Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, and Payroll in Virginia: How to Claim Money That’s Owed to You

If you live or work in Virginia, you may have money waiting for you that you never knew about. This can include unclaimed checks, refunds, payroll, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, and more.

This guide explains how unclaimed property typically works in Virginia, how to look for money in your name, and what to expect when you file a claim through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only. It is not a government office, does not process claims, and cannot check your status. Use this guide as a roadmap to help you work with the official Virginia unclaimed property program and related offices.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Virginia?

In Virginia, unclaimed property refers to money or financial assets that belong to you but have not been accessed, cashed, or claimed for a certain period of time. When that happens, businesses and institutions are usually required to turn that money over to the Commonwealth of Virginia for safekeeping.

Common examples include:

• Uncashed payroll checks
• Refund checks (utilities, medical providers, retailers, lenders, etc.)
• Uncashed vendor or contractor checks
• Bank accounts with no activity
• Utility deposits that were never refunded
• Insurance benefits or claim checks
• Money orders or traveler’s checks
• Dividends or stocks in your name
• Estate or inheritance funds that never reached you

Virginia’s program acts as a custodian. That means the state holds the money until the rightful owner (or heirs) come forward and submit a claim through the official process.

Who Typically Has Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, or Payroll?

Almost anyone who has lived, worked, or done business in Virginia could have unclaimed property. Common situations include:

• You moved and didn’t update your address before a check was mailed.
• You changed jobs and didn’t receive your last paycheck or bonus.
• A security deposit was mailed but never reached you.
• You forgot about a small bank account or credit union account.
• You changed insurance companies and never cashed a refund check.
• You were listed as a beneficiary and never knew it.

You do not need to be low income or meet any special financial criteria. If the property is legally yours (or you are an eligible heir or representative), you may be able to claim it.

Types of Unclaimed Checks and Refunds: What Virginia Usually Handles

Here are common categories of unclaimed money in Virginia and how they usually show up:

The Virginia Department of the Treasury’s unclaimed property division typically manages this money once it is turned over to the state.

How Unclaimed Payroll Works in Virginia

When does payroll become “unclaimed”?

If an employer issues a paycheck and you never cash or deposit it, and the employer cannot reach you, that payroll check may eventually become “unclaimed property.”

Typical steps:

1. Employer tries to pay you (check, direct deposit, etc.).
2. Payment fails or is never cashed.
3. Employer attempts to contact you at your last known address or contact information.
4. After a dormancy period (set by law), the employer is required to report and send those funds to the state unclaimed property program.

The timeline can vary, but unclaimed wages usually transfer to the state after a set period with no activity.

If you think an employer still has your paycheck

If you believe your paycheck is recent (for example, from the current or very recent year), it might still be with the employer, not yet with the state.

You can:

• Contact the employer’s HR or payroll department directly.
• Ask if they can:
  • Reissue a lost check, or
  • Update your address or direct deposit information.

If the employer tells you they turned the money over to the state, then your next step is to search the Virginia unclaimed property program.

How to Search for Unclaimed Checks and Refunds in Virginia

You normally start by using the official Virginia unclaimed property search tool.

Step 1: Gather basic information

Have this ready:

• Full legal name
• Previous names (maiden name, married name, nicknames used on accounts)
• Current and past Virginia addresses
• Name of your business if you own one
• Employer names (if you are looking for payroll)

This information helps you identify which results belong to you and which belong to someone with a similar name.

Step 2: Use the state’s official unclaimed property search

Virginia typically offers:

• An online name search through the official state treasury or unclaimed property website.
• A place to start a claim online for most properties.
• Instructions for paper forms if needed.

To make sure you are on the official site:

• Look for references to “Commonwealth of Virginia,” “Virginia Department of the Treasury,” or “Virginia Unclaimed Property”.
• Check that the site clearly states it is an official government website.
• If unsure, you can:
  • Call the Virginia Department of the Treasury information or unclaimed property line, or
  • Ask your local government office for the correct web address.

