Find Unclaimed Property in Jefferson County
Jefferson County holds unclaimed money from county departments, payroll checks, and overbid funds that residents can claim through the Great Colorado Payback program. The county had its own unclaimed property system but transitioned to the state program effective July 1, 2023. All Jefferson County unclaimed funds are now searchable through the state database at no cost. Search by name to see if Jefferson County is holding money that belongs to you or your business.
Jefferson County Unclaimed Property Program
Jefferson County runs one of the larger unclaimed property programs among Colorado counties. The county maintained its own system for many years before moving to the state program. This transition helps streamline the search and claim process for residents. All county-issued checks and funds now go through the same system as other Colorado unclaimed property.
The county's Finance Division manages the transition of old unclaimed funds. Checks processed after July 1, 2023 go directly to the state program. Older unclaimed property from before that date was transferred to the state system. This means all Jefferson County unclaimed money now appears in one place: the Great Colorado Payback database.
Jefferson County had a deadline of October 15, 2025 for residents to claim funds directly from the county. After that date, all claims must go through the state website. The county no longer processes direct claims. This change affects payroll checks, vendor payments, refunds, and overbid funds that Jefferson County held.
The Jefferson County Unclaimed Property page provides details about the transition and links to the state system. Residents can contact the Finance Division at UnclaimedProperty@co.jefferson.co.us with questions about old county claims. In-person help is available on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Suite 2530 in the Jefferson County Parkway building.
How to Search for Jefferson County Funds
Search the state database to find Jefferson County unclaimed money. Go to the search page and enter your name. Results show the holder name, which will be Jefferson County if the funds came from a county office. You can see the property type and value range before filing a claim.
Look for these types of Jefferson County unclaimed property:
- Uncashed payroll checks from county employment
- Vendor payments that were never cashed
- Refunds from county departments
- Overbid funds from county sales
- Utility deposits held by the county
If you worked for Jefferson County or did business with county offices, check for uncashed checks in your name. The state database holds records going back many years. There is no time limit to file a claim. Your money stays in the system until you claim it.
The state search tool is free and easy to use. No registration is required. Just type your name and see what comes up. You can also search for business names if you had a company that worked with Jefferson County. Check maiden names and name variations too.
Filing a Claim for Jefferson County Money
File claims through the state website. Click the claim button next to your name in the search results. The online form asks for basic information to prove you own the property. Most people need a photo ID and proof of address. Utility bills, bank statements, or tax returns work for address proof.
Claims over $1,000 require notarization. Take the printed claim form to a notary public and sign it in front of them. Mail the notarized form with your ID copies to the State Treasurer's Office. The address is on the claim form. Most claims process in 11 days. Complex claims may take up to 90 days.
Claims for deceased owners need extra documents. Send a death certificate and proof you are the heir. A will, probate order, or affidavit of heirship shows your legal right to claim the money. The state reviews inheritance claims carefully. This process may take longer than standard claims.
Jefferson County is no longer involved in the claim process. All claims go to the state. Do not contact the county Finance Division to file a claim. Use the state website for all claim submissions. The county cannot process claims anymore under the new system.
Jefferson County Contact Information
The Jefferson County Finance Division can answer questions about the transition to the state system. They cannot process new claims but can help you understand what happened to old county-held funds. Contact them if you have questions about checks issued by Jefferson County before July 2023.
Jefferson County Finance Division
- Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 4550, Golden, CO 80419
- Email: UnclaimedProperty@co.jefferson.co.us
- In-Person Hours: Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Suite 2530)
For all new searches and claims, use the state system. Visit colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com to search and file claims. Call the state toll-free line at 800-825-2111 for help with the claim process. State staff can answer questions Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Mountain Time.
The Jefferson County Finance Division website provides general county financial information. The unclaimed property program is now part of the state system. Residents should use state resources for searches and claims rather than contacting the county directly.
Legal Framework
Jefferson County follows the Colorado Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act under CRS 38-13-101 through 38-13-1504. This state law requires counties to report and remit unclaimed property to the State Treasurer. The 2025 changes to Colorado law removed local government exemptions. All counties must now participate in the state program.
House Bill 25-1224 repealed the local government exemption that some counties used to maintain their own programs. Jefferson County complied with this change by transferring its program to the state. The county must report any new unclaimed property by November 1 each year, just like businesses and other organizations.
The law protects your right to claim property forever. There is no deadline or statute of limitations. The state holds your money until you come forward. No one else can claim it unless they prove legal ownership or heirship. This protection ensures your property stays safe even if you do not search for it right away.
Note: Never pay anyone to search for unclaimed property on your behalf - the state provides this service free of charge.
Nearby Counties
If you have lived or worked in other Front Range counties, search for unclaimed money in those areas too. Jefferson County borders several populous counties where you might have additional unclaimed property.
Adams County | Arapahoe County | Boulder County | Clear Creek County | Denver County | Douglas County | Gilpin County | Park County
Cities in Jefferson County
Major cities in Jefferson County include Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, and Littleton. Residents of these cities should search the state database for both city and county unclaimed property.
Arvada | Golden | Lakewood | Littleton | Wheat Ridge