Detailed answer — the post‑90‑day process under New Jersey law

When you file a claim for unclaimed property in New Jersey, the Division of Unclaimed Property (New Jersey Department of the Treasury) begins a review. New Jersey refers to the Unclaimed Property Act as N.J.S.A. 46:30B‑1 et seq. For general program rules and claimant instructions, see the New Jersey Treasury unclaimed property site: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/unclaimed/ and the claimant portal at https://unclaimedproperty.nj.gov/.

Here’s what typically happens after the 90‑day waiting period:

1. Final review and verification

   After 90 days, the Division completes its review. Staff verify your identity and the documents you submitted (government ID, proof of Social Security number, proof of ownership such as account statements, wills, trust documents, or corporate resolutions). If the claim matches property reported to the State and the paperwork is sufficient, the Division approves payment.

2. Payment issuance (if approved)

   If approved, the State issues payment. Payment methods include check or, in some cases, electronic payment. The time from approval to issuance varies, but once approved you can generally expect a check or electronic transfer to follow within weeks. The Treasury site lists current claim processing details and instructions: unclaimedproperty.nj.gov.

3. Requests for additional information

   If the Division needs more proof, it will put the claim on hold and request additional documents. Common requests ask for clearer ownership records, proof of relationship to a decedent (letters testamentary or probate documents), or corporate authorization for business claims. Respond promptly — delays prolong resolution.

4. Denial or partial payment

   If the Division determines the claimant is not entitled to the property, it will deny the claim or issue a partial payment. The Division typically provides a reason. If you disagree, you can supply more documentation or pursue administrative review (see next item).

5. Disputes, competing claims, and appeals

   If two or more people claim the same funds, or if the holder (the company that reported the property) contests the claim, the Division may open an investigation. Competing claims require proof of ownership from each claimant. If the Division denies your claim and you believe the decision is wrong, you generally may request reconsideration through the Treasury process and, if necessary, pursue judicial review. The Unclaimed Property Act and Treasury rules govern appeal procedures; contact the Division for appeal steps and deadlines.

6. Escrow or longer holds in complex cases

   For complex disputes (e.g., unresolved estate distribution, ongoing litigation, missing or contested ownership), the Division may retain the funds pending resolution or require a court order before releasing them. This can extend the timeline beyond 90 days.

Key legal framework: the Unclaimed Property Act (N.J.S.A. 46:30B‑1 et seq.) creates the State’s duty to receive unclaimed property and to process claims. For program details and statutory references, use the Treasury site above and consult the statute collection at the New Jersey Legislature website (search for Title 46, Chapter 30B) or contact the Division directly.

Typical timeline and what to expect

• Initial review: a few days to several weeks after submission.
• 90‑day waiting period: often used to allow any internal holder or third party to respond or for routine processing.
• After 90 days: approval and payment within weeks if documentation is complete; additional weeks or months if the Division requests more information or if disputes arise.

Helpful hints

• Keep clear, legible copies of ID, Social Security/Tax ID documentation, and ownership records (bank statements, account numbers, policy numbers, corporate resolutions, probate letters).
• Provide relationship documents when claiming for a deceased person (death certificate plus letters testamentary or small‑estate affidavit if applicable).
• If you represent a business, include formation documents and an authorized signature or corporate resolution.
• Respond quickly to any Division requests for additional information to avoid delays.
• If your claim is denied, ask for a written explanation and what specific evidence would change the outcome.
• For competing claims, collect signed affidavits, account statements, and any transaction records that show ownership or entitlement.
• Use the official claim portal at unclaimedproperty.nj.gov to track claim status and to see any document requests.
• If you suspect fraud or identity theft, contact the Division immediately and consider placing fraud alerts with credit bureaus if personal data was exposed.
• If the matter becomes complex or contested, consider consulting a lawyer experienced in New Jersey unclaimed property or probate matters.