State Treasurer Curtis Loftis
Over the past few months, South Carolinians have been busy searching for financial relief anywhere they can find it. In addition to those who have welcomed tax refunds and stimulus checks, some people have been busy searching their sofa cushions, playing the lottery and even raiding their piggy banks to find some extra cash. For many, however, there is a much quicker and easier way.
The State Treasurer’s Office has over $650 million in unclaimed property, and some of these funds may belong to you or someone you know. South Carolina citizens, businesses, schools, charities, and other organizations all have unclaimed property.
“At a time when so many people are looking for additional resources, it’s good to remind our citizens about the Unclaimed Property Program and encourage them to check their names,” said State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, who administers the program.
Unclaimed property comes from a variety of sources: unpaid wages, forgotten utility deposits, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, uncashed checks, dormant bank accounts and more. Companies, government agencies and others are required annually to report these funds to the State Treasurer’s Office when they are unable to locate the rightful owners.
The state safeguards that money until the owners can be found, and the money is returned, often in a matter of just a few weeks after claims are made. The service is free, and there is no time limit to claim your money.
The process is easy and can be completed online. Simply visit the State Treasurer’s website – treasurer.sc.gov and click on the Unclaimed Property link to search for your name. If it comes up with your name at your current address, or if you’ve moved, a previous address, click to claim it.
And remember, this is a free service. If you find yourself on a website that asks for a credit card or is trying to charge you a fee to find your money, you’re in the wrong place.
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