Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in West Virginia: How to Find and Claim Your Money

If you have ever paid a security deposit to a utility company or had money held in escrow (for example, during a home purchase or mortgage), there’s a chance some of those funds may be sitting unclaimed in West Virginia’s system.

This guide explains, in clear terms, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds typically work in West Virginia, and how you can check, verify, and claim any money that might belong to you through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, not an official portal, and not part of any claims process. This article is meant to help you understand your options so you can follow up directly with the proper West Virginia offices and official websites.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Utility deposits

A utility deposit is money a customer pays up front to start or keep services such as:

• Electric
• Gas
• Water
• Sewer
• Telephone or internet (in some cases)

These deposits are usually meant to protect the utility company in case bills go unpaid. If you:

• Move out,
• Close the account, or
• Establish a good payment history,

you may be entitled to get your utility deposit back, sometimes with interest, depending on company policy and West Virginia regulations.

If the company cannot reach you after you move or your contact information changes, it may treat the deposit as unclaimed property and eventually turn it over to the State of West Virginia.

Escrow funds

Escrow funds are money held by a neutral third party (an “escrow agent”) to be released when certain conditions are met. Common examples:

• Real estate closing escrow (money held between buyer and seller)
• Mortgage escrow accounts (for property taxes and homeowners insurance)
• Construction or repair escrow (money set aside until work is completed)
• Legal or settlement escrow (funds held until paperwork or conditions are satisfied)

If there is money left over after those conditions are met, or if a transaction is canceled or adjusted, some of those funds may be refunded to you. When the bank, title company, mortgage servicer, or attorney cannot locate you, that money may also be turned over to the state as unclaimed property.

How West Virginia Treats Unclaimed Utility and Escrow Funds

In West Virginia, unclaimed utility deposits and escrow balances are usually handled as “unclaimed property.” That means businesses must:

1. Try to contact you after your account is closed or inactive for a certain period.
2. If they cannot reach you, they are usually required to send the funds to the state’s unclaimed property program.

From that point on:

• The money is held by the state, in your name (or in the name on the account).
• You have the right to claim it, as long as you can prove you are the rightful owner (or legal heir, if the owner has died).

You do not lose ownership just because it was turned over to the state, but you must file a claim through the official West Virginia unclaimed property process.

Step 1: Check if You Might Have Unclaimed Utility Deposits

Before you contact anyone, it helps to think through where a deposit might have come from.

Look back at your utility history

Make a quick list of:

• Places you’ve lived in West Virginia
• Years you lived there
• Utility companies you used, for example:
  • Electric company
  • Gas company
  • Water or sewer provider
  • City utility departments
  • Phone or internet companies (if they required deposits)

Ask yourself:

• Did you pay a deposit at any point to open the account?
• Did you move without receiving a final bill or refund check?
• Did you change your name, phone number, or mailing address and not update the utility company?

These clues can help you recognize a listing if you see one in the state’s unclaimed property records.

Common situations that create unclaimed utility deposits

People in West Virginia often end up with unclaimed utility deposits when:

• They moved out of state and never left a forwarding address.
• A refund check was mailed to an old address and never cashed.
• A landlord opened an account in their name and paid the deposit on their behalf.
• Married, divorced, or changed their name, and accounts were under a previous name.
• They don’t remember a deposit was ever required, especially for accounts opened years ago.

If any of these sound familiar, it is worth checking the official state unclaimed property search.

Step 2: Check for Unclaimed Escrow Funds

Escrow accounts can be more complicated, but the process is similar.

Examples of where escrow funds may come from

You may have unclaimed escrow money in West Virginia if you have ever:

• Bought or sold a home in West Virginia
• Had a mortgage loan serviced by a bank or lender (especially if the mortgage was paid off, refinanced, or transferred)
• Participated in a settlement or legal case where funds were held in escrow
• Used a title company or closing attorney for a property transaction
• Completed a construction project with funds held until inspection

After a mortgage is paid off, for example, any remaining escrow balance for taxes or insurance is usually refunded to the borrower. If the lender does not have valid contact information, those funds may eventually go to the state’s unclaimed property program.

