The Unclaimed Property Section manages programs relating to unclaimed property. Staff members audit businesses and organizations for compliance with state unclaimed property laws. The goal of the section is to reunite as many people as possible with their money or possessions.
Property becomes unclaimed if the owner can´t be contacted by the holder of the asset within a specified period of time. Examples of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, uncashed payroll or dividend checks or safe deposit box contents.
Unclaimed money is held in trust forever. Interest earnings benefit Oregon´s K-12 school children, along with other income earned by the department, through the Common School Fund.
