FastCounsel

Detailed answer — how Washington handles claims after a 90‑day period

Washington administers unclaimed property under the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (chapter 63.29 RCW). The Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) operates the state program that receives, reviews, and pays claims for property that has escheated to the state.

State rules do not always fix a single outcome tied to a “90‑day” timeframe in every situation; however, many parts of the claims and notice process use short administrative review windows (commonly measured in days or weeks) and agencies often use roughly 30–90 day administrative timelines in practice. In plain terms, after the typical 90‑day administrative waiting or review period you should expect one of these results:

1. Claim approved and payment issued.

   If the DOR verifies your identity and the ownership documentation you supplied, it will authorize payment. Payment may be by check or electronic transfer depending on the department’s procedures and the amount involved. Small claims are usually paid without further action once documentation is sufficient.

2. Request for additional information.

   The DOR often asks for more documents (examples: government ID, Social Security number matching, account records, deeds, or transfer documents). If the DOR requests more proof, the claim will remain pending until you supply what they need; the 90‑day window may reflect an initial review before those requests are sent.

3. Claim denied or partially paid.

   The DOR can deny a claim if the evidence is insufficient or contradictory. The department will notify you of the denial and explain the reason. Partial payments can occur where only part of the submitted claim matches the state’s records.

4. Investigation or dispute resolution.

   If two or more claimants assert competing rights, or if the DOR suspects fraud, the department may open an investigation. That process can extend beyond 90 days and will pause payment until the dispute is resolved.

5. No further action by claimant.

   If the claimant does not respond to DOR requests for proof within the time allowed, the claim may be closed or denied. You can usually reopen or refile if you later produce adequate evidence, but it will slow recovery.

If DOR denies your claim or you disagree with a department decision, you have administrative appeal options under Washington’s Administrative Procedure Act (RCW 34.05). That law establishes how to request reconsideration or a formal hearing. For the statutory framework on unclaimed property, see chapter 63.29 RCW: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=63.29. For appeals and administrative hearings, see RCW chapter 34.05: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=34.05.

For practical guidance on filing, checking status, and required documents, visit Washington DOR’s unclaimed property pages: https://dor.wa.gov and search for “unclaimed property.” The DOR’s online claimant portal also shows current status updates for submitted claims.

Typical timeline you can expect after the 90‑day review window

• Days 0–90: Initial DOR review. They verify identity and ownership documents, and may ask follow‑up questions.
• After ~90 days: Either a payment is scheduled, a request for more information is issued, or the claim is denied/placed in dispute.
• If more documentation is requested: the claim remains pending until you respond. Timely responses shorten overall resolution time.
• If a dispute or investigation starts: resolution can take additional weeks or months depending on complexity.

If your claim is denied — immediate next steps

1. Carefully read the denial letter and note the reason(s).
2. Gather any additional documentation the DOR identifies as missing.
3. Contact the DOR claims unit to request reconsideration or clarification.
4. If you still disagree, follow the administrative appeal procedures under RCW 34.05 for a hearing or review.

Key statutes and resources

• Washington’s unclaimed property law: chapter 63.29 RCW — https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=63.29
• Administrative appeals (if you need a hearing): chapter 34.05 RCW — https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=34.05
• Washington Department of Revenue (unclaimed property program): https://dor.wa.gov (search for unclaimed property)

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and is not legal advice. For a formal legal opinion about your situation, consult a licensed attorney.

Helpful hints

• Keep clear copies of identity documents, account statements, deed records, and transfer records — these are the most common documents DOR requests.
• Use the DOR online claimant portal to check claim status frequently — it is faster than waiting for mailed notices.
• Respond quickly and completely to any DOR request for information; delayed responses lengthen resolution times and can risk denial.
• If large sums or competing claims are involved, consider getting an attorney experienced in Washington unclaimed property law to protect your rights.
• Watch for phishing: only use official .wa.gov sites and confirmed DOR contact info to submit documents and payments.
• If you get a denial, request a written explanation and note deadlines for appeals under RCW 34.05.