Detailed Answer — How Missouri handles claims after 90 days

When you submit a claim for unclaimed property to the Missouri Secretary of State (the office that administers unclaimed property in Missouri), there are several steps the office follows. The length of each step depends on the complexity of your claim, the available proof, and whether the reported holder (the business or bank that originally reported the property) contests the claim.

Typical flow after you file a claim:

1. Initial review and verification.

   The Secretary of State reviews the claim form and supporting documents to confirm your identity and your right to the property. This includes checking the state’s records and the holder’s reported information.

2. 90-day administrative window and communications.

   Missouri’s unclaimed property process includes time for administrative processing and for the reported holder to be notified or to respond if necessary. If the 90-day period you reference is part of the Secretary’s internal waiting or notification process, that window often allows time for:

   • the Secretary’s office to request additional documentation from you,
   • the reported holder to confirm or contest ownership, and
   • any background verification steps the office performs.
3. If the claim is validated and uncontested.

   Once the office verifies the claim and no holder contests it, the office will approve the claim and issue payment. Payment methods vary (check or electronic payment). Timing after approval depends on administrative processing, but approval typically leads to payout shortly after verification is complete.

4. If the reported holder contests the claim.

   If the holder disagrees with the claim (for example, claims the property belongs to someone else or asserts the claim lacks proper documentation), the Secretary of State may hold the funds while the dispute is investigated. That can extend the timeline beyond 90 days. The office will request proof from both sides and may place the matter into an administrative review or provide instructions for resolving the dispute.

5. If more documentation or legal issues are required.

   Some claims require title evidence, probate documents, powers of attorney, or other legal proof. If the Secretary requests those items, the clock pauses until you provide them. Complex claims (estates, business ownership disputes, or missing documentation) take longer to resolve.

6. Final action and possible recovery rights by the state.

   If the state determines the claim is valid, it pays the claimant. If the state later discovers the payment was improper (for example, a fraudulent claim), Missouri law provides mechanisms to recover funds. For statutory details on the rights and procedures that apply to unclaimed property in Missouri, see Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 447: RSMo Chapter 447.

For practical, step-by-step information on filing and checking claims, the Missouri Secretary of State’s Unclaimed Property pages provide forms, FAQs, and contact steps: Missouri Secretary of State — Unclaimed Property.

Key statutory authority for the state’s administration of unclaimed property is found in the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 447. That chapter governs reporting, custody, claims, and recovery procedures: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/Chapter.aspx?chapter=447.

Common reasons a claim remains unresolved after 90 days

• Insufficient or missing proof of identity or ownership.
• The reported holder submitted a timely contest or claim of ownership.
• The property requires probate or court-ordered transfer documents.
• Administrative backlogs or additional verification steps by the Secretary’s office.

Helpful Hints — What you can do while waiting

• Check your claim status online using the Secretary of State’s unclaimed property portal: Missouri Unclaimed Property.
• Respond promptly to any requests from the Secretary of State for additional documents. Delays in your response extend processing time.
• Prepare common documents in advance: government photo ID, proof of Social Security number or tax ID, proof of address, account records, or letters showing your relationship to an estate or business.
• If a holder contests your claim, ask the Secretary’s office for a written explanation of the dispute and for the specific evidence they need to resolve it.
• Keep detailed records of all communications with the Secretary’s office and the reported holder (dates, names, copies of submitted documents).
• If the claim is large or the holder’s contest raises legal issues (e.g., competing heirs, probate problems, or allegations of fraud), consider consulting a licensed Missouri attorney for advice about next steps. The Secretary’s office cannot provide legal advice.
• If you suspect fraud (someone filed a claim using your identity), contact the Secretary of State immediately and consider placing fraud alerts with credit reporting agencies and contacting law enforcement.