Fresno Unclaimed Funds
Fresno residents have three places to search for unclaimed money. The City of Fresno Finance Department maintains a list of uncashed city checks from permits, refunds, and vendor payments. Fresno County operates its own unclaimed property lookup tool for old county checks and refunds. The California State Controller holds over $11 billion statewide from forgotten bank accounts, paychecks, insurance proceeds, and stock dividends. All three sources provide free searches with no time limits to file claims. Start with the state database as it contains the most records from across California. Then check Fresno County's lookup tool and the city's list to see if local funds are waiting for you in Fresno.
Fresno Quick Facts
City of Fresno Unclaimed Checks
The City of Fresno Finance Department maintains a list of unclaimed funds. These are checks the city issued but that were never cashed. Common sources include vendor payments, permit refunds, utility deposits, and employee checks. If you moved from Fresno and forgot to update your address, you may have missed a check from the city.
Visit fresno.gov/finance/ to access information about unclaimed checks. The city posts lists periodically and updates them as new checks become unclaimed. Contact the Finance Department at (559) 621-7037 or email accountspayable@fresno.gov to ask if they hold money in your name. You will need to prove your identity and provide details about the payment.
The claim process is simple. Fill out a form and show ID. The city checks its records to verify the payment was issued to you. Then they issue a new check to your current address. No fee applies for city claims. Most get processed within a few weeks once you submit the required documents.
Under Government Code Section 50050, cities must send unclaimed funds to the state after three years. Once transferred, you claim through the State Controller instead of the city. Check both the city list and state database if you think you had a Fresno payment more than three years ago.
California State Controller Unclaimed Property
Most unclaimed money shows up with the state. Banks, employers, insurance companies, and utilities send forgotten funds to Sacramento each year. Fresno residents should search the state database even if they do not find anything with the city or county. The State Controller holds funds from all over California and other states if you lived there before moving to Fresno.
Search for free at ucpi.sco.ca.gov/en/Property/SearchIndex by entering your name. You can also search old Fresno addresses or business names if you owned a company. The database shows the property type and approximate value. Many claims are between $50 and $500, but some reach thousands of dollars.
Common items include old checking or savings accounts. When you close an account and leave a small balance, it sits for three years. Then the bank reports it to the state under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1513. Paychecks become unclaimed after one year if sent to an old address. Stock dividends, insurance proceeds, and utility deposits also end up with the state when companies cannot locate owners.
To file a claim, go to claimit.ca.gov after finding a match. Simple claims take 30 to 60 days to process. Complex claims with heirs or multiple owners can take up to 180 days. The state never charges a fee. Call (800) 992-4647 if you need help while in Fresno.
California has no time limit to claim unclaimed property once it reaches the State Controller. Your money waits until you file a claim. This differs from other states where funds can be seized after a set period.
Fresno County Unclaimed Property Programs
Fresno sits in Fresno County, which runs its own unclaimed property lookup tool. The county Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector maintains a database for outstanding checks that are six months or older. These come from uncashed county warrants, tax refunds, and other county payments.
Search the county database at fresnocountyca.gov/Departments/Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax-Collector/Auditor-ControllerTreasurer-Tax-Collectors-Publications/Unclaimed-Property-Lookup by typing your name. The system shows if the county holds money in your name. If you find a match, call the General Accounting Team at (559) 600-3609 to start a claim. You will need to prove the money belongs to you with documents like old tax bills or payment receipts.
Fresno County acquires unclaimed property in accordance with Government Code Section 50050. This allows counties to take ownership of money that sits unclaimed for three years after proper notice. Once escheated, you file a claim to get it back. The county does not charge fees to file or process claims.
Common county sources include property tax refunds. These happen when you sell a home in Fresno mid-year and the county owes you a refund. If they cannot find you at your old address, the money sits in a trust fund. Estates without heirs also contribute. When someone dies with no will and no known family, their money goes to the county until an heir files a claim.
Types of Unclaimed Property in Fresno
Bank accounts lead the list. Old savings or checking accounts become dormant after no activity for three years. The bank sends the balance to the state. Many Fresno residents switch banks and forget to close old accounts with small balances. Those add up over time.