Step 3: Use West Virginia’s Unclaimed Property System

Although the exact website or portal can change over time, West Virginia typically handles unclaimed utility and escrow funds through a state unclaimed property program, often under:

• The State Treasurer’s Office, or
• A similar statewide financial office.

To move forward, you can:

1. Look up the official State of West Virginia unclaimed property office by:

   • Visiting the official West Virginia state government website and searching for “unclaimed property”.
   • Calling the State Treasurer’s Office or the state’s main government information line and asking to be connected to the unclaimed property division.

2. Once you locate the official office, they usually provide:

   • An online searchable database, and/or
   • A way to submit a paper claim form by mail.

You can search by name, and often also by:

• Former names (maiden name or previous married name)
• Business name (if you owned a business)
• City or ZIP code

Look for entries labeled with property types such as:

• Utility deposit
• Refund
• Escrow account
• Overpayment
• Insurance refund

Each entry typically shows:

• The name of the person or business
• The last known address or city
• The holder (e.g., a utility company, bank, title company, mortgage servicer)
• Sometimes an approximate amount range

Step 4: Gather Documents You Will Likely Need

To claim unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds in West Virginia, you will generally need to prove your identity and show your connection to the account.

Here are common documents the state may request:

Identity documents (for most claims)

• Government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • West Virginia driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • U.S. passport
• Social Security number (often required on the claim form, not necessarily as a separate document)

Proof of address or ownership

Depending on the type of unclaimed property, you may need:

• Old utility bills showing your name and address
• Lease agreements or rental contracts
• Mortgage statements or payoff documents
• Settlement statements (like a HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure)
• Bank statements showing the escrow or refund
• Tax bills in your name at the address in question

Name change or legal documents (if needed)

If your current name doesn’t match the name on the unclaimed account:

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

Heir or estate documents (if the owner is deceased)

If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has died, the state often requires:

• Death certificate
• Will or estate documents, if any
• Proof of relationship (such as birth certificates showing parent/child relationships)
• Letters of administration or letters testamentary, if there is a formal estate

The exact requirements can vary; the official West Virginia unclaimed property office will list what they need for each type of claim.

Quick Reference: Who to Contact for Different Situations

Step 5: File an Official Claim With the State

Once you find a listing in West Virginia’s unclaimed property database that you believe is yours, the usual process is:

1. Start the claim

   • Many states allow you to start the claim online by clicking on the property listing and filling out a claim form.
   • If online filing isn’t available or you prefer paper:
     • Request a claim form from the unclaimed property office (by phone or from their official website).
     • Complete it carefully and sign where required.

2. Attach required documents

   • Provide copies of your ID and any supporting documents (unless the instructions specifically ask for originals).
   • Make sure names, addresses, and dates match or can be reasonably linked.

3. Submit the claim

   • Follow the instructions from the official WV unclaimed property office:
     • Online upload portal, and/or
     • Mailing address for claim forms and supporting documents.

4. Keep copies

   • Keep a copy of everything you send, including the completed form and documents.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or process claims. All claims must go directly through West Virginia’s official unclaimed property program or relevant utility/escrow holder.

Step 6: What Happens After You File Your Claim?

Processing times can vary, but in West Virginia it is common for:

• Simple individual claims (for straightforward utility deposits or basic refunds) to be handled relatively quickly, sometimes within a few weeks.
• More complex claims (involving estates, business accounts, or large escrow balances) to take longer, especially if additional documents are needed.

During review, the state unclaimed property office will typically:

1. Verify your identity.
2. Match your information to the unclaimed account (name, last known address, Social Security number, etc.).
3. Confirm that no other person or entity has a better legal right to the funds.

If your claim is approved, the state usually issues:

• A check mailed to the address you provided on your claim form, or
• Another payment method specified by the program, if available.

If your claim is not approved, they generally send:

• A notice explaining why, or
• A request for more information or additional documents.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

To avoid unnecessary delays in West Virginia, pay attention to these common issues:

• Incomplete forms
  Missing signatures, unanswered questions, or unclear mailing addresses can slow things down.

