Unclaimed Money in Vermont
Search Vermont unclaimed property — also called missing money — for free. Vermont holds it indefinitely until you or your heirs claim it.
How Vermont's unclaimed property works
When a business in Vermont can't reach you to return money — an uncashed paycheck, a forgotten checking account, a security deposit — state law requires them to turn it over to the state's unclaimed property division after a dormancy period. The money sits there indefinitely, waiting for you (or your heirs) to claim it.
What makes Vermont different
Vermont's program is small in absolute dollars but has one of the country's higher per-capita return rates because the Treasurer's office can comprehensively cover a small state with direct outreach. The roll skews toward seasonal ski-resort payroll (Stowe, Killington, Stratton, Sugarbush), Burlington-area tech and educational payroll, and a steady stream of out-of-state vacation-home owner items (HOA refunds, utility deposits, closing remainders) tied to second-home turnover.
Vermont's law and holding agency
- Holding agency
- Vermont Office of the State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division
- General dormancy period
- 3 years for most property; 1 year for wages
- Wages: 1 year
- Utility deposits: 1 year
What gets reported in Vermont
- Uncashed paychecks from Vermont employers
- Dormant bank and credit-union accounts
- Insurance policy proceeds (life, auto, health refunds)
- Utility deposits when you moved out of Vermont
- Security deposits from rentals
- Stocks, dividends, and brokerage account proceeds
- Court-ordered restitution and refunds
How to file your claim
- Search. Use our free search above, or go directly to the Vermont database: missingmoney.com.
- File the claim form. Most Vermontclaims are filed online with name, address, and proof of identity (driver's license or passport).
- Provide proof of ownership. For accounts at old addresses, you may need utility bills, lease records, or pay stubs from the matching period.
- Notarize if required. Some Vermont claims need a notarized signature. Online notaries run $5–$25.
- Wait for review. Vermont typically takes 30–180 days to review and pay valid claims. Payment is by check or ACH directly from the state.
Frequently asked questions about Vermont unclaimed property
Yes. Vermont returns your money directly. There is no fee to file or claim through the official portal.
Indefinitely. Vermont, like most states, does not extinguish valid claims — the money waits for you or your heirs as long as it takes.
Yes. You'll need a death certificate, proof of relationship, and (often) probate documents from Vermont or the state of residence. Heir claims are higher-value but more paperwork — consider a state-licensed recovery service for complex cases.
Possibly. Closed utility deposits, HOA refunds, and final closing items from sold Vermont second homes are a recurring category on the Treasurer's roll.
Use the State Treasurer's free portal at vermonttreasurer.gov/unclaimed-property, or MissingMoney.com.
Related guides
- How long does it take to get unclaimed money?
- Why does the state have my money? Escheatment explained