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The Bucks County Controller’s Office has successfully returned more than $427,330 in unclaimed funds to their rightful owners, according to Controller Pamela Van Blunk.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Van Blunk.
Unclaimed funds in Bucks County government typically arise from checks issued by the county that remain uncashed for over six months. The issue often occurs due to checks being returned as undeliverable by the postal service, especially when payees move without leaving a forwarding address, or when the forwarding address expires. Other reasons include checks being lost or destroyed.
The controller’s office oversees these funds, which belong to individuals and organizations that have engaged in business or received services from the county.
To assist residents in reclaiming their funds, the Bucks County Controller’s Office has provided a website. Individuals can visit https://www.buckscounty.gov/1731/Bucks-County-Controllers-Unclaimed-Funds and use the “Unclaimed Funds Listing” link to search for any funds that may belong to them.
If a person finds their name on the list, the website offers a straightforward application process and instructions to claim the funds. The controller’s office processes these claims via U.S. mail, free of any service charges or fees. Upon verification of an application and its accompanying documentation, claimants can expect to receive their funds in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Additionally, the Controller’s Unclaimed Funds website provides links to the Pennsylvania Treasury’s unclaimed funds program and a national unclaimed funds website, offering further resources for individuals seeking unclaimed monies.
The unclaimed funds program in Bucks County was initiated by Van Blunk a little more than a year ago, her office said.
Since its inception and the public listing of unclaimed funds on the Bucks County’s Controller’s Office website in September 2022, the office has distributed over $427,330 in owed funds to their rightful owners.
Beyond managing unclaimed funds, the Bucks County controller’s responsibilities include maintaining the county’s financial records, preparing the annual financial report, and overseeing the processing and approval of vendor invoices and payroll for over 2,500 county employees.
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