Documents You Need To Claim Unclaimed Property in Vermont

Finding out you may have unclaimed money or property in Vermont can be exciting—but many people get stuck when it is time to prove they are the rightful owner. Knowing exactly which documents are usually required can make the claim process smoother and faster.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, what documents are typically needed to claim unclaimed assets in Vermont, how to organize them, and what to expect when you go through the official state unclaimed property office. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or application portal—we simply explain how the usual process works so you can follow up with the proper office.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Vermont?

In Vermont, unclaimed property (sometimes called “unclaimed money” or “abandoned property”) usually refers to money or assets that a business, financial institution, or government agency holds but cannot return to the owner. After a certain period with no contact, these assets are turned over to the State of Vermont’s unclaimed property program for safekeeping.

Typical examples include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, insurance payments)
• Utility deposits and refunds
• Insurance proceeds and policy benefits
• Stocks, mutual funds, and dividends
• Safe deposit box contents
• Store credits or gift certificates (in some situations)

To get this money or property back, you usually need to file a claim with the official Vermont unclaimed property office and provide documents that prove:

1. Who you are, and
2. Your connection to the property owner or address listed on the record.

Key Types of Claims in Vermont (and How Documents Differ)

The documents you need depend on who is claiming the property and in what capacity.

Common claim types:

1. Original owner (individual) – You personally owned the account or were issued the check.
2. Heir or estate representative – You are claiming on behalf of a deceased person.
3. Business or organization – You are claiming on behalf of a company, nonprofit, or other entity.
4. Trust or other legal entity – You are claiming under a trust, guardianship, or similar arrangement.

The Vermont unclaimed property office will usually ask for different documentation for each of these categories.

Core Documents Most Vermont Claimants Need

While every case is different, there are a few core document types most Vermont claims require.

1. Proof of Identity

To show that you are who you say you are, the Vermont unclaimed property program typically requires a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as:

• Vermont driver’s license
• Vermont non-driver ID card
• U.S. passport
• Military ID
• Another government-issued photo ID that’s current or recently expired
  (Check with the official office for their exact rules on expiration dates.)

If you do not have a photo ID, the state may sometimes accept a combination of documents such as:

• Birth certificate, and
• Social Security card, and
• Other official records showing your name and date of birth

However, this can vary, so it’s important to confirm acceptable alternatives directly with the Vermont unclaimed property office.

2. Proof of Current Address

Vermont often asks for proof of your current mailing address, especially if they will mail you a check.

Commonly accepted documents include:

• Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, phone)
• Bank or credit card statement
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement
• Pay stub with your address
• Official government correspondence (tax bill, benefits notice, etc.)

These documents normally must:

• Show your name
• Show your current address
• Be recent (often within the last 60–90 days, but timeframes can vary)

3. Proof of Connection to the Reported Address or Property

Because many unclaimed assets relate to old addresses, the Vermont unclaimed property office often needs proof that:

• You lived at, or
• Your business operated at

the address listed on the unclaimed property record, or that you otherwise had a relationship with the holder (bank, insurer, employer, utility, etc.).

Useful documents can include:

• Old utility bills
• Old bank statements
• Lease or rental agreements
• Mortgage statements
• Tax documents listing that address
• Insurance policies or statements
• Pay stubs from the employer listed

If you no longer have old documents, the office may consider:

• Credit reports showing the old address
• IRS or state tax records with that address
• Employer verification (such as W-2 forms)

➡️ Tip: When you search your name on Vermont’s unclaimed property site, write down the reported address and property holder (bank, employer, etc.). This will help you decide which documents to track down.

Additional Documents for Special Situations

Certain claim types require extra documentation beyond basic ID and address proof.

If Your Name Has Changed (e.g., Marriage, Divorce, Adoption)

If the name on the unclaimed property record is different from your current legal name, Vermont usually requires documents showing the connection between the two names.

These may include:

• Marriage certificate (for name change after marriage)
• Divorce decree (if it shows the change back to a previous name)
• Court order for a legal name change
• Adoption records indicating legal change of name

Sometimes you may need more than one document if there have been multiple name changes.