Wages and paychecks are common. Final paychecks from jobs you left, commission checks, or bonuses can become unclaimed if sent to an old address. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1530, employers must report uncashed wages after one year. This is shorter than the three-year rule for bank accounts.
Utility deposits happen when you close an account with the water company, trash service, or electric company. If you do not request your deposit back, the utility holds it for three years, then sends it to Sacramento. Security deposits from apartments also end up unclaimed if landlords cannot find you after you move out of Fresno.
Insurance proceeds include life insurance death benefits when beneficiaries do not know a policy exists. Matured policies and annuities also get reported to the state. Stock dividends, mutual fund distributions, and safe deposit box contents round out the list. Some Fresno residents inherit money from relatives but never knew about it. Those funds wait at the State Controller until an heir files a claim.
Note: Unclaimed property does not include real estate under California law, only financial assets.
How to Claim Unclaimed Money
The claim process depends on who holds the money. For city funds, contact Fresno Finance at (559) 621-7037 or email accountspayable@fresno.gov. They will send you a claim form. Fill it out and return it with a copy of your ID. That is all it takes for most city claims. The city verifies its records and issues a new check if everything matches.
For state claims, start at ucpi.sco.ca.gov/en/Property/SearchIndex to search. Click on any property that matches your name to see details. Then go to claimit.ca.gov to file online. Many claims can be submitted electronically. You upload a photo ID and proof of address. Some claims need extra documents like death certificates for heir claims or business records for company claims.
If the state claim is $1,000 or more, you need a notary to witness your signature. Claims for securities and safe deposit box contents always require notarization. The state sends detailed instructions after you start the claim. Follow them to avoid delays. Most Fresno residents get paid within two months for simple cash claims.
For county claims, call Fresno County General Accounting at (559) 600-3609. They will tell you what forms and documents to provide. County claims are free and follow a similar process. You prove your identity and connection to the money. The county verifies its records and issues a check if approved.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1540, the State Controller must decide on claims within 180 days. If denied, you can appeal or provide more proof. The state does not pay interest on unclaimed money, so you get the original amount reported.
Other Unclaimed Money Resources
Some types of money do not go through the State Controller. Retirement benefits are separate. If you worked for a California public employer and left money in a retirement account, check CalPERS for unclaimed property. Call 888-225-7377 with questions. Teachers should check CalSTRS at 800-228-5453 if they worked in Fresno schools.
Tax refunds from the California Franchise Tax Board can become unclaimed if you moved and did not get your refund check. Call FTB at (800) 852-5711 to ask about old state tax refunds. Federal tax refunds go through the IRS. Call 1-800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov for federal refund help.
Life insurance policies sometimes go unclaimed when beneficiaries do not know a policy exists. The California Department of Insurance offers a policy locator service. You can also use the national service at eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator to search for policies of deceased relatives. This is free and covers insurance companies nationwide.
Unemployment and disability benefits from EDD may be unclaimed if you never cashed a payment. Use form DE 903SD to claim old EDD checks. Download it from the EDD website or call 1-800-300-5616 for UI or 1-800-480-3287 for DI. No fee applies to claim old EDD benefits.
Watch Out for Scams
Scammers target people searching for unclaimed money. They send emails or letters claiming you have large sums waiting. Then they ask for fees or personal information. The State Controller never charges to claim unclaimed property. Any message asking for money upfront is a scam.
Asset locators are legal in California but can only charge up to 10 percent of the property value. They must have a written contract before collecting fees. You do not need to hire anyone. Search for free at ucpi.sco.ca.gov/en/Property/SearchIndex without paying.
Some firms offer to search on your behalf for a flat fee. This is unnecessary. The search takes minutes and costs nothing. If someone contacts you about money you did not know about, verify it by calling the State Controller at (800) 992-4647 before responding.
Never give out your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card to someone claiming to help with unclaimed property. Agencies send you a check once approved. They do not ask for payment details. Report suspected fraud to the California Attorney General at (800) 952-5225.
Fresno County Unclaimed Money
Fresno is in Fresno County. The county holds unclaimed property in an online lookup tool for outstanding checks six months or older. For full details on county programs, claim procedures, and contact information, visit the Fresno County unclaimed money page.