How Long Unclaimed Assets Claims Usually Take in Missouri – And How to Check Your Status

Missouri holds millions of dollars in unclaimed property and unclaimed assets for residents, former residents, and some businesses. If you have filed (or are about to file) a claim, you may be wondering: how long will it take to get my money, and how do I check the status?

This guide explains how unclaimed property usually works in Missouri, typical processing timelines, how to track your claim, what can cause delays, and how to make sure you are using official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a state office or claims portal. You cannot file or track a claim through this site, but you can use this information to better navigate Missouri’s official unclaimed property system.

Understanding Unclaimed Assets in Missouri

In Missouri, “unclaimed assets” or “unclaimed property” generally refers to money or property that a business or institution has been holding but could not successfully deliver to the owner. After a certain period with no contact, these assets are turned over to the Missouri State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property program.

Common examples include:

• Old bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor, refund checks)
• Utility deposits and refunds
• Stock dividends or mutual fund accounts
• Insurance policy proceeds
• Safe deposit box contents (the contents themselves follow a different process than cash)

You do not lose your right to this money just because it is turned over to the state. In Missouri, there is no time limit to file a claim on most unclaimed property.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Missouri?

You can typically file an unclaimed property claim in Missouri if you are:

• The person listed as owner of the property
• A legal heir or beneficiary of a deceased owner
• A legal representative (such as an executor, trustee, conservator, or someone with power of attorney, when allowed)
• An authorized representative for a business, nonprofit, or organization that is the listed owner

The type of proof you must provide will depend on your relationship to the property (owner vs. heir vs. representative) and whether the name or address has changed over time.

How Long Do Unclaimed Assets Claims Usually Take in Missouri?

Processing times can vary, but many people want a simple idea of what to expect.

Typical Time Frames

Missouri claims often fall into these general ranges:

*These are general experiences, not a guarantee. Actual timelines depend on Missouri’s workload, staffing, complexity of the claim, and how quickly you respond to document requests.

What Affects How Long It Takes?

Several factors can speed up or slow down your claim:

• Completeness of your application
  • Missing signatures, incomplete forms, or unanswered questions can pause processing.
• Quality of your documents
  • Blurry, cut-off, or unreadable scans or photos may be rejected.
• Complexity of your situation
  • Name changes (marriage/divorce), multiple addresses, or very old accounts may require more research.
• Estate or heir issues
  • If the owner is deceased, staff may need to review wills, probate orders, or heirship documents.
• Verification with original holder
  • In some cases, the state may need to confirm details with the business or institution that reported the property.
• Backlogs and busy periods
  • Processing can slow down during high-volume periods, such as after publicity campaigns or deadlines for holders to report property.

If your claim is taking longer than the typical timeframe, it does not always mean something is wrong; it may simply mean that your claim is more complex or the office is handling many claims.

How to File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Missouri (Overview)

The exact steps can change over time, so always follow instructions on the official Missouri State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property website or office. In general, the process looks like this:

1. Search for your name or business

   • Use the state’s official unclaimed property search tool.
   • Search under current and former names, including maiden names and common misspellings.
   • Also search any businesses or organizations you are connected with.

2. Select the property you want to claim

   • Confirm the listed name, address, and city match you, a family member, or your business.
   • Start the claim following the online instructions or by contacting the office.

3. Provide required information

   • You’ll be asked for basic identifying information such as:
     • Your full legal name
     • Current mailing address
     • Date of birth
     • Last four digits of your Social Security number or full SSN, depending on the type of claim

4. Submit supporting documents

   • This might be done online, by mail, or in some situations by fax or in person, depending on what the office allows.
   • See the next section for typical documents.

5. Wait for review and respond to requests

   • The state reviews your claim and documents.
   • If they need more information, they usually contact you by mail, email, or phone, using the contact information you provided.

6. Receive payment or decision

   • If approved, cash claims are usually paid by check or direct deposit (depending on what the program offers).
   • If denied or partially approved, you may receive an explanation and information on what you can do next.

