S.C. Treasurer Curtis Loftis announces return of $38 million in unclaimed funds to South Carolinians

State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced today that his office returned more $38 million in unclaimed property for the fiscal year that ended June 30th. Staff returned more than 73,000 properties to individuals, businesses and other organizations with monies due to them.

Since taking office in 2011, Treasurer Loftis has returned over $365 million in unclaimed funds, almost three times more than all previous state treasurers combined.

“I continue to be humbled by the calls and letters of gratitude I receive from people who have found money they didn’t know belonged to them,” explained Treasurer Loftis. “Whether it’s helping them replace a leaky roof or a broken HVAC unit that they didn’t have the funds to repair or providing some extra cash that could be used for a vacation, child’s education, wedding or other milestone, unclaimed property can make a positive impact in our citizens’ everyday lives. That’s why I am so passionate about encouraging people to check their names on our website to claim what rightfully belongs to them.”

Millions of dollars are transferred to the Unclaimed Property Program annually by businesses that cannot locate the rightful owners. The State Treasurer’s Office acts as custodian of those funds until those owners can be located. Currently, the State Treasurer’s Office has almost one billion dollars in unclaimed property for individuals, businesses and organizations across the state.

To see if there is any unclaimed property waiting for you, your family or business, visit treasurer.sc.gov to begin your search.

Editor’s Note:

When funds are returned to people, they are asked to complete a brief survey where they can share feedback on their customer service experience as well as how these funds may have helped them. Below is a sampling of some responses we’ve recently received that you are welcome to share in your reporting:

• My late grandfather apparently owned a small amount of stock that was overlooked during the probate process. My grandfather is still giving to his family just like he did for the entire time that we had him. He was such a great man, and we appreciate his final gift to us! – William from Greenwood, SC
• I saw this on Facebook and thought wow I should see if I have unclaimed money!! I did!! I called all my cousins to have them check, they did as well!! Thanks so much for an unexpected payday!!  – Jolena from Columbia, SC
• I am a 67-year-old heart attack survivor supported by my social security benefits. The money you found will allow us to get some new clothes and new blankets for the approaching winter. I am very grateful to everyone there working for the people of South Carolina through your agency. More than grateful really, but that is the only word I can think of now. – Bruce from Cayce, SC
• This property belongs to my mother-in-law who is in a nursing home. My father-in-law, a 27+ year Air Force veteran, died in 2017, and she never quite completed probate.  She has a slight case of dementia causing the information to be non-existent or incomplete.  Thank you, South Carolina, for the assistance in capturing her assets for her use.  – Jeffrey from Rock Hill, SC
• It turns out that my funds resulted from my separation from the Army 51 years ago. Without your program, I would have never known.  Thanks!  Paul from Conway
• I got $1300 and that is a good chunk of change!  The State Treasurer’s Office reached out to me about this.  I had no idea!  – Jacquelyn from Mt. Pleasant, SC
• I signed as co-owner on a house with my daughter. Years later she sold it and this money was a result of that. She has since passed away and I am now able to share the funds with one of her children, who is now married and pregnant, and just starting out in their lives. – Karen from Summerville, SC
• I really needed some new tires for the car but didn’t have the cash to afford them. I put it in God’s hands, and he answered my prayers. Thank you for getting the money to me fast. Rhonda from Anderson, SC