Ever lose track of an old bank account? Misplace a forgotten safety deposit box key? Believe it or not, these seemingly minor mishaps could mean there’s unclaimed property waiting for you in the Commonwealth of Virginia!
That’s right, Virginia’s Unclaimed Property Program is holding onto money, stocks, bonds, and even tangible property that rightfully belongs to its residents.
As a Virginia resident myself who snagged a cool $200 from an unclaimed utility deposit (thanks, past me!), I’m here to tell you – searching for unclaimed property is easier (and potentially more rewarding) than you think!
Is There Money Waiting for You? Here’s What You Can Claim
Virginia’s Unclaimed Property Program holds onto a wide variety of assets, including:
- Dormant bank accounts
- Uncashed checks
- Unclaimed stock certificates
- Safety deposit box contents (minus valuables)
- Unpaid wages
- Unclaimed insurance benefits
- Utility deposits
Basically, if you haven’t touched something in a while, it might be chilling in the state’s unclaimed property vault.
Free Money Alert! How to Search for Unclaimed Property in Virginia
The good news? Searching for unclaimed property in Virginia is completely free and can be done from the comfort of your couch. Here’s how:
- Head to the Official Website: The Virginia Treasurer’s Office website, https://www.vamoneysearch.gov/, has a user-friendly search tool called vaMoneySearch.gov. Simply enter your name (first, last, middle, or variations) and Social Security number to see if any unclaimed property matches your information.
- Search by Business Name (Optional): If you owned a business in Virginia that’s now closed, you can also search for unclaimed property under the business name.
- No Matches? Don’t Give Up! Sometimes, variations in your name or spelling mistakes can lead to missed results. Try searching with different spellings or nicknames.
Found Money? Here’s How to Claim It
If the vaMoneySearch.gov search unearthed a hidden treasure (virtually, of course!), claiming it is a breeze. The website provides clear instructions and claim forms depending on the type of property. Generally, you’ll need to provide some documentation to verify your identity and ownership.
Bonus Tip: For more information or help navigating the claim process, you can contact the Virginia Unclaimed Property Division by phone at 1-800-468-1088 or by email at ucpmail@trs.virginia.gov.
So, what are you waiting for? A quick search on vaMoneySearch.gov could turn into a pleasant surprise! Start searching today and see if Virginia has some free money waiting for you to claim!
