Treasurer Mike Pieciak reminds Vermonters to search for missing funds on National Unclaimed Property Day |
MONTPELIER — National Unclaimed Property Day is Wednesday, and Treasurer Mike Pieciak has announced that the state of Vermont is once again working with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators to remind Vermonters to seek and claim their missing money.
The Office of the Treasurer currently holds $119 million in unclaimed property.
In 2022, the office paid out over 15,000 claims totaling over $5.3 million, which flowed back into the pockets of Vermonters.
“Our employees work tirelessly to return unclaimed property to its rightful owner, and with over $100 million in our office, I encourage Vermonters to take a few minutes to review and see our website this week whether money is waiting to be returned to them. ‘ Pieciak said. “The average claim over the past year was over $400 and our agents are standing by to make the process of recovering your money quick and easy.”
Pieciak highlighted two recent experiences with representatives from the office’s unclaimed property department regarding the care and service the team provides.
“[The] The office was very helpful in claiming property left by my parents. You guided all six of us through the process and made it very easy even though you’ve spread from Maine to Washington State. I believe most of us have completed the process and we have all donated our share of the funds to help our oldest brother pay his heating bill this winter. Thanks everyone!” said an applicant for unclaimed property from 2022.
“My family and I are so happy with the Unclaimed Property Division of the Office of the State Treasurer in Vermont. Despite our best efforts, we found that the family had unclaimed funds following the recent closure of a property. The Unclaimed Property Department has been very proactive in assisting us in accessing these funds. We couldn’t be happier with … the entire team at the Unclaimed Property Department,” added another claimant from 2022.
“Unclaimed property” includes assets such as uncashed checks, lost valuables, forgotten security deposits, misplaced insurance policies, investments, or estates. There are currently nearly 1 million properties waiting to be claimed. There is never a fee to claim funds through the Treasurer’s Office. Vermont residents should be wary of companies that claim to locate and recover property for a fee.
To search online, visit www.MissingMoney.Vermont.gov or call the Unclaimed Property Division at (802) 828-2407 or toll-free in Vermont at 1-800-642-3191.
