Why reporting unclaimed funds is good for consumers, businesses, and BC

Across British Columbia, organizations hold unclaimed funds, like inactive accounts, uncashed cheques, and refundable deposits, that belong to someone else. When the rightful owner hasn’t been located and the funds become unclaimed, that’s where BC Unclaimed comes in.

We work to reunite people with their funds and ensure any remaining balances are put to good use through our partnership with Vancouver Foundation. But we can’t do that unless organizations report the funds they hold.

Help your customers reclaim what’s theirs

When funds remain with the original holder, consumers are at a disadvantage. They have no way to check across the province for what’s owed to them. But when funds are submitted to BC Unclaimed, people can search one public database and find property from multiple sources.

We also have access to search tools and outreach strategies that individual organizations cannot replicate on their own. Reporting to BC Unclaimed significantly increases the chance that funds will be returned to their rightful owners.

Reduce liability and lighten your administrative load

Organizations that choose to manage their own unclaimed property face long-term responsibilities: maintaining searchable records, adjudicating claims, answering inquiries, and keeping funds on the books indefinitely.

When you report to BC Unclaimed, we take on all of that for you. You’re released from future claims and responsibilities, and your team is free to focus on what matters to you most.

Our process is secure, straightforward, and backed by one-on-one support. Whether you're reporting voluntarily or under obligation, we make it easy to transfer your unclaimed funds with confidence.

Make a lasting impact in BC communities

We ensure funds are always available to be claimed. When money is not needed for future claims, it helps create lasting social impact through our partnership with the Vancouver Foundation. These funds support programs that strengthen communities across British Columbia. To date, more than $80 million has been granted to support poverty reduction, mental health, environmental protection, vital community programs, and other initiatives across the province.

Reporting funds you can no longer return doesn’t just reduce risk. It amplifies your impact. By working together, we can do more than any one organization can on its own.

The bottom line

Under the Unclaimed Property Act, organizations must either manage unclaimed funds in accordance with the law or transfer them to BC Unclaimed. We’re here to make the second option simple and a hallmark of good governance.

• It’s better for consumers: they’re more likely to find and reclaim their money.

• It’s better for business: you reduce risk and free up internal resources.

• And it’s better for BC: funds support vital projects across the province.

Ready to report?

Visit bcunclaimed.ca/submit for everything you need to get started. Our secure portal, compliance templates, and dedicated support team make the process clear and manageable from start to finish. If you have questions along the way, contact us. Our team is here to make the process simple, secure, and successful.