Idaho — What Happens After the 90-Day Waiting Period for an Unclaimed Property Claim?

Short answer: After the state’s 90-day waiting period expires, the Idaho State Treasurer’s office completes its review. If your claim is approved and there are no competing claims or legal obstacles, the Treasurer issues payment (often by check or electronic transfer). If the claim is denied or additional verification is required, you will be notified of the reasons and of your options to provide more documentation or to appeal. This article explains the typical timeline, what the Treasurer checks during and after the 90 days, and what you should do next.

Not legal advice: This article explains how Idaho’s unclaimed property process commonly works. It does not constitute legal advice. For legal questions about a specific claim, consult a licensed attorney.

How the 90-day waiting period fits into Idaho’s process

In Idaho, unclaimed property is handled under the state’s unclaimed property law (Idaho Code Title 14, Chapter 5). The Treasurer’s office receives claims, reviews them, and—when appropriate—publishes or processes notices. A common 90‑day period appears in practice when the Treasurer needs to allow time for competing claimants, holders, or other interested parties to respond after notice or initial review. During that period the Treasurer performs checks and asks for any additional documentation needed to verify ownership.

For the statutory framework, see Idaho Code Title 14, Chapter 5: Idaho Code, Title 14, Chapter 5 (Unclaimed Property). For procedural guidance from the state office that handles claims, see the Idaho State Treasurer’s unclaimed property page: Treasurer of Idaho — Unclaimed Property.

What the Treasurer typically does during and after the 90 days

1. Verification of identity and ownership: The Treasurer reviews the documents you submitted (ID, proof of address, account statements, title documents, death certificates or probate paperwork if the owner is deceased) and checks them against the holder’s records.
2. Search for competing claims or liens: The office checks whether another person or entity has already claimed the same property or whether there are statutory offsets (for example, debts to the state).
3. Clearance of internal checks: If the Treasurer requested more information during the 90 days and did not receive it, they may either request it again, deny the claim, or issue a partial payment depending on the situation.
4. Decision and payment processing: If everything is in order and no competing claims exist, the Treasurer approves the claim and issues payment. Payment methods vary (paper check or electronic payment) and timing depends on Treasury processing cycles; expect additional administrative time after the 90 days for payment to be mailed or transferred.
5. Denials and notice: If the Treasurer denies the claim or requires more proof, you will get written notice that explains the reason and how to respond or appeal.

Common outcomes after the 90-day period

• Approved claim → payment issued. The state may mail a check or issue electronic payment; allow several weeks for delivery.
• Conditional/partial payment → some funds released while the Treasurer continues to investigate the remainder.
• Claim denied → you receive a written explanation and a path to respond. Often you can provide additional documentation or request reconsideration.
• Competing claims → the Treasurer may hold the funds longer while claims are resolved or may require court adjudication if parties do not agree.
• Offsets applied → if you owe certain debts to the state, the Treasurer may be authorized to reduce the payment by statutory offsets before issuing the remainder.

If your claim is approved: what to expect next

After approval you should receive a confirmation and an estimated payment method and timing. Typical next steps:

• Watch for mailed check or an email about electronic payment.
• Confirm amount matches your claim documentation.
• If you need the funds faster or if the payment is incorrect, contact the Treasurer’s unclaimed property office promptly through the contact methods on their website.

If your claim is denied or delayed: practical steps

1. Read the denial letter carefully to understand what evidence is missing or why your claim was rejected.
2. Gather stronger documentation (copies of account statements, title documents, probate orders, government ID, Social Security number where required) and submit it promptly.
3. Ask the Treasurer for reconsideration and for instructions on appealing administratively if you disagree. The Treasurer’s office should explain procedural options.
4. If administrative remedies are exhausted, you can consult an attorney about suing the state or filing a petition in court. An attorney can advise whether litigation is appropriate for your facts.

Helpful hints

• Keep copies of every document you submit and any correspondence with the Treasurer.
• Common documents that speed approval: government-issued photo ID, recent utility or bank statements showing name and address, original account numbers, copies of lost check stubs or account statements, death certificate and probate paperwork for deceased owners.
• If you file on behalf of someone else (executor, heir, power of attorney), be prepared to show proof of your authority.
• Check the Treasurer’s searchable database before and after filing to monitor the status: see the Treasurer’s unclaimed property page linked above.
• Be patient but proactive—if you haven’t heard anything after the 90-day period plus a few weeks for processing, contact the Treasurer and ask for a status update.
• If you believe the claim was wrongfully denied or that another party is improperly claiming the funds, consider consulting an attorney experienced in Idaho unclaimed property or probate matters.