Unclaimed money, often referred to as “Money Forgotten,” can be surprisingly common. In Vermont alone, millions of dollars are waiting to be reunited with their rightful owners. This article will guide you through the process of finding and claiming your forgotten funds in Vermont.
What is Money Forgotten?
Money forgotten, or unclaimed property, refers to any financial asset held by a business or government entity for a specific period without any contact from the owner. This can include:
- Dormant bank accounts
- Uncashed checks
- Unrefunded security deposits
- Stocks and mutual funds
- Forgotten safe deposit box contents
- Life insurance benefits
Annual unclaimed property received by Vermont’s Treasurer’s Office demonstrates the significant volume of money forgotten each year.
These assets are turned over to the state’s unclaimed property division for safekeeping until claimed. Vermont’s Unclaimed Property Division, within the State Treasurer’s Office, manages a database of over 900,000 properties valued at more than $119 million.
Who Might Have Money Forgotten in Vermont?
Anyone can have unclaimed property. Common examples include:
- Individuals and their heirs
- Businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
It’s important to remember that you never lose your right to claim these funds.
How to Find Your Money Forgotten in Vermont
The first step in reclaiming your money is to search Vermont’s unclaimed property database: www.missingmoney.vermont.gov.
This online tool allows you to search for your name or the name of a business. If a match is found, you can begin the claim process.
Claiming Your Forgotten Funds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve located potential unclaimed property, follow these steps to claim it:
- File a Claim: For amounts under $200, you can often file online without needing to mail documentation. Larger claims or those requiring additional verification may require a mailed claim form.
- Provide Documentation: Be prepared to provide documentation to prove your identity and ownership of the assets.
- Check Claim Status: After filing, you can track your claim’s status online or by contacting the Unclaimed Property Division.
The number of claimants paid annually showcases the success of efforts to reunite Vermonters with their forgotten funds.
Vermont’s Commitment to Returning Money Forgotten
The Vermont State Treasurer’s Office actively works to reunite residents with their unclaimed assets. In 2020, they returned over $4.7 million in cash to rightful owners.
The annual value of unclaimed property returned underscores the importance of searching for money forgotten in Vermont.
Protecting Yourself from Fraud
Be wary of websites or solicitors promising to help you reclaim your assets for a fee. The official Vermont Unclaimed Property Division provides these services free of charge. For more information on avoiding scams, visit helpful tips.
Need Help? Contact the Vermont Unclaimed Property Division
For assistance with searching for or claiming your forgotten money, contact the Unclaimed Property Division:
- Phone: (802) 828-2407 or (800) 642-3191 (toll-free in Vermont)
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 109 State St, Montpelier, VT 05609
Don’t let your money remain forgotten. Take a few minutes to search the database and potentially reclaim what’s rightfully yours. For legal details governing unclaimed property in Vermont, refer to Vermont Statutes Title 27: Property, Chapter 18: Unclaimed Property..
