Talk through the claim
We discuss the potential funds, your connection to the property, and whether we can assist with your situation.
California unclaimed money assistance
Help reclaiming
what belongs to you.
From identifying potential unclaimed funds to preparing a claim and following up, HWE Recovery helps individuals navigate California’s unclaimed-property process.
No recovery, no HWE Recovery service fee.
A helping hand with your claim
A clear path through
the paperwork.
Our current focus is helping individuals recover unclaimed funds held by the California State Controller’s Office.
We help research potential property, explain the claim requirements, organize the supporting paperwork, submit a claim with your authorization, and follow up on its progress.
You remain involved where your verification, signature, or supporting documents are needed. The state reviews the claim and decides whether the property can be returned.
Businesses and heirs may have different requirements. Those situations need an individual review before we agree to help.
How it works
From first conversation
to claim follow-up.
We explain the work before you authorize it, then help you through the claim requirements.
Review and authorize
We explain the service and fee. You review the required disclosures and sign the applicable agreement before we act on your behalf.
Prepare and submit
We help assemble the claim. You provide the required evidence of ownership and review or sign the forms that need your participation.
Follow up
We follow up on the claim and help address requests for additional information. California determines approval and payment.
Clear fees
No recovery.
No service fee.
Our standard fee is 10% of the amount recovered for covered California unclaimed-property claims.
Your specific fee is set out in the written agreement before you authorize the service. A lower fee may be agreed case by case.
You do not pay HWE Recovery before the claim is approved and the recovered funds are paid. If nothing is recovered, you owe HWE Recovery no service fee.
California limits fees for these claims to 10% of the recovered property. The cap covers services connected with its return. Read the state’s fee guidance.
Questions, answered
Before you get started.
Understand the service, your role, and your options.
What does HWE Recovery help with?
We focus on assisting individuals with unclaimed funds held by California. Our help can include property research, claim preparation, authorized submission, and follow-up. Business or heir claims are reviewed individually before we agree to assist.
Why might HWE Recovery contact me?
We may reach out when our research identifies property that could be connected to you. A possible match still needs to be verified; contact from us does not establish that you are entitled to the funds.
What will I need to do?
After we discuss the claim, you review the service and fee, sign the applicable authorization or investigator agreement, and provide the documents required to support ownership. Additional signatures, information, or notarization may be needed for your particular claim.
How is the fee paid for a California cash claim?
For an approved cash claim under California’s Standard Investigator Agreement, the state issues separate checks to the owner and investigator based on the agreed percentages. Other property types can have different payment arrangements. See California’s claim-processing guidance.
Can I claim the money myself?
Yes. You can submit a claim directly to the California State Controller’s Office free of charge. However, requirements vary by claim, and establishing ownership and gathering the right supporting records can be complex and time-consuming. A name change or a claim involving a deceased owner, for example, can require additional documentation.
HWE Recovery helps you understand the requirements, organize the paperwork, and follow up through the claim process. Our fee covers the assistance you choose to authorize. Read California’s claiming information.
Is recovery guaranteed, or is there a fixed timeline?
No. Approval depends on the state’s review and the evidence supporting the claim. Processing time varies, and additional information may be requested. We do not guarantee recovery or a completion date.
Is HWE Recovery part of the government?
No. HWE Recovery is a private service of HWE Systems LLC. It is not the California State Controller’s Office and is not a government agency.
Can I upload my private documents here?
No. This website does not accept documents. Document requirements and how to provide them are discussed separately after the initial conversation. Do not submit identification, account numbers, or other private records through this website.
Contact HWE Recovery
Start with a conversation.
Email us with a brief description of your potential claim and the best way to reach you.
Please do not send identification, account numbers, or other private documents with your initial enquiry. We discuss document requirements and how to provide them separately.