Unclaimed money in Vermont

Unclaimed money in Vermont might be waiting for you. It could be from an old bank account, a paycheck you never picked up, a security deposit, or insurance benefits. You can search for it for free using the state's official database.

Search for unclaimed money in Vermont

Start at the Vermont Unclaimed Property search site. This is the official place to look.

Search by your name. If you don't find anything right away, try:

• Your maiden name or any other names you've gone by
• Nicknames or shortened versions of your name
• Any old addresses linked to you
• Your spouse's name or children's names
• Variations in how your name might be spelled

If you think money might be under a business name, search for that too.

What counts as unclaimed property

Unclaimed money typically comes from:

• Bank accounts and savings accounts that haven't been touched for several years
• Uncashed paychecks or wage payments
• Security deposits from rentals or utilities
• Insurance payouts or refunds
• Inheritances or trust distributions
• Utility deposits you paid but never got back
• Stocks or dividends
• Gift cards that weren't used
• Court settlements or judgments

Money becomes "unclaimed" when a company has tried to reach you and couldn't. They then turn it over to Vermont.

How to claim the money

You will likely need to:

• Fill out a claim form
• Provide proof that the money is yours
• Mail in your documents

Common proof documents include:

• A government ID
• Tax returns or W-2s
• Bank statements
• Utility bills showing your address
• Old paychecks or pay stubs
• Original receipts or contracts

Keep copies of everything you send. The state will review your claim and contact you.

Claiming money for someone who has died

If the unclaimed money belonged to a relative who has passed away, you may be able to claim it as their heir. You will usually need to provide:

• A death certificate
• Proof that you are an heir (like a will or court document)
• Your own ID and proof of address

Contact the Vermont Unclaimed Property program to ask what documents are needed for a deceased person's claim.

How long it takes

Avoid scams

Never pay anyone to search for unclaimed money on your behalf. The state's search is free. Be careful of:

• Services that ask you to pay an upfront fee
• Websites that look like the official search but have a slightly different web address
• Callers claiming they found money for you and need your bank account details
• Anyone asking for a percentage of what you claim

Always go directly to the official Vermont Unclaimed Property site yourself.

Next steps

Search today—there's no deadline for claiming your money. If you have questions about the process, the state can help. Applying is free, and only Vermont decides if your claim qualifies.

For more information about other help available, visit our programs page.