you—often because you moved, changed phone numbers, or closed an account—and there is still money in your name, the business may be required by law to send that money to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts after a certain period. This process is called escheatment.

Once that happens, you usually must file a claim with the State of Texas to get your money back.

Utility Deposits in Texas: How They Become Unclaimed

What is a utility deposit?

A utility deposit is money a utility company may require when you start service, such as:

• Electricity
• Natural gas
• Water / sewer
• Trash
• Internet, cable, or phone service (sometimes)

The deposit often acts as security in case of non-payment. In many cases, deposits are:

• Refunded after a period of on-time payments, or
• Applied toward your final bill when you close your account

How a utility deposit can turn into unclaimed property

Your utility deposit or credit might become unclaimed property if:

• You moved and never received the final bill or refund check
• The utility company mailed a refund check that was never cashed
• The account had a credit balance after the final bill
• The company could not reach you with the address or contact information they had

After a legally defined dormancy period (often 1–3 years, depending on the type of account and Texas rules at that time), the utility company may be required to:

1. Try to contact you using the last known address or email, and
2. If they cannot reach you, turn the funds over to the Texas Comptroller as unclaimed property.

At that point, you no longer go through the utility company for the money—you go through the state’s unclaimed property process.

Escrow Funds in Texas: How Refunds Go Unclaimed

What are escrow funds?

If you have (or had) a mortgage in Texas, your lender may have collected escrow funds from you each month to pay:

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

These funds are kept in an escrow account. Lenders are supposed to review escrow balances regularly. If there is more money in escrow than needed, this can create an escrow surplus.

How escrow refunds can become unclaimed

An escrow refund might turn into unclaimed property when:

• You pay off or refinance your mortgage and a refund is due
• Your loan is transferred to another servicer and money remains in the old account
• Your escrow account shows a surplus that should be refunded
• The mortgage company sends a refund check, but:
  • It is mailed to an old address
  • It is never cashed
  • You moved and did not update your contact information

If the mortgage servicer cannot successfully deliver your refund and the money remains unclaimed for the required time, they may report it as unclaimed property and send it to the Texas Comptroller.

Who Can Typically Claim Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds?

In Texas, the person who can usually file a claim is:

• The original account holder listed on the utility or escrow account
• A joint account holder, if applicable
• An heir or legal representative if the original owner has passed away
• A business representative if the account was in a business name (with proof of authority)

To successfully claim funds, you normally must be able to:

• Prove your identity, and
• Prove your connection to the account, address, or business where the funds came from

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

You do not search for unclaimed property through HowToGetAssistance.org. Instead, Texas residents usually use the official unclaimed property database managed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Step 1: Gather basic information before you search

Have this information ready:

• Full legal name (including past names, maiden names, nicknames used on accounts)
• Previous addresses in Texas (rental homes, owned homes, apartments)
• Names of former utility providers or mortgage companies, if you remember them
• Business names, if you owned a business that might have had a deposit or escrow account

Step 2: Use the Texas unclaimed property search

On the official Texas Comptroller’s website, there is typically a “Search for unclaimed property” or similar tool where you can:

1. Enter your name (and sometimes city or ZIP code)
2. Browse a list of potential matches
3. View the type of property (for example, “utility deposit,” “escrow account,” “refund,” or similar terms) and approximate amount

If you find a listing that appears to be you, you can usually start a claim request through the state’s system.

If you are unsure which site is official, you can:

• Call the Texas Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division using the phone number listed on the Comptroller’s main website, or
• Ask for help from a local library, legal aid office, or community organization to verify you are using an official state website.

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds in Texas

The claim process happens through the Texas Comptroller, not through this website and not usually directly with the utility or lender once funds are turned over.

Although exact steps can change, the general process is usually:

1. Start an online or paper claim

From the official unclaimed property search results:

• Select the items that appear to be your property
• Start a claim as the owner, heir, or business representative
• Provide contact details such as mailing address, phone number, and sometimes email

Some people may prefer to print a claim form and mail it to the address listed on the official Comptroller site.

2. Provide required documents

The Texas Comptroller usually requires documents to:

• Confirm you are who you say you are
• Show you are the rightful owner of the deposit or escrow funds

Common documents include:

• Photo ID (driver license, state ID, passport)
• Social Security number (often last 4 digits; full number may be requested depending on claim)
• Proof of address or connection to the address on file (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, tax document)
• Proof of name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)
• For escrow: loan documents or mortgage statements tying you to the lender or property
• For heirs: death certificate and legal documentation (such as will, letters testamentary, small estate affidavit, or heirship information)

The specific list depends on the type of property and who is claiming (original owner vs. heir, person vs. business).

Typical Documents Needed (At a Glance)

Below is a simple comparison to help you organize what you may need. Always follow the current instructions from the Texas Comptroller’s office.

What Happens After You Submit a Claim?

Once you submit your claim and documents to the Texas Comptroller:

1. Review process

   • Staff review your claim and verify your documents.
   • They may contact you if additional documentation is needed.

