Westminster Unclaimed Funds

Westminster residents can search for unclaimed money through the State Controller's Office and Orange 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 checks, and utility deposits. Orange County operates five types of unclaimed funds programs. 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 that have been waiting for years in Westminster.

Search State Unclaimed Property

Begin your search at ucpi.sco.ca.gov where the State Controller maintains all property turned over by banks, employers, insurers, and other holders. Enter 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 Westminster 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 paychecks, insurance 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 your current name and any former names. Search for deceased relatives because heirs can claim property. Business owners should search company names and any DBA names used in Westminster. The database goes back many years.

Orange County Unclaimed Funds

Westminster is in Orange County. The county treasurer maintains extensive unclaimed funds programs. Visit octreasurer.gov to search five different types of unclaimed property. Call 855-886-5400 with questions about county unclaimed funds.

The five Orange County unclaimed fund types are deceased estates, tax auction excess proceeds, landlord sales surplus, commercial landlord sales, and county unclaimed funds. Each type has its own claim process and documentation rules. If you see your name on a county list, contact the Orange County Treasurer to ask how to file a claim.

Tax sale excess proceeds happen when the county sells a property for more than the amount owed in back taxes and fees. The extra money goes into a holding account. Former owners or people with a legal interest in the property can claim these funds. This is a common source of unclaimed money for Westminster property owners who lost real estate to tax sales. The county publishes a notice before funds escheat to the county general fund, so check the list if you once owned property in Westminster.

Note: You can file claims directly with Orange County without paying fees to third parties.

How to File Claims

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

For mailed claims, download the Claim Affirmation Form from your search results. Fill it out and sign it. Send proof of identity like a driver's license copy. Include proof you owned the property. 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 needed:

• Photo ID from state or federal government
• Social Security card or proof of SSN
• Proof of address when property was lost
• Death certificate for deceased owner claims
• Probate documents for estates
• Marriage or divorce papers for name changes

Mail completed claims to Chief, Unclaimed Property Division, P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873. Simple claims process in 30 to 60 days. Complex claims take up to 180 days. Security claims usually process within 120 days. Call 1-800-992-4647 with questions.

Public Retirement Benefit Searches

Westminster residents who worked in public service 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 for 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 accounts. Visit calstrs.com for information. Call 800-228-5453 or 916-414-1099 with questions. If you taught in Westminster 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 Searches

Life insurance is a common source of unclaimed money. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners runs a free policy locator at eapps.naic.org. Enter information about a deceased person to see if any company has a policy.

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 send benefits to the State Controller. Call the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 for help finding a lost policy.

Many Westminster families find 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 Law

California unclaimed property law starts 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 Orange County has its own program.