Californians Could Be Owed Cash: How to Claim Your Unclaimed Assets in 2026

Californians could be sitting on cash they don't know about. 

The California State Controller's Office is sending letters to approximately 130,000 people who may be owed money through the state's Unclaimed Property Program.

State Controller Malia Cohen announced this second round of alerts, using data matching with the Franchise Tax Board to identify rightful owners.

Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets

 

What Is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property includes forgotten or inactive assets such as:

• Dormant bank accounts (no activity for 3+ years)

• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, payments)

• Insurance proceeds (life insurance, policy refunds)

• Stocks & dividends (forgotten brokerage accounts)

• Utility deposits (electricity, water, gas refunds)

These funds belong to you, not the state. California holds them safely until you claim them.

There are assistance programs designed to help you. See what you’re eligible for here!
 

 

What to Do If You Receive a Letter

If you get one of these letters, follow these simple steps:

Step	Action
1	Review the notice and verify your information
2	Visit the unique URL on the letter
3	Enter your individualized claim code
4	Confirm ownership online
5	Receive your check in about 2 weeks

The process is free, secure, and legitimate. Controller Cohen confirmed: "These funds belong to Californians, not the state."
 

Search Even Without a Letter

You don't need to wait for a letter. Anyone can search for free at: claimit.ca.gov

Search Tips:

• Use your current and previous names (maiden name, married name)

• Search using old addresses where you lived

• Check for family members who may have passed away

• Search for your business name if you own a company

 

Is It Legitimate? Yes

Do This	Avoid This
Use only claimit.ca.gov	Don't pay third-party fees
Verify the letter has a claim code	Don't call unknown phone numbers
Check URL starts with "claimit.ca.gov"	Don't rush, verify first

 

Quick FAQ

Q: Is claiming free?
A: Yes. The official state website is completely free.

Q: How long to get money?
A: About 2 weeks after approval.

Q: What if I didn't get a letter?
A: Still search at claimit.ca.gov—many people have unclaimed property without receiving notice.

Q: Can I claim for someone else?
A: Yes, with proof of authority (power of attorney, executor papers, guardianship documents).

 

Why This Matters in 2026

In uncertain economic times, unclaimed assets could provide:

• Emergency funds

• Debt relief

• Home repair money

• Retirement savings

For the 130,000 Californians receiving letters, this could mean hundreds or thousands of dollars they didn't know they had.

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Don't miss out on money that's rightfully yours. Let us help you quickly search for unclaimed assets.

Start your free search now and see if you're owed a financial surprise!