Step 3: Review the search results carefully

Search results usually list:

• Name of owner (your name or a similar name)
• Reported address (to help you confirm it’s really you)
• Company or agency that reported the property
• Type of property (e.g., “wages,” “refund,” “bank account”)
• Sometimes an approximate dollar range (e.g., “$0–$100,” “over $100”)

If the address or business name matches your past history in Virginia, you can typically start a claim through the state’s official process.

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Checks or Payroll in Virginia

The claim process is intended to verify that you really are the rightful owner. That usually means proving identity, address history, and relationship to the property.

Step 1: Start your claim on the official site

For each property you recognize as yours:

1. Select the result.
2. Use the “Claim,” “File A Claim,” or similar button on the official page.
3. Answer basic questions:
   • Are you the owner, an heir, or a business representative?
   • Confirm or update your current mailing address.
   • Provide contact information.

You may be able to submit everything online, or the system may give you instructions to:

• Print a claim form, and
• Mail it back with supporting documents.

Step 2: Gather common documents

Requirements can vary depending on the type and size of the claim, but Virginia often asks for:

For individuals (your own money):

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security Number (sometimes)
  • Social Security card
  • Official tax document with your SSN
• Proof of current address
  • Utility bill
  • Lease
  • Bank statement
• Proof of previous address (if needed)
  • Old utility bill
  • Old lease
  • Tax return or official mail showing your name and the reported address

For unclaimed payroll or wage checks:

• Documents above, plus sometimes:
  • Pay stub (if you still have one)
  • W-2 showing the employer
  • Old employment records or offer letters

For heirs or estate representatives:

If the property belongs to someone who has died, you may need:

• Death certificate
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Estate documents, such as:
  • Letters of qualification
  • Will naming you as executor or beneficiary
• Your ID and contact information

For businesses:

• Business registration documents
• Proof of authority (e.g., officer, owner, or authorized representative)
• Tax ID/EIN
• Possibly previous address documentation for the business

The official forms or instructions from the Virginia unclaimed property office usually spell out exactly what is required for your specific claim type.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once your claim and documents are submitted to the Virginia unclaimed property program:

1. Initial review: Staff confirms that the information you provided matches their records.
2. Verification: They check identification, addresses, and legal authority (especially for heirs and business claims).
3. Requests for more information (if needed):
   • You might be contacted for additional documents if anything is unclear or incomplete.
4. Decision:
   • Approved: The state issues payment (usually by check, sometimes direct deposit if offered).
   • Denied or closed: They typically provide a reason, such as incomplete documentation or questions about ownership.

Processing times can vary based on:

• How many claims the office is handling.
• Whether your documents are complete the first time.
• Whether the claim is simple (one person, small amount) or complex (estate, multiple heirs, large amount).

If you are unsure about the status of your claim, you can usually:

• Call the Virginia unclaimed property division phone number.
• Provide your claim number to request an update.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

People often run into avoidable problems. Some frequent issues include:

• Name mismatches
  • Name on your ID doesn’t match the name on the property (e.g., missing middle name, maiden vs married name).
  • You may need to provide name change documents, like a marriage certificate.
• Missing proof of address
  • Especially when the unclaimed property is tied to an old address you no longer have paperwork for.
• Incomplete forms
  • Not signing where required, missing pages, or not including all requested documents.
• Insufficient proof of relationship (for heirs)
  • Claiming for a deceased relative without legal documents or clear proof of relationship.
• Unclear authority (for businesses)
  • Filing on behalf of a business without showing that you are authorized to act for the company.

Double-check your claim form, sign everything, and include all requested documents to reduce delays.

How Reviews, Appeals, or Reconsideration Usually Work

If your claim is denied or returned as incomplete:

1. Carefully read any letter or email from the unclaimed property office.
2. Look for:
   • The reason for denial or delay.
   • Any additional documents they need.
   • Whether you may resubmit.

In many cases, you can fix the issue by:

• Providing clearer identification,
• Adding missing paperwork, or
• Correcting minor errors.