2. Timeline

   • Processing time can vary depending on:
     • The complexity of the claim
     • How quickly you respond to any requests
     • The volume of claims being handled
   • Many straightforward claims are processed within a few weeks to a few months, but this can vary.

3. Receiving payment

   • If your claim is approved, you may receive:
     • A check mailed to your current address, or
     • Another form of payment described by the Comptroller’s office
   • You will not typically receive funds through HowToGetAssistance.org.

If you do not hear back within the time frame indicated on the state’s instructions, you can usually call the Texas Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division using the number listed on the official website to check the status.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Some of the most common issues that slow down or block claims include:

• Incomplete forms – Missing signatures, unanswered questions, or incomplete contact information.
• Missing documents – Not providing proof of address, identity, or relationship to the original owner.
• Mismatched names – Different spelling, maiden names, or name changes without supporting documents.
• Unclear heirship – For deceased owners, not providing adequate estate documents or proof of relationship.
• Outdated contact info – Not responding to follow-ups because the state cannot reach you.

To reduce delays:

• Carefully read the instruction page for your claim type.
• Double-check that your name, address, and Social Security number match your documents.
• Include clear copies of all requested items and keep copies for your records.

If You Think a Utility or Mortgage Company Still Has Your Money (Not Yet Sent to the State)

Sometimes your funds may not yet be in the state’s unclaimed property system. If you suspect that:

• You paid a deposit to a specific utility provider, or
• You closed a mortgage and never received your escrow refund,

you can:

1. Contact the company directly

   • Call the customer service or escrow department using the official number on your past statements or the company’s official website.
   • Ask if they show any credit balance, deposit, or uncashed refund in your name.

2. Request written confirmation

   • Ask if any funds were:
     • Refunded to you
     • Applied to your bill or loan payoff
     • Reported to the Texas Comptroller as unclaimed property

3. Then check the state

   • If the company says the money was turned over to the state, search and claim it through the Texas Comptroller’s unclaimed property system.

If Your Claim is Denied: What You Can Usually Do

If the Texas Comptroller’s office denies your claim, they generally provide a reason, such as:

• Insufficient proof of identity
• Insufficient proof of ownership
• Another claimant has stronger documentation
• The documentation does not match the property listed

You may be able to:

• Submit additional documents to clarify your connection
• Contact the Comptroller’s office and ask for more detail on what is missing
• In more complex cases, consider speaking with:
  • A legal aid office
  • A private attorney familiar with unclaimed property or estate law

Any appeal or reconsideration process will follow the rules set by the Texas Comptroller, so it is important to use the official instructions they provide.

How to Avoid Problems and Keep Future Deposits From Becoming Unclaimed

To prevent future issues with utility deposits or escrow funds:

• Update your address with:
  • Utility providers
  • Mortgage servicers
  • Banks and insurance companies
• Forward your mail when you move so checks can reach you
• Open and read all mail from utility companies, mortgage servicers, and financial institutions
• Ask for final bills and refund confirmations when:
  • You close a utility account
  • You pay off or refinance your mortgage
• Keep copies of:
  • Account numbers
  • Deposit receipts
  • Loan payoff letters
  • Closing documents

Scam Warnings: Protect Yourself While Claiming Unclaimed Money

Because unclaimed property involves money, scammers may try to take advantage. Some common safety tips:

• 🔎 Verify you are on an official Texas government site before entering personal information. Look for clear references to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and avoid look-alike sites.
• 🚫 Be cautious with:
  • Websites or callers that guarantee you money for a large fee
  • Requests for full Social Security numbers or bank information on unfamiliar sites
• 💰 Be skeptical of:
  • People who contact you saying they found money in your name and ask for upfront payment
  • High-pressure tactics to “act immediately” or lose your claim

Some states allow “finder” services to operate legally, but you are almost always allowed to claim your own unclaimed property directly through official channels for little or no cost. If someone offers to help for a fee, make sure you understand:

• Whether they are legally allowed to operate in Texas
• What services they actually provide
• Whether you can do the same steps yourself for free by contacting the Texas Comptroller.

If in doubt, contact the Texas Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division directly and ask how to proceed.

If You Do Not Find Anything in Texas

If your search in Texas does not show any unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds, consider:

• Searching under different name variations (maiden name, middle initial, common misspellings).
• Searching in other states where you:
  • Lived or worked
  • Had utilities or bank accounts
  • Owned property or had a mortgage

Most states have their own unclaimed property programs, and you can usually locate the correct official website by searching for your state name plus “unclaimed property” and confirming it is run by a state treasury, comptroller, or similar government office.

You can also dial 211 in many areas to ask for help locating official state resources or finding local organizations that can help you navigate the process.

By understanding how utility deposits and escrow funds become unclaimed in Texas—and how the Texas Comptroller’s unclaimed property system works—you can take clear, practical steps to search for and claim money that may belong to you. All actual claims must go through official state channels, but being prepared with the right documents and expectations can make the process smoother and more successful.