• Name mismatch
  If the claim is in “Jane A. Smith” and your ID says “Jane Ann Jones,” the state may need marriage or name-change documentation.

• Insufficient proof of address
  If the unclaimed property is tied to an address from years ago, you may need old utility bills, tax records, or lease agreements to show you lived there.

• Missing estate documents
  When claiming on behalf of a deceased relative, the state usually requires proof you are the legal heir or estate representative.

• Not responding to follow-up requests
  If the unclaimed property office asks for additional documents or clarifications and doesn’t hear back, your claim may be closed or put on hold.

If your claim is denied and you disagree, ask the unclaimed property office about:

• How to submit additional evidence, and/or
• Whether there is a review or appeal process for your case.

Appealing or Clarifying a Claim Decision

West Virginia may allow you to:

• Submit more documentation if your original claim was denied for lack of proof.
• Request clarification if you don’t understand the decision.
• In some cases, ask for a supervisor review or follow any internal appeal procedure the state has in place.

If you are dealing with large or complicated escrow funds (for example, related to an estate or legal settlement), you may wish to consult:

• An attorney familiar with West Virginia property or estate law, or
• A legal aid organization in your area that advises residents on civil legal matters.

They can help you understand your options and whether further challenge is appropriate.

If You Do Not Find Any Unclaimed Funds

If your search in West Virginia’s unclaimed property database shows no results under your name (or relatives’ names), consider:

• Searching under former names (maiden, previous married name, business name).
• Checking for misspellings or variations (with and without middle initial).
• Searching different cities or ZIP codes where you previously lived or did business.

If nothing appears, you may still want to:

• Contact your former utility providers directly to ask if they show any refund or deposit outstanding.
• Contact your past mortgage servicer or title company to verify whether any escrow funds were refunded.

In many cases, if companies still hold the funds, they can either:

• Refund directly to you if the funds are not yet turned over to the state, or
• Inform you if the funds were already reported and sent to West Virginia’s unclaimed property program.

Alternatives and Additional Resources

If you do not find unclaimed funds or need broader financial help in West Virginia, consider reaching out to:

• 211: Dialing 2-1-1 in most areas connects you with local information and referral services. You can ask about:

  • Utility assistance programs
  • Rent or mortgage support
  • Food, health, and other basic-needs resources

• Local community action agencies or nonprofit organizations: Many offer:

  • Energy assistance guidance
  • Help applying for federal and state benefit programs
  • Budgeting and financial counseling

• Legal aid organizations in West Virginia: They may help with:

  • Utility shutoff disputes
  • Landlord–tenant issues
  • Questions about escrow accounts and refunds

These organizations are separate from the unclaimed property office but can help with related financial and housing challenges.

Scam-Avoidance Tips When Claiming Funds

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it is important to make sure you are dealing with an official West Virginia agency or a legitimate utility/financial company.

Here are practical tips:

• Verify the website
  Use the official West Virginia state government website or state main information line to find the correct unclaimed property office. Avoid websites that:

  • Ask for upfront fees
  • Have unusual or unofficial web addresses that don’t appear to be tied to state government

• Be cautious about fees
  Some private “finders” or “locators” offer to file claims for a percentage of your money. In many cases:

  • You can file the claim yourself at no cost through the state.
  • If you choose to use a third party, carefully review any contract, and understand that they are not the government.

• Never share full Social Security numbers or bank details by email or text with an unknown party.

  • The official state program may request identifying information, but this should be through secure forms or official mail, not through random unsolicited messages.

• Watch out for unsolicited calls or emails
  If someone contacts you saying you have unclaimed funds:

  • Ask for their name, organization, and contact information.
  • Hang up, find the official state unclaimed property office number on your own, and call them directly to verify.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not call, email, or text people to offer unclaimed property services or process claims.

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are handled in West Virginia, and by using the state’s official unclaimed property system, you can check whether any money is owed to you and, if so, follow the proper steps to claim it safely.