Texas is currently holding about $10 billion in unclaimed cash and valuables, according to the Texas Comptroller. The agency estimates that one in four residents has property waiting to be claimed. Unclaimed property can include items such as checks, stocks, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, mineral interest payments, dormant bank accounts, and abandoned safe deposit box contents.
The Comptroller’s office receives these assets from financial institutions, businesses, and government entities when the owners cannot be located after a certain period of inactivity. The state acts as a custodian for these assets but does not take legal ownership. There is no deadline for filing a claim.
In recent years, efforts have been made to raise awareness about unclaimed property. In fiscal year 2024, the agency paid out a record $422 million in claims. Since the program began, more than $5 billion has been returned to rightful owners.
To simplify the process of claiming property, new features have been added to the Comptroller’s website. The site is updated regularly with new listings. Residents are encouraged to check if they have unclaimed property by visiting Texas Unclaimed Property or calling 800-321-2274 (CASH).
“If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603),” said State Representative Todd Hunter.
Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County in District 32 and offers constituent services for local residents through his offices in Austin and Corpus Christi (official website). He also sponsors legislation and participates in committee work on state issues (official website). Hunter chairs the House Committee on State Affairs and serves on the House Committee on Calendars (official website).
For further assistance or inquiries about state agencies or constituent services, Hunter can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or by phone at his Austin or Corpus Christi offices.