How to Claim Money Left in an Inmate's Account After Release (and What If Your Claim Is Rejected)
Money left in an inmate's account after release doesn't disappear - it goes into an unclaimed fund. To get it back, start with the Riverside County Sheriff's Unclaimed Money website, where you can search for the funds and begin your claim.
The Riverside County Sheriff holds unclaimed inmate money for three years. After that window closes, the funds are no longer recoverable - so don't wait to file your claim.
Timing reminder: Claims take up to 60 days to process. Hold off on calling to check status until at least 60 days have passed from the date you mailed your package.
Once your claim form is complete and you've gathered your documents, mail everything to: Riverside County Sheriff, Attention Accounting and Finance: Unclaimed Money, P.O. Box 512, Riverside, CA 92502.
If you need to make an inquiry about unclaimed inmate money, call 951-955-8922.
If your claim gets rejected, the Sheriff's office will send a letter explaining why. Read it carefully - your next steps depend entirely on the reason they give.
- Watch for the rejection notice - the 30-day clock is tied to the notice of rejection.
- File a verified complaint in Riverside County - you can submit a verified complaint in a court of competent jurisdiction within the County of Riverside to seek recovery of all, or a designated part, of the money.
- Serve the Sheriff’s Office within 30 days - a copy of the complaint and the summons issued must be served on the Sheriff’s Office within thirty days of the notice of rejection.
Practical Checklist
- ✓ Start the claim through the Riverside County Sheriff’s Unclaimed Money website
- ✓ Confirm you’re still within the three-year period the money is held in the unclaimed fund account
- ✓ Complete the unclaimed money claim form and gather your supporting documentation
- ✓ Mail the completed claim form and supporting documentation to: Riverside County Sheriff, Attention Accounting and Finance: Unclaimed Money, P.O. Box 512, Riverside, CA 92502
- ✓ Keep copies of everything you send
- ✓ Write down the date you mailed your package so you can track the 60-day processing window
Note: Don’t inquire about your claim status until it’s been more than 60 days from the date you mailed your package.
After mailing your claim, expect the review to take up to 60 days. If it's rejected, you'll get a letter explaining why - so keep an eye on your mail while you wait.
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