Heir Claims in Vermont: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

When someone passes away in Vermont, they may leave behind unclaimed money or property that family members do not know about. This can include forgotten bank accounts, old checks, insurance payouts, or utility deposits. Over time, these assets are usually turned over to the State of Vermont as “unclaimed property.”

This guide explains, in plain language, how heir claims for unclaimed property usually work in Vermont, what documents you may need, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only—it is not a government office, not an application portal, and cannot process claims for you.

Understanding Vermont Unclaimed Property for Heirs

What is “unclaimed property”?

In Vermont, unclaimed property typically refers to money or financial assets that have had no contact with the owner for a certain period of time. Common examples include:

• Bank accounts and credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, dividends)
• Insurance policy benefits and annuities
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Safe deposit box contents (handled differently from cash)

If the company holding the money cannot reach the owner for a set number of years, they are usually required to send the funds to the state’s unclaimed property program. The owner, or their heirs, can typically claim it later through an official process.

What is an heir claim?

An heir claim is a claim filed by someone other than the original owner—usually a spouse, child, grandchild, or other legal heir—to recover unclaimed money that belonged to a deceased person.

In Vermont, heir claims generally involve:

• Proving the original owner has died
• Showing you are a legal heir or representative of the estate
• Providing documentation that supports both points

The state agency that manages unclaimed property in Vermont provides official instructions and claim forms. Each case is reviewed for accuracy and completeness before any money is released.

Who Can Typically Claim a Deceased Person’s Unclaimed Property in Vermont?

Vermont follows general estate and inheritance principles. While exact rules can vary based on the situation, you will usually see claims from:

• A court-appointed executor or administrator of the estate
• A surviving spouse
• Children or grandchildren of the deceased
• Other relatives, in order of priority, if there is no spouse or children

Common scenarios

1. There is a will and an executor.

   • The executor (or “personal representative”) named in the will usually files the claim.
   • The claim often includes a copy of the will and court appointment papers.

2. There is no will, but the estate went through probate.

   • The court may have appointed an administrator.
   • That person often files on behalf of the estate and distributes funds according to Vermont’s intestacy laws.

3. There was no formal probate.

   • In some smaller estates, Vermont may allow heirs to claim directly, but they still must show:
     • Proof of death
     • Proof of relationship
     • Proof that no other person has superior legal rights to the property

Because estate rules can be complex, some families choose to consult a Vermont attorney or a probate court clerk for guidance, especially if the asset amounts are large or there are multiple heirs.

Step-by-Step: How to Start an Heir Claim in Vermont

The process can vary slightly depending on your situation, but it usually follows these main steps.

1. Search for unclaimed property in Vermont

Most states, including Vermont, offer a free online search tool for unclaimed property.

Typical steps:

1. Go to your state’s official unclaimed property website (look for “Vermont unclaimed property” on a government domain that ends in “.gov”).
2. Search using the deceased person’s full legal name.
3. Try variations:
   • Maiden names or prior married names
   • Middle initials
   • Common misspellings
4. Note each property listing that appears to belong to your relative.

You can also contact the state unclaimed property office by phone if you have difficulty searching online.

2. Review the property details

Each property listing usually shows:

• The name of the original owner
• The reported address (to confirm it matches your relative)
• The holder (such as a bank, insurance company, or business)
• An estimated value range (sometimes a dollar range, not the exact amount)

Check each listing to see if:

• The address or city matches a place your relative lived or worked
• The holder (for example, a local bank) makes sense based on what you know about them

You can typically select one or more properties and start a claim request through the official portal.

3. Indicate that the owner is deceased

When starting the claim online or using a paper form, you will generally be asked:

• Whether you are the original owner or a heir/representative
• Whether the original owner is deceased

Choose the option that indicates you are filing as an heir, estate representative, or personal representative. The system or form will then generate a claim form tailored for deceased-owner claims.

4. Complete the claim form

The Vermont unclaimed property office typically provides:

• An online claim form you can complete and submit electronically, or
• A PDF or paper form to print, complete by hand, and mail in

On the form you will usually need to provide:

• Deceased person’s information:

  • Full legal name
  • Last known address
  • Date of birth and date of death (if known)
  • Social Security number (if you have it)

• Your information:

  • Full name and contact details
  • Your relationship to the deceased (spouse, child, executor, etc.)
  • Whether you are acting as an individual heir or as the estate’s representative

Make sure all information is complete and accurate, as missing details can delay the claim.

5. Gather required documents

For heir claims, you usually must submit supporting documents. Requirements can differ based on whether there was a will, probate, and the size of the estate.

Common documents are summarized in the table below.

Key Documents for Vermont Heir Claims

*Exact requirements can change and may vary by case. Always follow the current instructions from the official Vermont unclaimed property office or the estate’s probate court.

How Probate Affects Heir Claims in Vermont

If the estate went through probate

If your relative’s estate went through probate court in Vermont:

• The court likely issued formal documents naming an executor or administrator.
• That person usually has the primary legal right to claim assets on behalf of the estate.
• Once the funds are released by the state, the executor distributes them according to:
  • The will, if one exists, or
  • Vermont’s intestate succession laws, if there is no will

In this situation, individual heirs may be asked to work through the executor rather than filing separate claims.

If there was no probate (small or simple estates)

Sometimes a Vermont estate is small enough that formal probate is not required, or the family did not open an estate case. In those situations:

• The Vermont unclaimed property office may allow heirs to file directly, but they will typically require extra documentation to:
  • Confirm the person has died
  • Confirm your relationship and share
  • Confirm no other person (e.g., a surviving spouse) has superior rights

The rules on small estates and non-probate transfers can be detailed, so it can be helpful to:

• Call the Vermont probate court where your relative lived, or
• Talk with a Vermont attorney who handles estates or probate

They can help you understand whether a simplified process is available in your case.

