Reps from Unclaimed Property Division will be in Newcastle Nov. 20th

NEWCASTLE – The state of Wyoming is holding more than $90 million belonging to current and former residents of Wyoming – including $489,000 earmarked for those in Weston County.

Representatives from the Unclaimed Property Division of the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office will be  in Newcastle on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 1-4 p.m. in the County Commissioner’s Room at the Weston County Courthouse, located at 1 W. Main St.

“We are visiting the area as part of an outreach mission to help citizens find and claim their lost money,” said Unclaimed Property Administrator Jeff Robertson. “If you think you have money in your name or possibly money that belonged to a relative who has passed away, we encourage you to stop by and visit with one of our claims specialists.”

The state also has a searchable database on its website (www.mycash.wyo.gov) where individuals enter their name and see what type of properties may belong to them. There also is a video on the

website explaining the claims process.

Money and other types of unclaimed property, such as stocks, mutual funds and safe deposit boxes, are turned over to the state when a business, agency or governmental entity cannot locate the owner for a specified time period.

“Even if you have received unclaimed property in the past, more money is turned over every year,” Robertson said. “Because of this, the money being held by the state has continued to increase.”

Wyoming’s Unclaimed Property Division issued 6,084 checks totaling more than $6.857 in the fiscal year that ended June 30.

To make a claim, owners will need to provide a valid ID. Additional documentation may also be required depending on the property in question and complexity of the claim. Those planning to meet with claims experts during the Newcastle visit are encouraged to bring documentation with them.

Wyoming law requires the state to hold unclaimed property in perpetuity until the rightful owner is able to claim it.

In the event of inclement weather, the session will be rescheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the same location and the same timeframe.