Millions in unclaimed funds for veterans

Veterans and their families may be eligible to receive unclaimed funds totaling at about $33 million, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Unclaimed life-insurance policy payments, dividend checks and refunds – about $33 million in all – have accumulated since the beginning of the VA insurance programs in 1917. The unclaimed payments can go up to $4,000 but are typically between $5 and $750, according to VA.

About 25 million people have enrolled in the insurance programs since World War I. The bulk of the unclaimed funds date from World War II, when about 22 million people enrolled.

Veterans’ families are urged to check if they are eligible online here. https://insurance.va.gov/liability/ufsearch.htm. Family members should have a veteran’s name, date of birth, death and, if possible, the insurance policy number.

The website is the fastest method to determine if a family member is eligible for a payment. There is also a toll-free phone number, (800) 669-8477.