Submitting Your Vermont Heir Claim

Common submission methods

Vermont usually allows one or more of these methods:

1. Online upload

   • Submit claim form and upload scanned documents (PDF, JPEG, etc.) through the official unclaimed property portal.

2. Mail

   • Print and sign the claim form.
   • Include copies (or sometimes certified originals) of required documents.
   • Mail everything to the address listed on the form or on the Vermont unclaimed property website.

3. In-person (less common for unclaimed property)

   • Some state offices allow you to drop off documents in person.
   • Call ahead to confirm current procedures and hours.

Make sure to:

• Sign and date the form where required.
• Include all required documents.
• Keep copies of everything you send.
• Consider using tracking if you mail original or certified documents.

What Happens After You File an Heir Claim?

Once you submit your claim through Vermont’s official unclaimed property office:

1. Initial review

   • Staff confirm that the claim form is complete and that all required supporting documents are present.
   • If something is missing, they may contact you by mail, email, or phone.

2. Verification

   • The office verifies:
     • The identity of the deceased owner
     • The ownership of the property
     • Your legal authority or right to inherit
   • They may compare your documents with public records, such as death certificates and probate filings.

3. Decision

   • If approved, the state usually issues a check or direct payment to the estate or the authorized claimant.
   • If denied, you should receive a written explanation, and sometimes information about next steps or appeal options.

Typical processing time

Processing times vary based on:

• The complexity of the claim (single heir vs. many heirs, no probate vs. probate)
• The volume of claims the office is handling
• How quickly you respond if the office asks for more information

Some heirs see decisions within a few weeks for simple claims, while more complex estate situations can take longer.

If it has been a long time with no update, you can contact the Vermont unclaimed property office using the phone number or email listed on the claim form or on the official state website to ask about your claim’s status.

Common Reasons Vermont Heir Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding frequent issues can help you avoid problems.

Frequent delays

• Missing documents (no death certificate, no ID, no proof of relationship)
• Incomplete claim forms (blank fields, missing signatures)
• Unclear heir status when there are multiple potential heirs
• Name mismatches (for example, the original property is under a maiden name and no name-change proof is provided)
• Unclear probate status (office does not know if there was an executor, will, or probate case)

Possible denial reasons

• You cannot show a legal right to inherit the property.
• Another person (for example, a surviving spouse or court-appointed executor) has superior legal priority.
• The documents submitted do not match the official records.
• The claim is made for the wrong person (different individual with the same or similar name).

If your claim is denied:

• Read the denial notice carefully.
• Check what specific reason is given.
• Contact the unclaimed property office for clarification if needed.
• Ask whether you can submit additional documents or file a new claim.

For disputes over inheritance or competing heirs, you may need to consult legal counsel in Vermont.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

Vermont, like many states, may allow:

• Reconsideration or review if you provide new or missing documentation.
• Corrections if you realize there was an error on your claim form.

In more complicated disputes, such as when multiple people claim the same property:

• The unclaimed property office may require court documentation resolving who is legally entitled.
• Sometimes, issues must be resolved through probate court or another legal process before the state can release funds.

You can ask the Vermont unclaimed property office directly what appeal or review process is available in your situation and whether any deadlines apply.

If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Complete the Heir Claim

Sometimes an individual heir cannot claim the property directly. Examples include:

• You are not a legal heir under Vermont law.
• A probate court has given authority to someone else (e.g., another relative).
• You lack documents and cannot obtain them easily.

In these cases, possible next steps include:

• Asking the court-appointed executor or administrator to file the claim on behalf of the estate.
• Speaking with other heirs to coordinate and avoid competing claims.
• Contacting the probate court for guidance on whether a formal estate needs to be opened.
• Consulting a Vermont estate or probate attorney for personalized legal advice.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot intervene in disputes or override state rules; you must work through official Vermont offices and, if needed, the court system.

Verifying You Are Using Official Vermont Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed property often involves money, it can attract scams. Vermont’s official unclaimed property process is generally free to search and to claim.

Tips to stay safe

• ✅ Check for “.gov” in website addresses when dealing with state agencies.
• ✅ Do not pay upfront fees just to search for unclaimed property—official state searches are usually free.
• ✅ Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or letters claiming you are owed large sums and asking for personal information or fees.
• ✅ If someone offers to help you locate unclaimed property for a fee, know that:
  • They are often called “finders” or “locators.”
  • This is not necessarily illegal, but you can typically do the search and claim yourself at no cost.
  • Read any contract carefully and consider contacting the unclaimed property office or a lawyer before signing.

To confirm you are on the right track:

• Call the Vermont unclaimed property office at the phone number listed on the official Vermont state website.
• Ask them to verify:
  • The correct website
  • The correct mailing address
  • The correct forms for heir claims

Never give your full Social Security number, bank information, or ID copies to an unofficial contact or suspicious website.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Heir Claims

• Vermont holds unclaimed money and property that belongs to individuals, including those who have died.
• Heirs or estate representatives may be able to claim these assets by proving:
  • The original owner is deceased, and
  • They have a legal right to inherit or act for the estate.
• Be prepared to gather death certificates, proof of identity, proof of relationship, and probate documents when applicable.
• Claims are submitted through Vermont’s official unclaimed property office, usually via an online portal or by mail.
• Processing times vary; incomplete or unclear documentation is the most common cause of delay.
• If your claim is denied or delayed, you can typically contact the unclaimed property office to understand why and ask about next steps.

For the most accurate and up-to-date instructions, use Vermont’s official state resources, contact the unclaimed property office, or seek advice from a qualified Vermont attorney if your situation is complex.