Californians may be sitting on billions of dollars they don’t even know about.
According to the California State Controller’s Office, residents of the Golden State collectively own around $15 billion in unclaimed property—money and valuables the state is holding until the rightful owners step forward.
From forgotten bank accounts and old utility refunds to insurance payouts and safe deposit box contents, this “lost” property can be claimed for free, often with a simple online search.
Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets
Why California is sending letters now
To reconnect people with their money, the State Controller’s Office has launched targeted outreach campaigns. In its latest effort, the agency is sending letters to about 130,000 Californians who may be owed money through the state’s unclaimed property program.
These individuals are identified through coordination between the State Controller’s Office and the Franchise Tax Board. The letters are essentially alerts: “We think you might have property in your name—come claim it.”
This push follows a previous campaign in December 2025 that aimed to reunite about 100,000 property owners with $30.4 million in forgotten assets. So far, more than $8.37 billion in unclaimed property has already been returned to Californians.
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Why you should check even if you didn’t get a letter
You don’t need a letter to have unclaimed property. The state is large and mobile—people move cities, change jobs, switch utility providers, or leave the state altogether. Every move is an opportunity for a refund check, deposit, or payout to get lost.
In other words, even if you haven’t thought about old accounts or refunds in years, the state’s database might still show something in your name.
How unclaimed property ends up with the state
The process is usually straightforward:
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A company—like a bank, insurer, or utility—tries to pay or refund you.
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The check or deposit never reaches you (you moved, changed banks, or the account went dormant).
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After a legally defined “dormancy period,” the company must turn those funds over to the state.
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The State Controller’s Office holds the property until someone claims it.
You may not think to contact a utility or bank from 10–15 years ago—but you’re more likely to search a single state database when the government prompts you.
How to search for your unclaimed property
Checking for unclaimed property in California is simple and free:
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Visit ClaimIt.ca.gov.
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Enter your name (and consider checking past names, such as a maiden name or business name).
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Review the list of results for addresses, employers, or companies you recognize.
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Start a claim for any property that appears to belong to you.
You may need to provide identification and documentation proving your connection to the listed property—such as proof of address, old account records, or other paperwork.
Tips to increase your chances of finding money
To make your search more thorough:
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Check under current and former names, including middle initials or name variations.
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Search for spouses, parents, grandparents, or other relatives who may have had accounts in California.
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Look for old addresses where you lived, worked, or went to school.
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Don’t ignore small amounts—multiple smaller claims can add up.
Because unclaimed property doesn’t expire, it’s entirely possible there’s money tied to activity from decades ago.
Bottom line
California is holding $15 billion in unclaimed property, and some of it could belong to you or someone in your family. The state isn’t taking the money permanently—it’s holding it for you until you claim it.
Taking a few minutes to search ClaimIt.ca.gov once a year is a simple way to make sure you’re not leaving cash, refunds, or even valuable items behind.
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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!
