{"id":1,"date":"2026-05-15T13:41:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T17:41:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/?p=1"},"modified":"2026-06-15T14:28:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T18:28:57","slug":"free-to-claim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/2026\/05\/15\/free-to-claim\/","title":{"rendered":"Free to Claim"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Free to Search! Free to Claim <\/span>(usually) <\/span>!<\/span><\/h3>\n

Www.SaveMoney.ca<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0exists to put money in your pocket and keep it there. Ergo, our inaugural article presents the definitive guide to locating and reclaiming money and assets you may have forgotten about.<\/p>\n

Most people doubt that they could have ever left behind cash or assets that they own. But the amount of forgotten funds in Canada is staggering, with billions of dollars at stake. British Columbians alone manage to misplace more than $15 million every year.<\/p>\n

Pre-Search Preparation<\/span><\/h4>\n

Most of these databases require only a surname for a thorough search, but if you have a common last name, your task will be much more challenging. Prepare a list of names that might net you some cash. Start with your own moniker, and include any others you may have used previously. Be sure to include common misspellings of your name. This could be how the money got lost in the first place.<\/p>\n

Add your mother\u2019s birth name to the list. After that, searching for funds belonging to your friends and family could make you a very popular person.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1781548052938{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #EEEE2245 !important;border-radius: 35px !important;border-color: #000000 !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Consumer Caution<\/strong><\/p>\n

Be very wary if you receive unsolicited news that there is forgotten money in your name. This is an area which is subject to fraud.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1781548063347{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #EEEE2245 !important;border-radius: 35px !important;border-color: #000000 !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Dormant Account Fees<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most financial institutions now charge \u201cdormant account fees\u201d when there have been no transactions for two years. These fees will gobble up all the funds in the account, preventing them from being forwarded to authorities for possible recovery by their rightful owners.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1781210649089{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-radius: 35px !important;border-color: #000000 !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Collecting Your Cash<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

If the money is in your name, it is relatively easy to collect by supplying proper identification. Things get more complicated if you are trying to collect funds under someone else\u2019s name. In this case, you must produce extensive, certified documentation to prove you are the \u201cright-holder\u201d of the funds.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1781211070461{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;border-radius: 35px !important;border-color: #000000 !important;}” el_class=”tidbit”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1781548075935{background-color: #EEEE2245 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1781548135456{background-color: #FFFFFF00 !important;border-radius: 35px !important;border-color: #000000 !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Certified copies, usually prepared by a Notary Public or lawyer, can cost $30 and up. \u00a0However, the constituency office of your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) will certify copies for free. Please phone ahead.<\/p>\n

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\n\n\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\tFor British Columbia<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\tor<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFor Alberta<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1781211143129{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-radius: 35px !important;border-color: #000000 !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Federal Forgotten Funds<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Canadian Financial Institutions are required by the Bank Act to transfer all Canadian and US currency accounts that have been dormant for 10 years to the Bank of Canada.<\/p>\n

The Bank of Canada\u2019s Unclaimed Property Office safeguards these proceeds. Their repository currently has $1,267,904,983.02, with the most lucrative account holding $917,365.<\/p>\n

Of the more than 2.5 million accounts, one dates back to 1859. Accounts containing less than $1,000 are held for 30 years. Accounts with more than $1,000 are held for 100 years before being transferred to the Receiver General of Canada.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Search Federally” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fsavemoney.ca%2FUNCLAIMED%2520CASH%2520(AutoRecovered).doc”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1781211303863{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-radius: 35px !important;border-color: #000000 !important;}”]<\/p>\n

The Bank of Canada also tracks unclaimed savings bonds. There is no database to check, but you can call toll-free 1 833 876-2267 to see if any uncashed Canadian savings bonds are yours. It is helpful if you have information about any bonds in question, such as their serial numbers.<\/p>\n

Forgotten Canada Revenue Agency Funds<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

The CRA is trying to reunite\u00a0$1.4 billion<\/strong>\u00a0with its proper owners. Since 1998, the CRA has issued more than 1.9 million refund cheques that remain uncashed. The average amount is about $160, and the funds never expire.<\/p>\n

