Search Orange Unclaimed Funds
Orange residents can find unclaimed money through the California State Controller and Orange County. The state holds billions in lost property from banks, employers, and insurance companies. Orange County runs five separate unclaimed fund programs including deceased estates, tax auction excess proceeds, landlord sales surplus, commercial landlord sales, and general county unclaimed funds. You should search both state and county sources because different types of property end up at different agencies. The search is free and takes just a few minutes. Many people in Orange have unclaimed funds waiting and do not know it until they search. Common sources include old bank accounts, final paychecks, utility deposits, insurance payments, and stock dividends.
Orange 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. For most bank accounts, this period is three years of no activity. 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 are set out in Code of Civil Procedure section 1513.
You can search for your unclaimed property at the state controller's property search database. The search is free. Enter your name or business name to see if the state is holding funds for you. The database shows the property type, the reporting business, and an estimated value. Many claims can be filed online if you meet the requirements.
There is no deadline for claiming property once it reaches the state. You can file a claim years or decades after the property was reported. If you lived or worked in Orange at any time, even if you moved away, you may have money waiting under your name. The state holds it for you until you claim it.
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 receive 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.
Note: There is no fee associated with claiming property from the state controller.
Orange County Unclaimed Funds Programs
Orange is in Orange County. The county runs extensive unclaimed property programs with five distinct types of funds. These are deceased estates, tax auction excess proceeds, landlord sales surplus, commercial landlord sales, and general county unclaimed funds. Each type has its own claim process and requirements. You can search all five types on the Orange County Treasurer unclaimed funds portal.
Deceased estates are funds from people who died without known heirs. When someone dies in Orange County without a will and no heirs can be found, the estate goes to the county treasurer. The treasurer holds the funds and waits for legal heirs to come forward. If you think you may be an heir to an estate in Orange County, you can search the deceased estates list and file a claim.
Tax auction excess proceeds come from property sales. When the county sells property to collect back taxes, any money left over after paying the tax debt goes into a trust. Former property owners and lien holders can file claims for these excess proceeds. This can be a substantial amount if the property sold for much more than the tax debt.
Landlord sales surplus and commercial landlord sales surplus are funds from eviction sales. When a landlord sells a tenant's belongings to recover unpaid rent, any money left over after paying the debt must go to the tenant. If the tenant cannot be found, the surplus goes to the county. Both residential and commercial landlord sales are included.
County unclaimed funds include uncashed checks from county departments, overpayments, and deposits that were never claimed. Under Government Code sections 50050 to 50057, the county must hold these funds for three years before they can escheat to the general fund. During this time, you can file a claim.
You can call the Orange County Treasurer at 855-886-5400 for help with any type of county unclaimed funds. There is no fee to claim your own money from the county.
Filing Claims for Unclaimed Property
The claim process depends on which agency holds your property. For state-held property, start by searching 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 filing is faster and you get updates by email.
You must prove you are the rightful owner. The type of proof depends on the property and the amount. 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. All claims for securities and safe deposit box contents must be notarized regardless of value.
If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased person, you need a death certificate and proof that you are the legal heir. For small estates valued under $166,250, you can file a Declaration Under Probate Code 13101. For larger estates, you may need to go through probate court. Business claims require articles of incorporation or other business documents.
Forms you may need include:
- Claim Affirmation Form (generated from search results)
- Declaration Under Probate Code 13101 (for small estates)
- Table of Heirship (for multiple heirs)
- Safe Deposit Box Property Release Form (if claiming box contents)
Mail completed 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.
For Orange County unclaimed funds, visit the county treasurer's unclaimed funds portal to search and file claims. Each type of fund has its own claim form and requirements. Call 855-886-5400 for help with county claims.
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 the owner. 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.
Uncashed paychecks are another big source. Employers must turn over paychecks after one year if they cannot locate the employee. A final check may get lost in the mail or sent to an old address. If you worked in Orange 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 common types include:
- Stock dividends and mutual fund distributions
- Utility deposits from closed accounts
- Escrow accounts and earnest money
- Court deposits and legal settlements
- Oil, gas, and mineral royalties
- Safe deposit box contents
- Matured savings bonds
Orange County has unique types of unclaimed property. Deceased estates can include bank accounts, real property proceeds, and personal property from people who died without known heirs. Tax auction excess proceeds come from property sales where the sale price exceeded the tax debt. Landlord sales surplus comes from eviction sales where the tenant's belongings were sold for more than the unpaid rent.
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. Outside the country, call (916) 323-2827. Mail claims to 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.
| State Controller | California State Controller - Unclaimed Property Division |
|---|---|
| Phone | (800) 992-4647 |
| Outside U.S. | (916) 323-2827 |
| Website | sco.ca.gov/search_upd.html |
For Orange County unclaimed funds, call 855-886-5400 or visit the county treasurer's unclaimed funds portal for more information and claim forms.
Other Unclaimed Money Resources
Beyond the state controller and county treasurer, other agencies may hold unclaimed funds for Orange 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.
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.
Orange County Unclaimed Money
Orange is in Orange County. The county runs five distinct unclaimed fund programs. For more on county programs, claim procedures, and contact information, visit the Orange County unclaimed money page.