California is holding more than $15 billion in unclaimed property, and state leaders say a significant number of residents may not realize they have money waiting for them.
To help reconnect people with lost assets, February 2026 has officially been declared Unclaimed Property Month.
The goal: get Californians to check the state’s database and recover what’s rightfully theirs.
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How Much Is Sitting in State Custody?
The numbers are substantial:
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Over $15 billion currently safeguarded
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More than 84 million individual properties on record
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Assets potentially belonging to nearly 39 million Californians
That includes everything from small uncashed checks to large financial accounts.
Why So Much Money Goes Unclaimed
Under a consumer protection law in place since 1959, businesses must turn over financial assets to the state when they lose contact with the owner.
This can happen if you:
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Move and don’t update your address
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Close an account and forget about remaining funds
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Fail to cash a check
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Lose track of an old insurance policy or investment
Once transferred, the property is held by the state until the rightful owner files a claim.
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What Types of Property Are Included?
Unclaimed property may involve:
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Bank accounts
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Stocks and bonds
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Uncashed payroll or refund checks
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Insurance payouts
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Safe deposit box contents
The state does not keep this money permanently, it holds it until someone claims it.
What Officials Are Saying
State leaders say February’s awareness campaign is designed to encourage quick, easy searches that could put money back into households.
Officials also point out that hundreds of millions of dollars are returned every year, but billions remain unclaimed.
How to Check for Your Name
Californians can search the official database at: claimit.ca.gov
The process is free, and claims can be submitted online.
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Let us help you discover if you have unclaimed assets waiting for you.
Start your free search today and claim what's rightfully yours!
