Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Find Unclaimed Assets in West Virginia

If you have ever lived, worked, or done business in West Virginia, you may have unclaimed money or property waiting for you. This could be anything from an old paycheck to a forgotten bank account.

This guide explains, in clear steps, how people typically search for and claim unclaimed assets in West Virginia through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only—it is not a government office, does not hold property, and cannot process claims.

What “Unclaimed Property” Means in West Virginia

In West Virginia, unclaimed property usually refers to money or assets that belong to you but have been inactive for a certain period and turned over to the state’s unclaimed property program.

Common examples include:

• Uncashed paychecks or vendor checks
• Dormant bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Utility or rent deposits that were never refunded
• Insurance policy benefits or refunds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stock dividends or mutual fund accounts
• Refunds or rebates from businesses

These items are usually handed over to the state’s unclaimed property office when the company or institution cannot reach you for a set number of years (the “dormancy period”). The state then safeguards the property until the rightful owner or heir submits a valid claim.

There is typically no fee charged by the state for searching or claiming your own property.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can usually start a search with very little information, but having more details ready can make your claim easier later.

It helps to gather:

• Full legal name (including middle name or initial)
• Previous names (married name, maiden name, nicknames, hyphenated names)
• Current and past West Virginia addresses
• Approximate years you lived or worked in West Virginia
• Names of past employers or businesses you dealt with in the state
• Name and address of any deceased relative you believe may have unclaimed assets

If you are searching on behalf of a deceased relative, keep in mind you may eventually need:

• A death certificate
• A will, estate papers, or letters of administration
• Proof that you are the heir, executor, or administrator

You do not usually need to upload all of this at the search stage, but it is smart to be prepared.

Step 2: Use West Virginia’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

Each state runs its own unclaimed property program. To find unclaimed assets held by the State of West Virginia, you would typically use the official West Virginia unclaimed property website or contact the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office.

Because website addresses can change, a common approach is to:

1. Go to a trusted search engine.
2. Type something like “West Virginia State Treasurer unclaimed property”.
3. Look for results that clearly identify an official state government site (for example, they often end in “.gov” and display state seals or agency names).

On the state’s official unclaimed property page, you will usually find a search box or search portal labeled with terms like:

• “Search for Unclaimed Property”
• “Find Your Unclaimed Money”
• “Begin Your Search”

You can typically search by:

• Last name + first name
• Business name (if you owned or represented a business)
• Sometimes by city or ZIP code to narrow results

🔍 Tip: Try searching under all variations of your name (with and without middle initial, nicknames, former married names).

Step 3: Review Your Search Results Carefully

Once you run a search, you may see:

• No results associated with your name
• One or several listings that look like they belong to you
• Multiple people with the same or similar names

For each result, you’ll typically see:

• Name of owner
• Last known address or city
• Holding company or source (for example, a bank, employer, or utility)
• Type of property (for example, wages, bank account, insurance)

Use this information to decide whether an item probably belongs to you. Common clues include:

• A familiar old address
• A past employer’s name
• A bank or company you recognize
• A relative’s name if you are checking for an estate

If an item looks like it belongs to you or an estate you’re handling, most systems let you select the property and either:

• Add it to a “cart” or claim list
• Start a claim directly from the result page

Step 4: Start a Claim Through the Official West Virginia Channel

When you choose to claim an item, the state’s system typically asks for:

• Your full legal name
• Current mailing address and phone number
• Email address
• Relationship to the property owner (self, heir, executor, business representative)

You may be prompted to create an online account with the state unclaimed property system or complete an online claim form.

Important points:

• HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file or submit claims. This can only be done through the state’s official unclaimed property office or portal.
• Some claims may generate a form you must print, sign, and mail along with required documents.
• For higher-value claims or more complex situations (like estates or business claims), extra documentation is often required.

Step 5: Prepare the Documents You May Need

The exact documents depend on who you are and what type of claim you are making. The table below gives a general idea of what is commonly requested, but requirements can vary and the official West Virginia office will provide the final word.

Common Document Needs for West Virginia Unclaimed Property Claims

*The official West Virginia unclaimed property office or online portal will list the exact documents needed for your particular claim.

📌 Tip: Make clear, readable copies. Some offices accept scanned or uploaded copies; others may require original documents or notarized copies for certain cases.

