>>Unclaimed Funds

The Franklin County Auditor's Office serves as trustee of the County's unclaimed funds and wages accounts, and processes valid claims upon receipt of a notarized claim form.  Click here to search the unclaimed funds data base.

  
§ 9.39. Liability for public moneys received; unclaimed funds.

Unclaimed Funds Search

Claim Form

Guidelines for Professional Finders

  
Q. WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF THE UNCLAIMED FUNDS HELD BY THE COUNTY AUDITOR?

A. Funds held in the County Unclaimed Funds account are:

• Vendor payments

• Child Support Payment

• Lost Heir Accounts

• Proceeds from Sheriff’s Sales

• Restitution Payments

• Jury/Witness Fees

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Q. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I MAY HAVE UNCLAIMED FUNDS?

A. Write to the Franklin County Auditor, Attn: Unclaimed Funds, 373 South High St, 21st Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.  Provide your current name and initials, along with any prior names you have used, such as maiden names or you can click here to search for unclaimed funds online.  If you find accounts belonging to you or someone you know, you can either print the claim form, complete it and return it to us at the above address for processing or, if you are unable to print the form, you can submit the information to us online and we will mail a claim form to you.

Q. WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR MAKING A CLAIM?

• A claim form must be completed, signed and notarized.  If there are multiply claims, a form needs to be completed for each dollar amount.  Mail (do no fax) the form(s) to: 

Franklin County Auditor
ATTN: Unclaimed Funds
373 S. High St., 21st Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6310.

• All claims must have the proper proof of claim.

• Once the claim form is received in our office, processing takes approximately 10 business days.  Many claims require authorization to pay from the originating agency; this may take a little longer.  
  

• If the funds are from a lost heir account, the claim does not come to this office.  You will need to contact the Franklin County Probate Court at (614) 462-3894 for procedures on how to claim these funds..
  

Q. WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF PROOF OF CLAIM?

A. 

• A clear photocopy of a document with the original owner’s name and Social Security number on it, such as the Social Security card, driver’s license or State of Ohio ID  REQUIRED FOR ALL CLAIMS (NOTE:  The Social Security number will be held in the strictest confidence and used only to establish rightful ownership of the unclaimed funds.)
  

• The original check(s) IF AVAILABLE. 
  

• If the owner of the funds is a business, please provide documentation which shows the Tax ID number along with documentation proving the individual signing the form is an authorized agent of said business. 
   

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Q. IF I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER, OR THE OWNER IS DECEASED, HOW DO I PROVE THE CLAIM?

A. First, you must show that the account belonged to the original owner (see #1 proof of claim). Second, you must prove that you are the rightful recipient of the funds, and you are legally entitled to claim these funds for the owner, such as if the owner is incapacitated or deceased. If the owner is incapacitated,  proper documentation from the Court to show a guardianship, custodial, or Power of Attorney relationship, and a court order, or permission from the guardian or custodian is required.

If the original owner is deceased, a copy of the death certificate and letter of authority naming the executor of the estate is required.  We will not pay a claim based solely upon a will or death certificate.  If a professional finder is claiming the funds, a Power of Attorney signed by the executor is also required.  (NOTE:  The Franklin County Auditor’s Office reserves the right to contact the original payee directly to confirm a Power of Attorney

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Q. WILL I BE ENTITLED TO INTEREST?

A. Interest is not paid on any account.

Q. WILL I BE CHARGED A FEE?

A. The Franklin County Auditor’s Office does not charge a fee to claim funds.  If you have contracted with a professional finder to claim your funds, you may be subject to pay a fee to them according to your contract.

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Q. WHERE CAN I FIND A NOTARY?

A. A Notary Public can be found at your local bank, city and county offices, police and sheriff's departments, most attorneys.

Q. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY FUNDS?

A. Once the claim form is received in our office, processing takes approximately 10 business days.  Most claims require authorization to pay from the originating agency and may take a little longer.

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Q. WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL FINDER?

A. A professional finder is someone who is in the business of trying to find the owners of unclaimed funds. You do not have to use a finder to file a claim.   

Q. IF I USE A PROFESSIONAL FINDER TO CLAIM MY FUNDS, WHERE WILL THE CHECK BE MAILED?

A. The check is issued in the name of the professional finder and the owner of the funds.  The check is then mailed to the professional finder.  

The Franklin County Auditor’s Office does not hire professional finders or any other third party to help locate the owner of unclaimed funds.

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