If You Are Claiming on Behalf of a Deceased Person (Heir or Estate)

Claims involving a deceased owner generally require more paperwork. Vermont will typically need both proof of death and proof of your legal right to claim.

Common documents include:

1. Death Certificate

   • Official copy of the deceased person’s death certificate
   • Must clearly show the person’s full name matching the unclaimed property record (or linkable through name-change documents)

2. Proof of Relationship or Legal Authority
   Depending on the situation, Vermont may ask for:

   • Will and letters testamentary or letters of administration (if there is a probated estate)
   • Court appointment as executor, administrator, or personal representative
   • Small estate affidavit (if Vermont law allows this for the estate value)
   • Heirship affidavit (a sworn statement describing family relationships)
   • Marriage certificate (if you’re a surviving spouse)
   • Birth certificate (if you’re a child or other blood relative)

3. Owner’s Identification (if available)

   • Copy of the deceased person’s photo ID, Social Security card, or other records can sometimes help the office match the claim more quickly.

4. Documentation Linking the Deceased to the Property

   • Old bank statements, policies, or other records showing the deceased person’s:
     • Name
     • Address
     • Account or policy with the company that reported the property

If several heirs are involved, the Vermont unclaimed property office may require:

• Consents or waivers from other heirs, or
• One court-appointed person to represent the estate.

Because estate and heirship rules can be detailed, it’s a good idea to contact the Vermont unclaimed property office directly and ask what they require for your specific situation.

If You Are Claiming on Behalf of a Business or Organization

For business claims, Vermont typically needs proof that:

1. The business is real and active (or was active at the time), and
2. You are authorized to represent the business.

Common documents:

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, articles of organization)
• Certificate of good standing or business registration from the Vermont Secretary of State
• Tax ID (EIN) confirmation from the IRS (if available)
• Proof of business address (lease, utility bill, bank statement)
• Corporate resolution or authorization letter showing you have authority to act
• Photo ID of the person signing the claim form

If the business has changed names or merged, you may also need:

• Merger documents
• Name change filings
• Acquisition agreements that show continuity from the old company to the current one

If the Claim Involves a Trust, Guardianship, or Other Legal Entity

For more complex legal entities, Vermont usually requires:

• Trust agreement (for trust claims)
• Court order establishing guardianship, conservatorship, or power of attorney
• Letters of guardianship or similar appointment documents
• Photo ID for the trustee, guardian, or authorized representative

The key is to show:

• The entity’s existence (trust or guardianship), and
• The authority of the person who is submitting the claim.

At-a-Glance: Typical Vermont Unclaimed Property Documents by Claim Type

This table is a general guide. Exact requirements may change, and the Vermont unclaimed property office has the final say on what they accept.

How to Start a Claim for Unclaimed Assets in Vermont

HowToGetAssistance.org does not process claims, but you can typically move forward through Vermont’s official unclaimed property office.

The standard steps usually look like this:

1. Search for Your Name or Business

   • Use the official Vermont unclaimed property search tool run by the state.
   • Search under all variations of your name, including:
     • Maiden names
     • Previous married names
     • Common misspellings
     • Business names or “doing business as” names

2. Review the Record Details

   • Check:
     • Reported address
     • Property type (e.g., wages, checking account, insurance)
     • Holder name (bank, employer, insurance company, etc.)
   • This information will guide which supporting documents you need.

3. Initiate the Claim Through the Official Portal or Form

   • The Vermont unclaimed property site usually lets you start a claim online, or it may provide a claim form to print and mail.
   • Pay attention to:
     • Whether you are claiming as the owner, heir, business, or representative
     • Any instructions or checklists specific to your claim type

4. Gather and Attach Required Documents

   • Include clear copies of:
     • Required IDs
     • Proof of address
     • Any special documents (marriage certificate, death certificate, business filings, etc.)
   • Follow Vermont’s instructions about whether they accept:
     • Scanned uploads
     • Photocopies
     • Original documents or certified copies

5. Submit the Claim to the Official Vermont Office

   • If online: upload documents using the official portal.
   • If by mail: send everything to the address listed on the official Vermont unclaimed property website or form.
   • Keep copies of everything you send.

