Virginia Treasurer Returns Over $12,000 in Unclaimed Funds to State Residents

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia’s unclaimed property program is proving to be a significant source of unexpected windfalls for residents, with recent efforts by the state treasury returning substantial sums to their rightful owners. In a move mirroring successful initiatives nationwide, Virginia officials have recently facilitated the return of more than $12,000 in forgotten assets to individuals across the Commonwealth.

This process involves reuniting Virginians with financial property that has become separated from its owner, often through overlooked bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, utility deposits, or stock dividends. These assets are reported to the Virginia Department of the Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Division by businesses after a designated period of inactivity.

“Many people are unaware they have money waiting for them,” said a Treasury spokesperson. “It’s not uncommon for individuals to move, forget about an old account, or a check gets lost in the mail. Our job is to be the steward of these funds until we can find the owner.”

Virginia residents are encouraged to proactively check the state’s official database, which is free to search at vaMoneySearch.org. The process is straightforward, requiring only a name to begin a search. Claiming the funds typically involves verifying one’s identity and connection to the address associated with the property.

With millions of dollars in unclaimed property reported to the Commonwealth each year, officials urge all Virginians to make a habit of checking the registry annually. A quick search could reveal that you, like many others, have funds waiting to be reclaimed, turning a routine check into a welcome financial boost.