California government code sections 50050 et seq. states that unclaimed monies of $15.00 or more, that are three years or older, will become the property of the City if not claimed within 45 days of the first publication in a local newspaper.  Unclaimed monies that are under $15.00, will become property of the City if not claimed within one year of the original payment date, without needing to be published in a local newspaper.

 How to Request Unclaimed Monies

Step One:

Review the Notice of Unclaimed Checks List to see if you have any unclaimed monies that are eligible to be claimed.  This list is updated monthly.

Step Two:

Gather required documentation to be submitted with your claim.

Required documentation for proof of identity and ownership:

• Claims for an Individual - Government issued identification (driver's license, passport, etc.).

• Claims for Businesses - W-9 and a letter of authorization on business/agency letterhead with the names of officers authorized to sign and claim unclaimed property on behalf of the business/agency. If the business was merged with another, please provide a copy of the merger agreement.  In the even that the business has been dissolved, please provide the articles of dissolution.

• Claims for Heirs - Copy of death certificate and proof of ownership, such as a copy of the trust confirming beneficiary status.

Step Three:

Fill out the Unclaimed Monies Form, have the form notarized if the dollar amount is $1000 or more, and submit your claim.

• Claims under $1,000 do not need to be notarized and can be submitted online. Please click here to submit an online claim
• Claims $1,000 or more need to be notarized and will need to be submitted via email, mail, or in person. Please click here to download the claim form.

Once the Unclaimed Monies Form is complete with signatures and notary, if applicable, please submit your claim and all required documentation online or to one of the options below:

• Email: unclaimedmonies@chulavistaca.gov
• Mail: City of Chula Vista Finance Department Attn: Unclaimed Monies 276 Fourth Ave Chula Vista, CA 91910
• In Person: City of Chula Vista Finance Department, Building A 276 Fourth Ave Chula Vista, CA 91910

During the review process, additional information or documents may be requested for proof of identity or ownership.  If the claim is approved, a stop payment will be placed on the original check and a new check will be issued.  Notice of claim approval/denial will be sent to the email address provided on the claim form.  Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing once the claim has been approved.

If you have any questions regarding your claim or the claim process, please email unclaimedmonies@chulavistaca.gov or call the City of Chula Vista Finance Department at (619) 691-5250, option 0.

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