CatchMyCash

Eligibility

Who can claim, and what you’ll need.

If California is holding money that was yours — or that belonged to someone whose estate you are entitled to — you can claim it. There is no deadline, and the state never charges to return it.

You can claim if you are

  • The person the property was reported under, including under a maiden name, former name or old address.
  • Heirs and beneficiaries of an owner who has died, and the representative of their estate.
  • A business or organization, through someone authorized to act for it.
  • Each owner of jointly held property.

What the state asks you to prove

  1. 01That you are who you say you are — a government-issued photo ID.
  2. 02That you are connected to the property — usually an address you lived at when it was reported, or documents showing your relationship to the owner.

Every claim needs both. What counts as proof depends on who is claiming — the claim types page lists the usual documents for each.

Which claim fits you

ClaimWhen it appliesTypical timing
Owner claimYou are the person named on the property.Cash-only owner claims are often processed in 30 to 60 days once the state has a complete package.
Heir or beneficiary claimThe owner has died and you are entitled to their property — as an heir, a beneficiary or the estate’s representative.Usually runs closer to the state’s full 180-day review window.
Business claimThe property belongs to a company, partnership or other organization and you are authorized to act for it.Usually runs closer to the state’s full 180-day review window.
Multiple-owner claimThe property is held jointly, such as a joint bank account.Depends on the property type; every owner’s paperwork has to be complete before the state decides.

What we can’t claim

  • We file claims for property reported to the State of California. Money held by another state has to be claimed through that state’s program.
  • Property that has already been paid out by the state cannot be claimed again.

You never need us to claim

You never need a service to claim from California: you can search and file yourself, free, with the State Controller’s Office. We exist for people who would rather hand the paperwork, the follow-up and the waiting to someone else.

Search the State Controller’s records directly

Rather we handled it?

Search free, and if we find something we file the claim and follow it to payout — 10% only if you get paid.

Start your free searchHow it works