6. Track the Claim and Respond to Requests

   • The Vermont office may:
     • Send you a confirmation number
     • Ask for additional documentation
     • Give you an estimated processing time
   • Reply promptly to any requests for more information to avoid delays.

What Happens After You Submit a Vermont Unclaimed Property Claim?

Once your claim and documents are received, the Vermont unclaimed property office usually:

1. Reviews Your Identity and Documentation

   • Confirms the documents match:
     • The name on the property record
     • Addresses and other details
   • Ensures you have legal authority to claim the funds.

2. May Ask for Additional Proof

   • If something is missing or unclear, the office may:
     • Request extra documents (for example, another ID or a clearer copy)
     • Ask for an affidavit or signed statement

3. Approves or Denies the Claim

   • If approved, Vermont typically issues:
     • A check made payable to the rightful owner or authorized representative.
   • If denied, they usually send:
     • A notice explaining why, or
     • Instructions for submitting more information or correcting errors.

Processing times can vary based on:

• Claim complexity
• Volume of claims
• Whether the office needs more information from you

If your claim seems to be taking longer than expected, you can usually contact the Vermont unclaimed property office directly using the phone number or email listed on its official site.

Common Reasons Vermont Unclaimed Property Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Many problems come back to documentation issues. Typical reasons include:

• Missing proof of identity
  • No photo ID or ID that does not clearly match the name on the claim.
• Insufficient proof of address
  • No documents showing connection to the address listed on the unclaimed property record.
• Name mismatches
  • Different spellings or names without explaining the name change (e.g., no marriage or court documents).
• Incomplete heir or estate documentation
  • No death certificate
  • No proof of relationship
  • No court appointment documentation when required
• Unclear authority to act for a business or trust
  • Missing business registration or corporate resolution
  • Missing trust agreement or guardianship order
• Unreadable copies
  • Dark, blurry, or cut-off scans or photocopies

You can often reduce delays by:

• Submitting clear, legible copies
• Following any official checklist for your claim type
• Responding quickly if the Vermont office asks for more information

How to Verify You Are Using Vermont’s Official Unclaimed Property Channel

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it is important to ensure you are dealing with the official Vermont unclaimed property program, not a third party pretending to be the state.

Here are some practical tips:

• Check the website address carefully.
  • Official Vermont government sites typically end in “.gov”.
• Look for clear identification of the Vermont State Treasurer or related state office.
  • The unclaimed property program is usually operated by a specific statewide office, such as the Treasurer’s office.
• Avoid paying large “finder” fees.
  • Many people choose to search and claim property themselves, directly through the state, at no cost other than possible notary or document fees.
• Do not share personal information (like full Social Security numbers or bank details) with unsolicited callers or emails.
  • If someone contacts you about unclaimed property, you can hang up and independently look up the official Vermont unclaimed property phone number to verify.
• Confirm mailing addresses and phone numbers using:
  • The Vermont state government website
  • State directory assistance
  • A call to a known state office to ask for the unclaimed property division

If anything feels suspicious, you can contact Vermont’s official unclaimed property office directly using information from an official state government directory, not from a random email or ad.

If You Do Not Qualify or Cannot Prove Ownership

Sometimes, even if you believe the property is yours, you may not have enough documentation for Vermont to legally confirm your ownership. In that case:

• Ask the Vermont unclaimed property office whether:
  • Alternative documents could be accepted
  • An affidavit or sworn statement is allowed in your situation
• If you’re dealing with a complex estate or legal entity, consider:
  • Speaking with an attorney familiar with Vermont estate or business law for advice on how to obtain proper documentation (HowToGetAssistance.org does not provide legal services.)
• For general financial guidance, some people contact:
  • Local legal aid organizations
  • Community action agencies
  • 211 (in many areas) to be referred to appropriate local resources

Even if you cannot successfully claim a specific property right away, it may still be helpful to:

• Save any documents you do have
• Check the Vermont unclaimed property search periodically, as new items may be reported later under clearer or updated information.

By understanding the documents needed to claim unclaimed assets in Vermont—especially proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of legal right—you can approach the official process better prepared. Your next step is to visit the official Vermont unclaimed property website or office, review their specific instructions, and gather the documents that match your situation.