Money The State Is Holding
Va. Code 55.1-2532 — a claim on the administrator's form, and an affidavit for a small estate after a year
In Virginia, any person claiming an interest in property delivered to the Commonwealth may file a claim to it or to the proceeds of its sale on the administrator's form. The administrator may also pay without a claim, up to $5,000 of cash property, to a verified natural person who is the sole owner.
When the owner has died. The claimant shows entitlement with an executor's or administrator's appointment, a small estate affidavit, or an order of distribution. Without those, if the owner died at least one year before the claim and the amount is $25,000 or less, the administrator may accept the claimant's affidavit.
The decision. The administrator considers each claim, may hold a hearing, and if one is held prepares a written finding and decision, which is a public record. An allowed claim is paid as soon as practical, less costs of notices and sales.
Interest. For property that was interest-bearing to the owner, interest is added at five percent or the lower rate it earned, compounded annually, from delivery to the administrator until payment.
| The question | The statute's answer |
|---|---|
| The questionPayment without a claim | The statute's answerUp to $5,000 of cash to a verified sole owner |
| The questionA deceased owner's property without estate papers | The statute's answerAn affidavit, if the death was at least one year before and the amount is $25,000 or less |
| The questionInterest | The statute's answerOn interest-bearing property, up to five percent compounded annually |
Finders' fees, the holder's reporting and appeals are not on this page. Whether a particular claim will be paid is a question for the state's unclaimed property office or a licensed Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Va. Code 55.1-2532 — Filing claim to property or proceeds of sale of such property
- Va. Code 55.1-2533 — Consideration of and hearing on claim by administrator; payment; interest
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.