FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I’m not really sure if these funds are mine. Will I get in trouble for starting a claim?
A: If you cannot prove ownership, we will notify you and asking you for more information.

Q: How can I submit my claim and supporting documents?
A: If you are asked to submit originals, use certified mail. Keep a copy of everything you send because mail delivery is not guaranteed.

Q: How will my stock be returned?
A: State government authorizes the Comptroller to sell any security as soon as it is received. If your claim is approved before stock is sold, the shares will be returned to you electronically. Information and instructions will be sent to the broker or trading company that transferred the stock. The broker of trading company will let you know when the shares are registered and ready for active trading. The Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company, the securities custodian for the Comptroller’s office, will send you a letter explaining the reactivation.

If stock has been sold, you will receive the proceeds of the sale including any dividends accrued prior to the sale date.

If an heir or heirs are claiming the stock of a deceased person, the shares will be divided and registered to each of the heirs in his/her names.

Q: What if the check amount was different than the amount on the claim form?
A: If your payment is less than the original claim, it may be for one of the following reasons:

Some properties might have been removed if they belonged to another person.
Your claim may have been split between co-heirs and/or co-owners.
If the claim included shares, the value of the shares might not be included in the payment. Shares are handled in a separate transaction.
If your payment is more than the original claim, it means that we added additional properties.

Q: Can you mail a check outside the United States?
A: Our office can mail checks anywhere outside the United States. When completing the claim form, please provide your current mailing address. If you are concerned about mail delivery to your address, please contact our office before your claim is approved.