Step 6: Submit Your Claim to West Virginia’s Unclaimed Property Office

After you have:

1. Selected your property, and
2. Gathered your documents,

you will usually be instructed to submit your claim in one of these ways:

• Online upload of documents through the official portal
• Mail your signed claim form and copies of documentation to the address listed on the form
• Less commonly, some offices may allow in‑person submission at a state government office

Always follow the instructions given in the official claim packet or portal, including:

• Where to mail documents
• Whether anything must be notarized
• Any claim number you should include on your paperwork

Keep copies of everything you send.

Step 7: What Happens After You File a Claim

Once the West Virginia unclaimed property office receives your claim, a few things typically happen:

1. Initial review – Staff or the system checks that your form is complete and documents are attached.
2. Verification – Your information is matched against records from the business or institution that turned over the property.
3. Approval or request for more information –
   • If everything matches, the claim may be approved, and you will receive payment or instructions.
   • If something is missing or unclear, the office may contact you by mail, phone, or email.

Processing times can vary, but it is common for claims to take several weeks or longer, especially if documentation is complex or the claim value is high.

If you have concerns about timing, you can usually:

• Use any online claim status tool provided by the official portal, or
• Call the West Virginia State Treasurer’s unclaimed property office using the phone number listed on official state materials.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common problems can help you avoid them:

• Missing documents – For example, no proof of address or missing estate papers.
• Name mismatches – The name on your ID is different from the name on the property record, and no explanation (such as marriage certificate) is provided.
• Incomplete forms – Blank fields, missing signatures, or leaving out your claim number.
• Unclear authority – For estate or business claims, lack of proof that you are the person authorized to act.
• Illegible copies – Blurry, cut-off, or unreadable scans or photocopies.

If your claim is denied, the notice from the state usually explains why. In some cases, you may be able to:

• Submit additional documents to resolve the issue, or
• Follow any appeal or review process described by the state office.

Appeal procedures and timelines can vary, so it is important to read all correspondence carefully and contact the state office directly with questions.

Searching for Unclaimed Assets in Other States

Unclaimed property is held by the state where the business was located or where you last lived or had an address, not always the state where you currently live.

If you have ever lived, worked, or gone to school outside West Virginia, you may want to:

• Search for unclaimed property in each state where you:
  • Lived or received mail
  • Had a job or business
  • Opened a bank account or bought insurance
• Visit each state’s official treasury or unclaimed property office website and repeat the same steps.

You can also look for multi-state unclaimed property search tools run by national associations of state treasurers or unclaimed property administrators, which can be found through a search engine.

How to Tell You Are Using an Official West Virginia Channel (Scam-Prevention Tips)

Because unclaimed money sounds appealing, it sometimes attracts scammers. A few reasonable precautions can help you stay on official channels:

• Check the web address –
  • Official West Virginia government websites typically use a “.gov” domain and clearly identify the State of West Virginia and the State Treasurer’s Office or similar agency.
• Be cautious of fees –
  • The state typically does not charge a fee for you to search or file your own claim.
  • Some private “locator” services may offer to help for a fee; using them is generally optional, and you can usually work directly with the state for free.
• Guard your Social Security number –
  • It may be needed in some cases for verification, but be sure you are on an official state portal or talking to an official office before sharing sensitive information.
• Avoid pressure tactics –
  • Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages demanding immediate payment or personal data in order to release “unclaimed funds.”
• Verify contact information –
  • If unsure, independently look up the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office phone number or mailing address through a trusted source and call to confirm.

Alternatives and Related Resources

If you do not find unclaimed assets in West Virginia—or if you are facing urgent financial needs—there may be other resources to explore:

• 211 information and referral line – By dialing 211 in most areas, people can often get connected to local nonprofits and agencies that address housing, food, utilities, and other basic needs.
• County or city social services departments – These offices can provide information on public assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, utility help, and rental assistance.
• Legal aid organizations – For help with estate questions, complex heirship issues, or claim disputes, low-income residents may qualify for free or low-cost legal help from non-profit legal aid groups.

These options do not replace unclaimed property programs, but they can be helpful if you need other types of support while you wait for a decision or if your claim is denied.

By following the steps above—searching the official West Virginia unclaimed property database, carefully reviewing results, gathering the right documents, and submitting your claim through the State Treasurer’s official office or portal—many people are able to recover money or property they did not realize was still owed to them.