South Carolina returned more than $52 million in unclaimed property during its most recent fiscal year, the largest annual amount returned through the state program. The money went back to residents, businesses and organizations that had forgotten or lost track of assets in their names.
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis encourages South Carolinians to search the state database because property can remain unclaimed for years. A quick name search may reveal money from a previous address, job, bank account or insurance policy.
What counts as unclaimed property?
Unclaimed property is money or a financial asset that belongs to you but was not delivered or claimed. It is not a new government payment, loan or tax refund program.
For example, a former employer may have an uncashed paycheck in your name. A bank may report an inactive account after it cannot reach you. An insurer may hold a payment from an old policy, or a utility company may still owe you a security deposit from a previous home.
South Carolina’s program can hold forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, stocks, bonds and similar financial assets.
Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets
How to look for money
Start at the official South Carolina Treasurer’s website. Select the Unclaimed Property option and search using your name and city.
Try more than one version of your name. Search a maiden name, a prior legal name, an old spelling or the name connected to a former address. If you have lived in several cities or changed your name after marriage, checking each variation can improve your chances of finding a match.
You can also search for family members. If a parent, grandparent or other relative has died, an heir or estate representative may be able to claim property if they can provide the documentation required by the Treasurer’s Office.
What happens if you find a match?
A result does not automatically prove that the property belongs to you. Review the listed address and the name of the company that reported it to make sure it matches your information.
If it appears to be yours, follow the state website’s instructions to begin a claim. You may need to provide a government-issued photo ID, proof of a past address, documentation of a name change or estate documents when claiming property for a deceased relative.
The state will review the claim and confirm ownership before issuing money. The amount and required paperwork depend on the type of property and the information available in the record.
Is there a fee to claim money?
No. Searching South Carolina’s unclaimed-property database and filing a claim directly with the state are free.
Be cautious of unsolicited emails, text messages or callers who demand money, banking information or an upfront fee to release unclaimed funds. Use the official South Carolina Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Program to verify any notice and submit a claim yourself.
Search old names and places
A good search starts with your current name and city, but do not stop there. Check former addresses, prior names and close relatives’ names. Forgotten accounts and checks are often tied to an address or employer from years ago.
With more than $52 million returned in one year, the state’s message is clear: it is worth taking a few minutes to see whether money is waiting in your name.
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Start your free search today and claim what's rightfully yours!
