Could you be one of 130,000 Californians owed money?
The California State Controller's Office is reaching out to people who may have unclaimed property sitting in state custody, money that belongs to them, not the government.
Controller Malia Cohen launched a new initiative to contact these individuals directly. Through a partnership with the Franchise Tax Board, the state matched property records with tax data to find rightful owners.
Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets
The Basics: What Is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property is any asset that's gone inactive for a set period. Common examples include:
| Asset Type | How It Happens |
|---|---|
| Bank accounts | Dormant checking/savings with no activity |
| Checks | Uncashed payroll, refund, or vendor checks |
| Insurance | Life insurance payouts or policy refunds |
| Stocks/dividends | Forgotten brokerage accounts |
| Deposits | Utility or security deposit refunds |
The state holds these funds safely until the owner claims them. They never expire.
There are assistance programs designed to help you. See what you’re eligible for here!
How the New Alert System Works
The Controller's Office is sending letters to 130,000 Californians with a simple way to claim their money:
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Letter arrives with your name and property details
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Claim code included for fast online processing
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Unique URL takes you directly to your claim
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Check arrives in about 2 weeks after approval
"These funds belong to Californians, not the state," Controller Cohen said. "We're making it easier, faster, and more convenient to recover money that is rightfully theirs."
What to Do Next
If You Get a Letter:
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Review the notice carefully
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Visit the URL printed on the letter
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Enter your claim code
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Confirm your identity
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Get your check in ~2 weeks
If You Don't Get a Letter:
You can still search for free at claimit.ca.gov. Many people have unclaimed money without receiving notice.
Search tips:
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Try your maiden name or previous names
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Use old addresses where you lived
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Search for deceased family members (you may inherit their assets)
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Check your business name if you own a company
Stay Safe: Avoid Scams
The official program is legitimate, but scammers may try to exploit it.
| Safe | Risky |
|---|---|
| claimit.ca.gov (official site) | Third-party sites charging fees |
| Letters with claim codes | Unknown phone numbers |
| Free to claim | Paying "finder" fees |
Rule of thumb: If it asks for money upfront, it's a scam. Claiming your own money is always free.
Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it free to claim? | Yes, 100% free |
| How long to get paid? | 2 weeks after approval |
| Do funds expire? | No, they never expire |
| How much is unclaimed? | Hundreds of millions in California |
| Who can claim? | Owner, family member (with docs), or business owner |
Why This Matters Now
In 2026's uncertain economy, unclaimed assets could help with:
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Unexpected bills
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Emergency expenses
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Debt payoff
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Home repairs
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Retirement savings
For those receiving letters, this could mean hundreds to thousands of dollars they forgot about.
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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!
