Detailed Answer — How Illinois handles claims after the 90-day waiting period

When you file an unclaimed property claim with the Illinois Treasurer’s Office, the office reviews the claim and supporting documentation. Illinois uses the Unclaimed Property program to reunite owners with lost or abandoned property such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and contents of safe deposit boxes. The Treasurer’s office publishes property and accepts claims via iCash: icash.illinoistreasurer.gov and provides general information at: illinoistreasurer.gov — Unclaimed Property.

The 90-day waiting period commonly referred to in routine correspondence is a period the Treasurer’s office may use to verify ownership, request additional proof, and allow time for internal review before final action. What typically happens after that 90-day period:

• Claim review is completed or escalated. The Treasurer’s office either finishes its review or asks for more documents. If the office already has everything it needs, it will move to decide the claim.
• Approved claims are prepared for payment. If the Treasurer determines you are the rightful owner or rightful claimant, the office issues payment. Payment methods include check or electronic transfer where available. The Treasurer may pay the current value of the property as held by the state.
• Partial approvals or holds may occur. Sometimes the office approves part of a claim (for example, for assets it can verify) and continues investigating other items. The Treasurer may also place a temporary administrative hold if it needs time to complete title verification, locate missing paperwork, or resolve competing claims.
• Denials and requests for more proof. If the office lacks sufficient proof of ownership, it will typically request more documentation. If you don’t provide required documents within a stated time, the Treasurer may deny the claim. Denials usually include a reason and instructions on how to reapply or appeal.
• Competing claims are resolved. If another person or estate files a claim for the same property, the Treasurer follows statutory procedures to determine the rightful owner. That process can extend beyond 90 days and may require affidavits, court papers (e.g., probate documents), or other proof of entitlement.
• Appeal and review rights. If the Treasurer denies your claim (or takes other adverse action), you generally have the right to request reconsideration and to pursue administrative review or litigation. Specific appeal steps and deadlines will be in the Treasurer’s denial letter. If you think the Treasurer misapplied the law, you may need to consult an attorney to pursue formal review.

Illinois administers unclaimed property under statutory law. For background on the governing law, see the Illinois Unclaimed Property information from the Office of the Treasurer: https://illinoistreasurer.gov/Individuals/Unclaimed_Property. For the state statute that creates the framework for unclaimed property, consult the Illinois Compiled Statutes concerning unclaimed/abandoned property (the Unclaimed Property Act). The Treasurer’s office and the statute together set the procedures, deadlines, and evidence requirements the office will use after the 90-day review period.

Typical timelines after 90 days: If the Treasurer has complete documentation, payment can follow within a few weeks to a few months. If additional verification, title searches, or competing-claim resolution is needed, the process can take longer. Complex claims (stocks, property with probate issues, safe-deposit box contents, or deceased-owner claims) usually take the longest.

Common outcomes after 90 days — quick checklist

• Claim approved — payment issued.
• Claim partially approved — partial payment and further review.
• Claim placed on hold — additional documents requested.
• Claim denied — instructions given for appeal or resubmission.
• Competing claims — additional verification or court involvement may follow.

Helpful Hints — Prepare to speed up resolution

• Track communications closely. Keep copies of every form, email, and letter from the Treasurer. Note deadlines and respond promptly to document requests.
• Provide strong identity proof. Include current government photo ID, Social Security number (or Tax ID), and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement) that match the property records.
• Document ownership. Include account numbers, original checks, canceled checks, account statements, contracts, deeds, or title documents that tie you to the property.
• If claiming for a deceased owner, include proper estate documents. Provide a death certificate and proof of your authority to act for the estate (e.g., letters of office, small estate affidavit, or court order). The Treasurer will tell you which documents are necessary for the particular asset.
• When a fiduciary files, include appointment paperwork. Trustees, guardians, and personal representatives must provide the legal documentation that shows authority to claim property on behalf of someone else.
• Check the Treasurer’s site for status. Use iCash to check claim status and see any request for additional information: icash.illinoistreasurer.gov.
• Ask for clarification in writing. If the Treasurer requests documents you don’t understand, reply in writing asking what specific items they need and by what date.
• Consider professional help for contested or complex claims. If another party contests your claim or the property involves probate, securities, or large values, an attorney with experience in Illinois unclaimed property and probate can help preserve rights and prepare appeals.
• Keep realistic timing expectations. Even after the 90-day review window, some claims take months if additional verification, research, or court proceedings are necessary.