How to File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Vermont: Step-by-Step Guide

Finding out you may have unclaimed money in Vermont can be exciting—but it can also raise a lot of questions. This guide walks you through how unclaimed property works in Vermont and how to file a claim through official state channels, so you know what to expect from start to finish.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, claims office, or application portal. This article is meant to help you understand the typical process so you can complete your claim directly with the official Vermont unclaimed property office.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Vermont?

In Vermont, unclaimed assets (also called unclaimed property) usually means money or financial property that has been inactive for a certain period of time. When a business or financial institution can’t reach the owner, the assets are eventually turned over to the State of Vermont to hold until the owner (or heir) claims them.

Common examples of Vermont unclaimed property include:

• Bank accounts (checking or savings) that were abandoned
• Uncashed checks, including payroll or vendor checks
• Security deposits (utilities, landlords)
• Insurance proceeds or life insurance benefits
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents (these may be handled differently than cash)
• Refunds, credits, and rebates owed by companies

Unclaimed property typically does not include:

• Real estate
• Vehicles
• Most physical personal property outside of safe deposit box contents

The State of Vermont usually acts as a custodian of this property. That means the state does not “own” your money—it holds it for you until you file a valid claim.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Vermont?

You may be able to file a claim for Vermont unclaimed property if:

• You are the original owner listed on the account or property
• You are a heir or beneficiary of the original owner
• You are a current or former business owner tied to the property
• You are a legal representative (such as an executor, administrator, trustee, or attorney-in-fact) with proper documentation

Common situations where people qualify include:

• You used to live or work in Vermont and moved away
• You closed an account but a final refund or check never reached you
• A relative passed away and you believe they had accounts or insurance in Vermont
• Your name changed (marriage, divorce, or legal name change), and old records show your prior name
• Your business closed or changed its name, and money was left unclaimed

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, the safest approach is to:

1. Search for your name (or your business’s name) using the official Vermont unclaimed property search tool.
2. Review how the name and address are listed.
3. Check the official Vermont unclaimed property office’s instructions on who may file a claim and what proof is needed.

How to Search for Unclaimed Property in Vermont

The first step is usually to search for your unclaimed property in Vermont’s official database.

Typical ways to search

Most people use one or more of the following methods:

• Online search through the official Vermont unclaimed property website
• Phone assistance with the Vermont unclaimed property office
• Mail-in inquiry (less common, but an option if you don’t have internet access)
• In some cases, in-person help at a state office or outreach event

To make your search easier, have ready:

• Your full legal name (plus any former names)
• Your current and past Vermont addresses
• Your business name, if applicable
• The approximate time period you lived or did business in Vermont

If you find a possible match, you can typically click or note the property and start the claim process from there.

Documents You May Need to File a Vermont Unclaimed Property Claim

The exact documents depend on:

• Whether you are the original owner, heir, or representative, and
• The type of property you are claiming

However, most Vermont claims require some combination of the following:

1. Proof of Identity

Commonly requested:

• Government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Passport

Sometimes the state may also ask for:

• Social Security number (or last four digits)
• Tax ID for business claims

2. Proof of Address or Previous Residence

To show that you are the person tied to the address on record, you may need:

• Old utility bills
• Bank statements
• Lease agreements or mortgage statements
• Pay stubs or W-2s
• Tax returns listing the Vermont address

If your current name or address is different from what appears on the record, you’ll need to clearly connect the two with documentation.

3. Name Change Documentation (if applicable)

If your name has changed, you may need:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for legal name change

4. Documents for Deceased Owners

If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has passed away, the Vermont office typically requires additional proof. Common documents include:

• Death certificate
• Will or trust documents, if available
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration (showing you are the estate’s personal representative)
• Affidavit of heirship (for smaller estates, depending on Vermont rules)

5. Business or Organization Claims

If the property belongs to a business or organization, you may need:

• Business registration documents
• Articles of incorporation or organization
• Proof you are authorized to act (e.g., corporate resolution, officer listing, letter on company letterhead)
• Tax ID number for the entity

Quick Reference: Typical Documents by Claim Type

*Exact requirements may vary. Always review the official Vermont unclaimed property office instructions for current rules.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Vermont

Vermont typically allows you to file a claim online, by mail, or sometimes with help over the phone. Online is usually fastest.

Step 1: Confirm the Property Is Yours

1. Perform a search by name in the official Vermont unclaimed property system.
2. Review each listing you find:
   • Is the name correct or a close match?
   • Does the address or city match somewhere you lived or worked?
   • Does the business name match your current or former business?
3. If it looks like a match, select the property and move forward with the “claim” or “file claim” option.

If multiple claims appear for you, you can often file for more than one property at the same time.

Step 2: Choose How You Want to File

Most Vermonters use:

• Online filing (through the official Vermont unclaimed property web portal), or
• Paper claim forms (printed or requested from the Vermont office and then mailed)

Online filing (common steps)

1. Create or log in to an account in the Vermont unclaimed property system, if required.
2. Confirm your contact information (mailing address, phone, email).
3. Complete the claim form for each property:
   • Verify the name, address, and property type.
   • Indicate your relationship to the owner (owner, heir, executor, business officer, etc.).
4. Upload or plan to mail supporting documents, as instructed by the Vermont office.

Mail-in filing (common steps)

1. Print the Vermont unclaimed property claim form from the official website OR call the Vermont unclaimed property office to request a mailed form.
2. Complete all sections clearly, using blue or black ink.
3. Attach copies of required ID and documents (do not usually send originals unless explicitly instructed).
4. Sign and date the form. Some claims may require notarization, especially for larger amounts or estate claims.
5. Mail your packet to the official Vermont unclaimed property mailing address listed on the form.

Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

If filing online, Vermont may allow you to upload scanned copies or clear photos of your documents. If filing by mail, include photocopies instead of originals whenever possible.

Be sure your documents:

• Are legible and not too dark or blurry
• Show full names, dates, and account information clearly
• Match the name and address used on your claim application

If the Vermont office needs additional proof, they will typically contact you by mail, email, or phone using the information you provided.

Step 4: Track Your Claim Status

Once your claim is submitted:

• The Vermont unclaimed property office will usually assign a claim number.
• You may be able to check the status online using this number.
• Processing time can vary depending on:
  • The volume of claims
  • The complexity of your claim (for example, estate claims often take longer)
  • Whether additional documentation is needed

If you do not hear back within the typical timeframe noted on the Vermont site, you can:

• Call the Vermont unclaimed property office and provide your claim number
• Ask if any additional documents are needed
• Confirm that your mailing address and contact information are correct

Step 5: Receive Your Payment or Property

If your claim is approved:

• Most Vermont unclaimed property payouts for cash-type claims are made by check mailed to your address.
• For securities (like stocks) or more complex assets, the Vermont office may handle them differently—such as selling the securities and issuing a check for the proceeds.

Keep in mind:

• Processing and mailing can take time after approval.
• Deposit or cash the check promptly to avoid any issues with stale-dated checks.

If your claim is denied or partially approved, Vermont typically sends a written explanation. You may be able to appeal or submit additional documents.

How Long Does the Unclaimed Property Process Take in Vermont?

Timelines can vary, but many Vermont claims follow a basic pattern:

• Simple claims (clearly matched name and address, standard ID)

  • May be processed within a few weeks, depending on workload

• Complex claims (estate claims, conflicting ownership, old or unclear records)

  • May take several weeks to a few months

To avoid delays:

• Submit a complete, accurate claim
• Include all requested documents at once
• Respond promptly if the Vermont office requests more information

If the Vermont office publishes estimated processing times, those can give you a useful reference.

Common Reasons Vermont Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding what can go wrong may help you avoid issues.

Common problems include:

• Mismatched names

  • Example: The record shows “John A. Smith,” but your claim lists “Jack Smith” without documentation tying the names together.

• Insufficient proof of address

  • Especially when the address on the record is old and you do not provide any documents showing you lived there.

• Missing estate documentation (for deceased owners)

  • Such as no death certificate or letters testamentary when required.

• Unsigned or incomplete claim forms

  • Missing signature, date, or specific claim fields.

• Unreadable or unclear copies

  • Blurry ID, cropped documents, or important data cut off.

If your claim is denied, you can usually:

1. Review the denial letter or notice to understand why.
2. Gather any additional documents or corrections requested.
3. Contact the Vermont unclaimed property office for clarification, if the reason is unclear.
4. File a new or updated claim, or follow any appeal instructions provided.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

Vermont may allow you to challenge or appeal a decision if you believe:

• The state made an error, or
• You now have additional documentation that proves your claim

Typical steps might include:

1. Contact the Vermont unclaimed property office and reference your claim number.
2. Ask about the process for appeal or reconsideration.
3. Submit a written request (if required), explaining your position and providing supporting documentation.

Rules can change, so be sure to check the current instructions directly from the Vermont unclaimed property authority.

How to Confirm You’re Using Official Vermont Channels

Because unclaimed property can involve money, scams do occur. It’s important to verify that you are dealing with official Vermont offices.

Here are practical tips:

• ✅ Use a .gov website when possible

  • Vermont’s official state websites usually end in “.gov”.

• ✅ Look for clear government identification

  • Official Vermont sites and letters will typically include a state seal, a state department name, and government mailing addresses.

• ✅ Be suspicious of anyone demanding up-front payment

  • Some legitimate “finders” or “locators” charge a fee to help you locate property. However, you do not have to pay anyone to search for or claim your own unclaimed property through the official Vermont office.
  • If someone pressures you to sign a contract or share sensitive personal information, pause and verify their legitimacy.

• ✅ Do not share sensitive information by email or phone unless you initiated contact using a verified official phone number or address found on a Vermont government site or official paperwork.

If you are unsure whether a website, email, or call is legitimate:

1. Independently search for the Vermont state government main website using your browser.
2. Navigate from the main site to the unclaimed property section.
3. Use only the contact information listed there.

You can also dial 211 in many areas to ask for help finding the correct Vermont state contact for unclaimed property.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Ownership?

Sometimes people believe money should be theirs but cannot provide the documentation Vermont requires. Possible next steps include:

• Gather more records

  • Old bank statements, employment records, landlord letters, or tax returns might help link you to a name or address.

• Check with relatives or former roommates

  • They may have paperwork or remember account details.

• Consult a legal professional

  • Especially for complicated estates or disputed ownership. Laws around inheritance and estate administration can be complex.

If you truly cannot prove a legal right to the property under Vermont’s rules, the state may not release the funds. In that case, consider:

• Checking for unclaimed money in other states where you’ve lived or worked
• Keeping your records organized going forward to avoid future issues

Key Takeaways for Filing a Vermont Unclaimed Assets Claim

• Vermont holds unclaimed property (like old bank accounts, checks, and insurance benefits) until the rightful owner or heir claims it.
• You can usually search and file a claim online or by mail through the official Vermont unclaimed property office.
• Be prepared to provide proof of identity, proof of address, and additional documents if you’re an heir or business representative.
• Claims can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on complexity and volume.
• You can’t file a claim or check status through HowToGetAssistance.org, but you can use this information to navigate Vermont’s official process more confidently.

When you’re ready, go to the official Vermont state government unclaimed property office (online, by phone, or in person if available) to start your claim and follow their current instructions carefully.