If you believe a denial was based on a misunderstanding and you have documentation that supports your claim, you may:

• Contact the Virginia unclaimed property office directly.
• Ask about the appeal or reconsideration process.
• Submit additional information as instructed.

Each state has its own process, so it is important to rely on the official guidance from the Virginia agency for the exact steps.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Money in Virginia?

Virginia typically treats unclaimed property as permanently held for the owner or heirs, meaning:

• There usually is no short deadline that makes you lose rights to your money once it is with the state.
• However, rules may vary for certain types of property or for very old records.

Even if you think it has been many years, it is still worthwhile to check for unclaimed property in your name.

Keep in mind:

• The dormancy period (time before money is reported to the state) is not the same as a deadline to claim.
• Once property is listed as unclaimed with Virginia, the state generally holds it for the rightful owner.

If you have questions about older property, you can contact the Virginia Department of the Treasury’s unclaimed property division.

Protecting Yourself From Scams

Because unclaimed money can sound too good to be true, it sometimes attracts scammers. You can reduce risk by following a few basic rules.

How to verify you’re using an official channel

• Make sure the site clearly identifies itself as part of the Commonwealth of Virginia or the Virginia Department of the Treasury.
• If you get a letter or email about unclaimed property:
  • Verify the phone number or address independently (for example, by looking up the Virginia Treasury through a trusted government directory).
• When in doubt, call the Virginia unclaimed property office directly using a number you find through an official state government contact listing, not from a random email or ad.

Red flags to watch for

Be cautious if:

• Someone guarantees they can get you money but asks for a large upfront fee.
• A caller pressures you to act immediately or threatens penalties if you do not.
• You are asked to provide bank login credentials, complete wire transfers, or pay in gift cards.
• The website looks unofficial, uses misspellings, or does not clearly state it is a government site.

Some third-party “finders” or “locators” do operate legally and may charge a contingency fee to help you with your claim. However, you are usually able to:

• Search and file a claim yourself directly with the state at no or very low cost.

If you ever feel unsure, you can:

• Contact the Virginia unclaimed property office and ask whether a letter, email, or caller is legitimate.
• Reach out to Virginia’s consumer protection division or the Attorney General’s office for guidance.

What If You Don’t Qualify or the Money Isn’t Yours?

Sometimes people look up their names and discover:

• The claimed property belongs to someone with the same name but a totally different address.
• They do not have the documents needed to prove ownership.
• The unclaimed property office confirms it does not match their identity.

In that case:

• You may not be able to receive those funds.
• If you later find new documentation (like an old bill or tax record showing the address), you may be able to try again.

If you were hoping for unclaimed money to resolve a current financial crisis but find nothing in your name, you might consider other supports:

• 211 Virginia (by phone or online) to be connected to local assistance programs.
• Local social services departments for information on help with food, housing, or utilities.
• Legal aid organizations if you believe an employer still owes you current or recent wages that have not been paid at all.

Key Takeaways for Claiming Unclaimed Checks, Refunds, and Payroll in Virginia

• Unclaimed property can include payroll checks, refunds, deposits, insurance payouts, and more.
• The Commonwealth of Virginia usually holds this money until the rightful owner or heirs file a claim through the official unclaimed property program.
• You can typically:
  • Search for your name on the official Virginia unclaimed property website.
  • Start a claim online or by mailing in an official claim form.
• Be ready to provide:
  • Identification
  • Proof of address (current and sometimes past)
  • Proof of relationship or authority for heirs or businesses
• Delays often come from missing documents, name/address mismatches, or incomplete forms.
• Always make sure you are using an official Virginia government site or office and be cautious of scams or high-fee services.
• HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims or check your status, but you can use this guide to navigate the process with Virginia’s official unclaimed property office.

Armed with your documents and the right contact information, you can take the next step by working directly with the Virginia Department of the Treasury’s unclaimed property division to see if any forgotten checks, refunds, or payroll are waiting for you.