To check for forgotten funds, sign up for a \u201cMy Account\u201d with the CRA. Ensure that your contact and banking information, as well as any name change information, are up to date so you don\u2019t lose any more money.<\/p>\n

Once in the CRA portal, click \u201cRelated Services\u201d, then \u201cUncashed Cheques.\u201d As always, if the money is in your name, it is quick and easy to collect. Finding and collecting the cash is more complicated if the funds are in someone else\u2019s name, as you must provide extensive official documentation.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Search CRA” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canada.ca%2Fen%2Frevenue-agency%2Fservices%2Funcashed-cheque.html”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Forgotten Insurance Funds<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Locating forgotten insurance policy funds is challenging, as these companies frequently change names and transfer policies to other companies. You are best off dealing with the proper authorities to find and claim lost insurance proceeds. The process is more efficient if you can locate proof of a policy.<\/p>\n

The OmbudService for Life and Health Insurance (OLHI), comprised of 99 percent of insurance companies as members, charges no fees. They can assist you in locating your loved ones\u2019 insurance proceeds, but doing your research beforehand will be helpful. The OLHI provides detailed information to help you locate life and health insurance policies.<\/p>\n

They also provide an alternative dispute resolution service if you have any issues with insurance providers.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Find Insurance Funds” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Folhi.ca%2Fhow-to-find-if-a-life-insurance-policy-exists-for-a-deceased-person%2F”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Provincial Forgotten Fund Databases<\/span><\/h4>\n

Only six provinces in Canada have enacted unclaimed property legislation: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Qu\u00e9bec and New Brunswick.
\nApparently, the governments of the other provinces and territories are pocketing your money and allowing others to do the same.<\/p>\n

Forgotten Funds in B.C.<\/span><\/h4>\n

The British Columbia Unclaimed Property Society, often referred to as \u201cB-Cups,\u201d is currently holding more than $222 million, including one account worth $1.9
\nmillion, that British Columbians have forgotten about. We hope some of it will end up in your pocket.<\/p>\n

Government bodies, financial organizations and private businesses must try to locate the rightful owners of forgotten funds. When they cannot, the funds are
\ntransferred to B-Cups for safekeeping. There is no deadline for claiming the funds.<\/p>\n

The administration of B-Cups was transferred from the provincial government in 2003 to the charitable Vancouver Foundation. They scoop up \u201cexcess unclaimed funds,\u201d such as proceeds from closed accounts and bank interest on the hundreds
\nof millions it holds.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Search Unclaimed Money In BC” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bcunclaimed.ca%2Fsearch|title:Search%20For%20Unclaimed%20Money%20in%20BC”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Bonus for B.C. Residents<\/span><\/h4>\n

It would be sweet to get money back from the Insurance Corporation of B.C. rather than hand it over.<\/p>\n

ICBC maintains a database, created in July 2000, of cheques worth at least $50which remain uncashed. safekeeping. Information is updated annually[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Bonus For BC” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.icbc.com%2Funclaimed-funds”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Forgotten Funds in Alberta<\/span><\/h4>\n

Alberta\u2019s Unclaimed Property Registry (established in 2008) holds an estimated $142 million that Albertans have forgotten about. Of the 334,000 accounts, one holds almost $900,000 in uncashed dividends.<\/p>\n

Businesses and government agencies with more than $250 in unpaid wages, interest, dividends, scholarships, utility refunds, or insurance proceeds must make every effort to contact the owners. When they cannot, the funds must be transferred to the Tax and Revenue Administration for safekeeping.<\/p>\n

There are time limits on collecting your money in Alberta. For example, unpaid wages must be claimed within a year, but you have 15 years to collect for traveller\u2019s cheques. After that, the money goes into the government\u2019s general revenue.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Search Unclaimed Money Alberta” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Funclaimedproperty.alberta.ca%2FpublicTracs%2FsearchUnclaimedProperty.do%3Fevent%3Di”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Forgotten Funds in Saskatchewan<\/span><\/h4>\n

Saskatchewan\u2019s forgotten funds database contains only the proceeds from inactive credit union accounts and is administered by the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation.<\/p>\n

