You Have THIS Long to Claim Surplus Funds in NC
"I got a letter about surplus funds. Is there a deadline to claim this money?"
This is one of the most common questions we hear from North Carolina property owners after foreclosure. And the answer might surprise you.
Here's the thing: North Carolina doesn't set a strict deadline for claiming surplus funds.
When a home is foreclosed and sold for more than the debt owed, the extra money—called surplus funds—gets held by the clerk of court in the county where the foreclosure happened. Unlike many states, North Carolina doesn’t have a clear-cut statute of limitations on claiming these funds.
But don't let that fool you into thinking you have unlimited time.
Why waiting can cost you
Even though there's no hard deadline, several things can shrink your window to act:
If the original owner has passed away, the claim process becomes more complex and time-consuming, especially if probate hasn’t started.
If multiple people believe they’re entitled to the money, things can get tied up in court.
If the funds sit too long, they’re often transferred to the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer as unclaimed property. At that point, the process gets slower and more frustrating.
And here’s a fact many folks miss: while the money sits, you’re not earning a dime in interest. It just sits there. So every day you delay is money left on the table.
Real families, real recoveries
At The Walls Law Group, we’ve helped North Carolina families recover millions in surplus funds over the years. We’ve seen everything—from folks who had no idea they were owed money to complicated cases involving multiple heirs and court disputes.
We’re here to guide you, not pressure you. This is about making sure you don’t miss out on money that’s rightfully yours.
What should you do if you think you're owed surplus funds?
Check your mail. County clerks often send letters if you’re owed money—but they don’t always find the right address.
Search the NC Treasurer’s unclaimed funds site. It’s free and worth checking: www.nccash.com
Call an attorney who handles surplus funds in your area. This process involves court filings, proof of entitlement, and often probate. It’s not something you want to navigate alone.
At The Walls Law Group, we offer free consultations to help you understand if you’re owed money—and how to get it efficiently. We’ll never pressure you to act, but we will help you protect what’s yours.
Final word
Just because there’s no hard deadline in North Carolina doesn’t mean you have time to waste. Whether you’re the original owner, an heir, or someone recently contacted about surplus funds, acting now protects your claim and gets your money working for you—not the court system.
Call us today. Let’s find out if there’s money waiting for you.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
