Norwalk Unclaimed Property Search
You can search for unclaimed money in Norwalk through the California State Controller and Los Angeles County. The state holds billions in lost property from banks, employers, and insurance firms. Norwalk residents may have funds waiting at both the state and county level. The search is free and takes just a few minutes. Most people do not know they have unclaimed money until they look. Common sources include old bank accounts, utility deposits, paychecks, tax refunds, and insurance payments. If you lived or worked in Norwalk at any time, you may have property that was turned over to the state.
Norwalk Quick Facts
State Controller Unclaimed Property
The California State Controller holds more than $11 billion in unclaimed property. Banks, insurance firms, employers, and other holders must report property to the state after a set dormancy period. This period is three years for most bank accounts. Paychecks must be turned over after one year. Money orders wait seven years and traveler's checks fifteen years before they go to the state. These rules come from Code of Civil Procedure section 1513.
You can search for your unclaimed property at the state controller's website. The property search database is free to use. Enter your name or business name to see if the state is holding funds for you. The database shows the property type, the business that reported it, and an estimated value. Many claims can be filed online if the system says you are eligible.
There is no deadline for claiming property once it reaches the state. You can file a claim years or even decades after the property was reported. The state holds it for you until you claim it. This is true for Norwalk residents who moved away and lost track of old accounts. If you lived in Norwalk in the past, you may still have money waiting under your name.
The state processes claims for free. You do not need to hire anyone or pay a fee to get your own money back. If you get a letter from an asset locator, know that they can charge up to 10 percent of the property value under state law. You can skip the middleman and file your own claim at the state controller's unclaimed property page at no cost. Most cash claims take 30 to 60 days to process. More complex claims may take up to 180 days.
Los Angeles County Unclaimed Funds
Norwalk is in Los Angeles County. The county runs its own unclaimed property programs in addition to the state system. The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector handles excess proceeds from tax sales. When the county sells a property to collect back taxes, any money left over after paying the debt goes into a trust fund. Former property owners and lien holders can file claims for these excess proceeds.
The county publishes a notice of excess proceeds after each tax sale. You can view the list and file a claim directly with the treasurer at no cost. Visit the Los Angeles County excess proceeds page to see if any funds are available from properties in Norwalk. State law allows people to hire agents to file claims, but you can do it yourself without paying any fees.
Los Angeles County also holds other unclaimed funds under Government Code sections 50050 to 50057. These can include uncashed checks from county departments, deposits from contractors, and refunds that were never claimed. The county must hold these funds for three years before they can escheat to the general fund. During that time, you can file a claim.
Note: Contact the Los Angeles County Treasurer main phone at (213) 974-2111 for questions about county-held unclaimed property.
Claiming Unclaimed Money
The claim process depends on where the property is held. For state-held property, start with a search on the state controller's claim filing page. When you find property in your name, click on it to start a claim. The site will tell you if you can file online or if you need to mail in a paper claim. Online claims move faster and you get updates by email.
You need to prove you are the rightful owner. For claims under $1,000, you may only need to provide your name, address, and Social Security number. Claims of $1,000 or more require a notarized signature. If you are claiming on behalf of someone who died, you need a death certificate and proof that you are the legal heir.
Forms you may need:
- Claim Affirmation Form (generated from search results)
- Declaration Under Probate Code 13101 (for small estates)
- Table of Heirship (for heirs)
- Safe Deposit Box Property Release Form (if claiming box contents)
Mail paper claims to Chief, Unclaimed Property Division, P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873. You can also drop off claims in person at 10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. The controller will review your claim and send a check if it is approved. Your property is removed from the public search while the claim is being processed, so other people cannot see it or try to claim it.
For Los Angeles County excess proceeds or other county-held funds, you file directly with the county treasurer. The process and deadlines differ from the state system. Make sure you know which agency holds your property before you file.
Types of Unclaimed Property
Unclaimed property comes in many forms. The most common is a forgotten bank account. Checking and savings accounts become unclaimed when there is no activity for three years and the bank cannot reach you. This happens when people move and forget to update their address with the bank. Credit unions and certificates of deposit also turn into unclaimed property.
Paychecks are another big source. Employers must turn over uncashed paychecks after one year. A final check may get lost in the mail or sent to an old address. If you worked in Norwalk and moved without giving a forwarding address, your last check may be with the state now.
Insurance proceeds often go unclaimed. Life insurance pays out when someone dies, but beneficiaries may not know a policy exists. Health insurance refunds, auto insurance claim checks, and property insurance overpayments also end up as unclaimed property. Insurers must check the Death Master File under state law, but many policies still slip through.
Other types include:
- Stock dividends and mutual fund distributions
- Utility deposits from old accounts
- Escrow accounts and earnest money
- Court deposits and legal settlements
- Oil, gas, and mineral royalties
- Safe deposit box contents
- Matured savings bonds
Los Angeles County excess proceeds are unique. These funds come from tax-defaulted property sales. When the county auctions a property to collect back taxes, the sale price may exceed the tax debt. The leftover money goes to the former owner or lien holders. In areas like Norwalk where property values have risen, excess proceeds can be substantial. A home that was worth little years ago may now sell for tens of thousands more than the tax bill.
Contact Information
For state-held unclaimed property, contact the California State Controller's Unclaimed Property Division. Call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-992-4647 from anywhere in the United States. If you are outside the country, call (916) 323-2827. You can also reach the division by mail at P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873. The public counter is at 10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 for in-person visits.
| Agency | California State Controller - Unclaimed Property Division |
|---|---|
| Phone | (800) 992-4647 |
| Outside U.S. | (916) 323-2827 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873 |
| Public Counter | 10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 |
| Website | sco.ca.gov/search_upd.html |
For Los Angeles County unclaimed funds, contact the county treasurer at (213) 974-2111. The treasurer handles excess proceeds from tax sales and other county-held unclaimed money. You can also visit the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector website for more information and claim forms.
Other Unclaimed Money Resources
Beyond the state controller and county treasurer, other agencies may hold unclaimed funds for Norwalk residents. CalPERS holds unclaimed retirement benefits for state and local government employees. Search at the CalPERS unclaimed property page or call 1-888-225-7377. CalSTRS holds similar funds for teachers. Call 1-800-228-5453 or visit calstrs.com/unclaimed-property.
The California Franchise Tax Board holds unclaimed tax refunds. If a refund check was not cashed within six months, you need to request a new check. For refunds one to three years old, send a letter to the board. For refunds over three years old, you must file a Replacement Warrant Claim form. Call the board at 1-800-852-5711 for help with unclaimed tax refunds.
The Employment Development Department holds unclaimed unemployment and disability insurance benefits. If you have an uncashed check from EDD, file form DE 903SD to claim it. There is no filing fee. Call 1-800-300-5616 for unemployment insurance or 1-800-480-3287 for disability insurance.
The Department of Industrial Relations holds unpaid wages in the Unpaid Wage Fund. This fund was created in 1975 for wages that employers could not pay due to bankruptcy or other reasons. Call the toll-free line at 1-833-526-4636 for information about unclaimed wages.
For lost life insurance policies, use the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Life Insurance Policy Locator. Visit the NAIC policy locator service to search for policies nationwide. This is helpful if a family member died and you think there may be a life insurance policy but do not know which company issued it.
Los Angeles County Unclaimed Money
Norwalk is in Los Angeles County. The county holds unclaimed funds from tax sales and other sources. For more on county programs, how to file claims, and links to county resources, visit the Los Angeles County unclaimed money page.