Have you ever wondered if there’s California Missing Money out there with your name on it? The State Controller’s Office (SCO) holds unclaimed property, which can include forgotten bank accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, and insurance payouts. Navigating the claims process can seem daunting, so we’ve compiled essential information to guide you.
The State Controller’s Office processes a significant volume of claims, and California law allows up to 180 days from the date they receive a complete claim package to thoroughly review your documentation and decide on the validity of your claim. For simpler claims, particularly those involving only cash, the processing time can be shorter, often within 30 to 60 days. However, more intricate claims, such as those filed by heirs, claims with multiple owners, or those involving business properties, typically require the full 180-day period for processing.
Once your claim is approved, payments for securities require additional processing time. The SCO must conduct research to ascertain any corporate actions—such as mergers, acquisitions, stock splits, or dividends—that might have affected the security’s value while held by the state. While the majority of security claims are paid within 120 days, complex cases needing in-depth research may take longer.
To assist you with any questions or issues related to your claim for california missing money, you can reach out through the following channels:
Unclaimed Property Call Center
For immediate assistance, you can contact the Unclaimed Property Call Center:
- Nationwide: (800) 992-4647
- Outside of U.S.: (916) 323-2827
The Call Center operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.
Mailing Claims & General Information
For submitting claims or general inquiries via mail, use the following address:
Unclaimed Property Division
P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873
Public Counter & Overnight Mail
For in-person services or overnight mail delivery, you can visit or send to:
Unclaimed Property Division
10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Unclaimed Property Reporting for Businesses
California law mandates that corporations, businesses, associations, financial institutions, and insurance companies report and remit unclaimed property to the State Controller’s Office annually. This is required after a period of inactivity or no contact with the owner, typically three (3) years.
If you are a business with questions about reporting unclaimed property, please visit the Reporting Contact page for further assistance.
Contact Our Legal Office
For service of legal documents, specifically regarding a Petition to Recover Escheated Property under CCCP §1355, please use the following address:
State Controller’s Office – Legal Division
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1850, Sacramento, CA 95814
It’s important to remember that finding california missing money can take time, especially given the detailed processes involved in verifying and processing claims. By understanding the process and utilizing the provided contact information, you can effectively navigate your claim and hopefully recover your unclaimed property.
