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Each year, millions of dollars in unclaimed property go uncollected in West Virginia. This unclaimed property can include everything from forgotten bank accounts and unclaimed dividends to unpaid insurance benefits and unclaimed utility deposits. If you're a resident of West Virginia or have ever conducted business in the state, there's a chance some of this could belong to you.

What Is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property refers to assets or amounts owed to an individual that have remained unclaimed over a period, typically five years. These can arise from various sources and do not include real estate. Common types of unclaimed property in West Virginia include:

• Unpaid life insurance benefits: Amounts due from life insurance policies.
• Forgotten bank accounts: Accounts in financial institutions where there has been no activity for an extended period.
• Unused rebate cards and unused gift certificates.
• Customer overpayments: Excess payments made to businesses.
• Utility deposits: Deposits made to utility companies that have not been refunded.
• Unredeemed stock and uncashed dividends: Investments that have not been claimed.
• Uncashed checks: This includes payroll checks that were never cashed.
• Safe deposit box contents: Items left in safe deposit boxes where the rental fees have gone unpaid.
• Checking or savings accounts.
• Refunds and traveler's checks.
• Trust distributions.
• Certificates of deposit that have matured but haven’t been cashed out.

How to Claim Your Property

The West Virginia State Treasurer's Office provides a streamlined, accessible way for residents to search for and claim unclaimed property. Here’s how you can use the website to find and claim your property:

1. Visit the Official Website

Go to West Virginia's Unclaimed Property website. This portal is managed by the West Virginia State Treasurer's Office and is the primary tool for finding and claiming unclaimed property.

2. Conduct a Search

Use the search bar to enter your name or the name of a business. You can refine your search with additional details such as city or zip code to narrow down results.

3. Review the Results

If there are any matches, they will appear under your name or the entered search criteria. Each entry will provide a brief description of the unclaimed property along with the reported value when available.

4. Submit a Claim

Once you find property listed under your name, you can initiate a claim online. Click on the claim button next to the item and follow the instructions. You’ll need to verify your identity and relationship to the property. This usually involves filling out a claim form and providing necessary documents, which may include:

• A government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
• Documentation proving your right to claim the property (e.g., bank statements, birth certificate).
• Additional documents depending on the type of property (e.g., original bonds, insurance policies).

5. Check Claim Status

After submitting your claim and documentation, you can check the status of your claim on the same website. The process can take some time, depending on the complexity and completeness of the submitted information.

Reclaiming unclaimed property can provide an unexpected financial boost and also ensures that rightful assets are returned to their owners. The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office has made it simple and cost-free to search and claim property, encouraging all residents and businesses to periodically check if they have unclaimed property waiting to be claimed. Don't let your unclaimed property continue to sit; take a few minutes to check — it might just be worth your while.