Stockton Unclaimed Property Search

Stockton residents can search for unclaimed money through the State Controller's Office and San Joaquin County at no charge. The state holds billions in lost property that businesses turned over after losing contact with owners. This includes bank accounts, stock dividends, insurance refunds, uncashed paychecks, and utility deposits. San Joaquin County maintains records of unclaimed tax refunds and other funds. Both systems are free to use and let you file claims directly without hiring anyone. There is no deadline to claim property once it reaches the state database. Most searches take just minutes online and can help you recover funds waiting for years in Stockton.

California State Controller Database

Start your search at ucpi.sco.ca.gov where the State Controller maintains all property turned over by banks, employers, insurers, and other holders. Type your name or business name to search. Results show the property type, who reported it, and when it was sent to the state. You can see estimated values for most items.

There is no fee to search or file a claim. There is no time limit once property reaches the state. If you lived in Stockton when a business lost contact with you, your funds may be listed under this city. The state holds your property until you claim it.

Common types include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares, uncashed payroll checks, insurance policy proceeds, utility deposits, and safe deposit box contents. Most property escheats after three years with no owner contact. Wages and salaries escheat after one year. Money orders need seven years. Travelers checks require fifteen years before going to the state.

Search not just your current name but also former names from marriage or divorce. Search for deceased relatives because heirs can claim property. Business owners should search company names and any DBA names used in Stockton. The database goes back many years, so you might find property from decades ago.

San Joaquin County Resources

Stockton is in San Joaquin County. The county treasurer maintains unclaimed tax refunds and other funds. Visit sjgov.org to learn about county unclaimed property. Call 209-468-2133 with questions.

San Joaquin County holds money in the Unclaimed Tax Refunds Fund. The county declares monies held in this fund and publishes notice under Government Code Section 50050. Property tax refunds from overpayments stay with the county. Estates without heirs end up in county hands. Tax sale surplus funds are held when property sells for more than what is owed.

The county must hold funds for three years and publish notice before escheating them to the general fund. Check both the county and state databases when searching for unclaimed money in Stockton. Some funds go to the county while others go to the state depending on the source. Always search both systems to make sure you find all property that belongs to you.

Filing Claims from Stockton

When you find property in the state database, visit sco.ca.gov to file a claim. Search for your property and select it from the results. The website tells you if you can file online or need to mail documents. Many simple claims qualify for electronic filing through the state portal.

For mailed claims, download the Claim Affirmation Form from your search results. Fill it out completely and sign it. Send proof of identity like a copy of your driver's license. Include proof you owned the property or have the right to claim it. Get your signature notarized if the claim is $1,000 or more. All securities and safe deposit box claims need notarization regardless of value.

Documents commonly needed:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card or SSN verification
• Proof of address when property was lost
• Death certificate for deceased owner claims
• Probate documents for estate claims
• Marriage or divorce papers for name changes

Mail completed claims to Chief, Unclaimed Property Division, P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873. Simple cash claims process in 30 to 60 days. Complex claims with heirs take up to 180 days. Security claims usually process within 120 days. Visit the public counter at 10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141, Rancho Cordova for help. Call 1-800-992-4647 with questions about the process.

Note: You do not need to hire anyone to file claims from Stockton.

Public Employee Retirement Searches

Stockton residents who worked for public agencies should check CalPERS and CalSTRS for unclaimed retirement benefits. These systems maintain databases separate from the State Controller. CalPERS covers most public employees. CalSTRS covers teachers and school staff.

Search CalPERS at calpers.ca.gov. If you find a match, call 888-225-7377 to get a claim form. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can write to CalPERS Member Account Management Division, P.O. Box 942704, Sacramento, CA 94229-2704.

CalSTRS handles teacher retirement accounts. Visit calstrs.com for information. Call 800-228-5453 or 916-414-1099 with questions. Teachers who left education without claiming contributions often have unclaimed CalSTRS funds. If you taught in Stockton schools and left before retirement, check CalSTRS.

Unclaimed retirement accounts happen when public employees change careers and forget to withdraw contributions. Survivor benefits go unclaimed when family does not know about them. Search both systems if you or a relative worked in public service.

Life Insurance Policy Locator

Life insurance benefits are a major source of unclaimed money. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners runs a free policy locator at eapps.naic.org. Enter information about a deceased family member to see if any company has a policy. This service checks with insurers nationwide.

California requires insurers to search the Social Security Death Master File for deceased policyholders. Insurance Code Section 10509.940 through 946 sets these rules. If an insurer cannot find the beneficiary, they must send benefits to the State Controller. Call the California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-927-4357 for help finding a lost policy.

Many Stockton families discover life insurance years after a death. The deceased may have had a work policy that family forgot about. Policies purchased long ago get lost in moves or estate settlement. Always search both the state unclaimed property database and the NAIC locator if a relative died and might have had coverage.

California Unclaimed Property Statutes

California unclaimed property law begins at Code of Civil Procedure Section 1500. CCP Section 1501 defines owner, holder, and apparent owner.

CCP Section 1513 sets dormancy periods. Bank deposits escheat after three years. Wages escheat after one year. Money orders take seven years. Travelers checks take fifteen years. CCP Section 1530 requires holders to file annual reports.

CCP Section 1540 covers claims. The Controller must decide within 180 days. No interest is paid. CCP Section 1576 sets penalties. Willful violations are a misdemeanor. Late delivery triggers 12 percent interest.

Government Code Section 50050 through 50057 governs local agency unclaimed money. This is why San Joaquin County has its own program.