Suffolk, Va. – The City of Suffolk is teaming up with the Virginia Department of Treasury to give residents a hand in tracking down unclaimed property. Unclaimed property includes items such as uncashed paychecks, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, forgotten bank accounts, safe‑deposit box contents and other funds that have been left idle.
Why unclaimed property matters
“At one time, it was estimated that as many as one in four Virginians had unclaimed property owed to them,” said Andrew R. Owen, Suffolk City Treasurer. Owen noted that the state has returned more than $1.5 billion to Virginians overall, with over $150 million returned in the most recent fiscal year.
Real‑world examples
“I have seen citizens find everything from $25 to $27,000 and everything in between,” Owen said. He added that even modest amounts can make a difference for families facing high costs at the gas pump, grocery store or prescription pharmacy.
Upcoming community events
To make the process easier, Suffolk will host two free events this month where residents can receive one‑on‑one assistance in searching for missing money and beginning the claims process. Details on dates, times and locations will be posted on the city’s website and social media channels.
How to claim
Participants will be guided through the Virginia Treasury’s online portal, where they can enter personal information to see if any accounts or checks are listed under their name. City staff will help with paperwork, answer questions about required documentation, and explain how to receive any discovered funds.
What residents can expect
“Everyone knows how expensive it is at the gas pump, at the grocery store, paying for prescriptions,” Owen said. “If I can help someone find money, that’s real money to people. If it’s $25, $50, $100, that’s money for a prescription, money for gas, money for groceries.”
For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Suffolk’s official website or call the Treasurer’s office directly.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
