Detailed answer — what to expect after the 90-day waiting period

When you file an unclaimed property claim in Maryland (for example, an old bank account, uncashed check, security refund, or insurance payment), the State Treasurer’s Office reviews your submission and the supporting documents. The Treasurer’s Office aims to process claims promptly and often uses a 90-day target window to complete routine reviews. What happens at and after that 90-day point depends on the results of that review:

• Claim approved and payment issued: If the Treasurer’s Office verifies your identity and the documentation you provided, it commonly approves the claim and issues payment. Payment is generally made by check or electronic transfer, depending on the office’s procedures and the information you provided. You will normally receive notice that the claim was approved and the payment method and timing.
• Additional documentation requested (claim remains pending): If the office needs more evidence to establish ownership (for example, additional ID, account statements, probate paperwork, or a signed affidavit), it will contact you and the claim will remain pending. The 90-day period is a guideline; pending claims can extend beyond 90 days while you supply requested documents and the office completes follow-up checks.
• Claim denied or partially paid: If the Treasurer’s Office cannot verify your entitlement or the documentation is insufficient, it may deny the claim or pay only a portion. The office usually notifies you in writing of the denial or partial payment and explains the reason (e.g., missing legal documentation or conflicting ownership information).
• Appeal or further action after denial: If the office denies your claim, the notice should describe your options. You generally can provide additional documentation, ask the Treasurer’s Office to reconsider, or pursue administrative review or judicial appeal. If you receive a denial letter, follow its instructions promptly—there are time limits for appeals.
• Security and fraud checks: During and after the 90-day review the office also performs verification and anti-fraud checks. If the office detects possible fraud or conflicting claims (for example, an estate claim versus a surviving owner’s claim), resolution can add time. In complex or contested cases, resolution can take significantly longer than 90 days.

Maryland’s unclaimed property program is administered by the State Treasurer’s Office. For general program information and instructions for filing a claim, see the Treasurer’s unclaimed property page: https://treasurer.state.md.us/unclaimed-property/.

Maryland’s unclaimed property law is codified in the Maryland Code (Commercial Law—Unclaimed Property). For statutory language and legal definitions, see Maryland Code, Commercial Law, Title 17 (Unclaimed Property). You can find Maryland statute resources at the General Assembly site: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/. (If you need the exact statutory subsection, search the site for “unclaimed property” or “Title 17” to pull the current text.)

Typical timeline summary: file claim → Treasurer reviews (up to ~90 days for routine cases) → either approval/payment, request for more documentation, or denial/partial payment → appeal or further documentation if needed.

When to contact the Treasurer’s Office: If you do not receive an update around the 90-day mark, contact the Treasurer’s Office and provide your claim number. If the office requests more documents, respond quickly to avoid further delay.

Helpful hints — speed the process and protect your claim

• Keep a claim number handy. Always include it in messages or calls to the Treasurer’s Office.
• Submit clear, certified documentation up front: government ID, old account statements, a voided check showing the name on the account, signed affidavits, or probate papers if claiming as an estate representative.
• If you claim as a personal representative or heir, include letters testamentary, letters of administration, or other court documents that show authority to act on behalf of an estate.
• Respond promptly to any request for additional documents. Faster responses shorten the review timeline.
• If multiple people claim the same property, prepare proof of priority (e.g., account ownership history, beneficiary designations, or court orders).
• Watch for scams. The Treasurer’s Office will not ask for payment to release funds. Verify communications by calling the Treasurer’s unclaimed property line or using the official website: https://treasurer.state.md.us/unclaimed-property/.
• If your claim is denied and the amount is substantial or the facts are complex, consider consulting an attorney who handles unclaimed property disputes or probate matters. The Treasurer’s denial letter should explain appeal options and timing.
• Check the public unclaimed property database periodically if you expect other assets. The State Treasurer posts searchable lists of reported unclaimed property.