The balances are transferred to the Corporation when accounts have remained dormant for two years. The credit unions seize all funds in accounts with balances under $50, but if an account holds between $50 and $5,000, it is kept in a \u201cspecial reserve fund.\u201d Amounts exceeding $5,000 are transferred to the
\nCorporation for safekeeping.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Search For Unclaimed Funds Saskatchewan” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cudgc.sk.ca%2Funclaimed-balances”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Forgotten Funds in Ontario<\/span><\/h4>\n

A ton of unclaimed funds have been disappearing in Ontario because the government lacks unclaimed funds legislation, a database, and even an office. However, the Law Society of Ontario holds money under the \u201cCollection and Debt Settlement Services Act.\u201d Monies remaining after a lawyer or paralegal has completed a case are transferred to the Society when the proper owners cannot be located.<\/p>\n

There is no database, but people can file an application form online to check for funds.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Search For Unclaimed Fund Ontario” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flsoconnects-requests.lso.ca%2Fen-US%2Futf-inquiry%2F”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Forgotten Funds in Qu\u00e9bec<\/span><\/h4>\n

Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s Register of Unclaimed Property holds forgotten money related to bank\u00a0 accounts, pensions and insurance policies, as well as the proceeds from the sale of land or other property. But their limited database only shows assets received in cash.<\/p>\n

Revenu Qu\u00e9bec treats unclaimed assets, currently at almost $660 million, held in more than 500,000 accounts, very differently from other provinces and has received a barrage of criticism from advocates.<\/p>\n

There are time limits on your ability to collect your money. You also have just 10 years from the date the funds were submitted to the Minister of Finance for any financial product or other asset that is valued at less than $500. If the sum exceeds $500, you have 30 years to collect. In cases of an inheritance, you have 10 years from the date of death.<\/p>\n

If you fail to claim your money in time, it is deposited into the Generations Fund\u201cfor the benefit of all\u201d and used to pay down provincial debt. If an account lacks the price of government fees and taxes, it is simply unreported. And unlike every other forgotten fund database that SaveMoney.ca has encountered, Qu\u00e9bec charges people to recover their own money.<\/p>\n

Currently, reclamation funds are first subject to a 10 percent fee on the property value (from a minimum of $59 and a maximum of $1,186). Also, it will cost you $396 to collect assets from a safe deposit box or bank account. If the property has been liquidated, you must pay an additional fee of between 10 and 15 percent.<\/p>\n

If you are making a claim on the proceeds of a forgotten estate, the application fee alone is $1,602. If successful, you will also be charged a handover fee of $1,186. If the estate has been liquidated, you are looking at an additional 10 to 15 percent. You could also be faced with GST and Qu\u00e9bec sales tax fees. Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s Register of Unclaimed Property also faces criticism from advocates who say that the government\u2019s efforts to locate property owners are seriously lacking.<\/p>\n

SaveMoney.ca encountered problems with this office. They steadfastly refused to answer any questions regarding their operations. Further, email inquiries written in English received responses in French.<\/p>\n

Good luck with them![\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Search For Unclaimed Money Quebec” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww5.services.mrq.gouv.qc.ca%2FMrqAnonyme%2FBR%2FBR01%2FBR01A1_01A_ConsulterBNR_PC%2FP_Consultation.aspx%3FCLNG%3DA”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Forgotten Funds in New Brunswick<\/span><\/h4>\n

New Brunswick is the latest province to add a searchable database of forgotten money, initiated in 2023. Even though the unclaimed amounts, updated annually, only go back three years, the fund already holds millions of dollars.<\/p>\n

The money includes funds from inheritances, credit union accounts, damage and security deposits, and uncashed business cheques. Anyone in this province\u00a0 holding more than $50 in unclaimed property must make every effort to locate the rightful owners. After that, the money is placed in the Commission’s[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] Free to Search! Free to Claim (usually) ! Www.SaveMoney.ca\u00a0exists to put money in your pocket and keep it there. Ergo, our inaugural article presents the definitive guide to locating and reclaiming money and assets you may have forgotten about. Most people doubt that they could have ever left behind cash or assets that…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":79,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-1","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":344,"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1\/revisions\/344"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/79"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solasolutions.ca\/savemoney\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}