Documents Commonly Needed for Missouri Unclaimed Property Claims

Every claim is different, but people are often asked to provide:

For Individual (Living Owner) Claims

• Valid photo ID
  • Example: Missouri driver license, state ID, or U.S. passport
• Proof of Social Security number (if requested)
  • Example: Social Security card, tax document, paystub
• Proof of current address
  • Example: Utility bill, bank statement, lease, or official mail
• Proof of connection to the reported address, if different from current address
  • Example: Old utility bill, tax statement, paystub, or lease from that address
• Name change documentation, if your name is different from what appears in the record
  • Example: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change

For Heir or Estate Claims (Owner Deceased)

You may be asked for:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will, trust documents, or probate orders
• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, if issued
• Affidavit of heirship, if allowed and applicable
• Documentation proving you are an heir or legal representative, such as:
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Court orders appointing you as personal representative or executor

For Business or Organization Claims

Common documentation includes:

• Proof of authority to act for the business
  • Corporate resolution, letter on company letterhead, or authorization from an officer
• Business documents
  • Articles of incorporation or organization, partnership agreement, or business license
• Tax ID number (EIN) documentation
• Proof of former business addresses, if property is tied to a previous location

Having these documents ready early can help prevent delays.

How to Check the Status of Your Missouri Unclaimed Assets Claim

You cannot check status through HowToGetAssistance.org. To check status, you must use Missouri’s official unclaimed property channels.

Exact methods can change, but common ways to check claim status include:

1. Online Claim Status Check

If you filed your claim online, there is usually a way to:

• Log back into the claim system using:
  • Your claim ID/claim number, and
  • A portion of your Social Security number or other identifying information
• View your current status, such as:
  • “Received”
  • “Under review”
  • “Awaiting documents”
  • “Approved – pending payment”
  • “Paid” or “Closed”

If you no longer have your claim number, check your email or letters from the state office; the number is often listed there.

2. Phone Status Check

You can usually call the Missouri State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property office or the number listed on your claim confirmation.

Have ready:

• Your full name (and any prior names)
• Your claim number, if you have one
• Your Social Security number (usually last four digits for verification)
• The name of the original holder (such as the bank or company), if you know it

A representative may tell you:

• Whether your claim has been received
• Whether more documentation is needed
• Whether a payment has been issued, and when

3. Mail or Email Follow-Up

If you submitted your claim by mail, you may receive updates via mail or email. If you have not heard anything within a reasonable time (for example, 8–12 weeks for a simple claim), you can:

• Call the official office to check status, or
• Send a polite written inquiry (by mail or email), including your:
  • Full name and address
  • Claim number
  • Description of the property (if known)
  • Date you originally submitted the claim

Common Claim Status Messages and What They Mean

Different systems use different wording, but you may see statuses like:

• “Received” or “In Process”

  • Your claim has been received and is waiting to be reviewed.

• “Awaiting Documentation” or “Additional Information Required”

  • The office needs more documents or clarification from you.
  • Look for a letter or email explaining what is missing.
  • Your claim is typically on hold until you respond.

• “Under Review”

  • Staff are verifying your identity, documents, and claim details.
  • Time in this status can vary greatly depending on complexity.

• “Approved” or “Payment Authorized”

  • Your claim has been approved.
  • A check or other form of payment should be issued according to the program’s procedures.

• “Paid” or “Closed – Paid”

  • The payment has been sent.
  • Allow time for mail delivery or, if applicable, for a direct deposit to show up.

• “Denied” or “Closed – No Payment”

  • Your claim was not approved.
  • There should normally be a reason given, such as:
    • Insufficient proof of ownership
    • Another person provided stronger proof
    • Conflict with estate documents
    • Incomplete response within a set timeframe

If your claim is denied and you believe the decision is wrong, ask the office whether there is a review or appeal process and what documents might change the outcome.

How to Avoid Delays in Missouri Unclaimed Property Claims

A few practical steps can help your claim move more smoothly:

• Use the official state website or office

  • Start your claim and check status through Missouri’s official unclaimed property system, not third-party websites that cannot process claims directly.

• Double-check your information

  • Make sure your name, SSN, and contact details are accurate and consistent with your documents.

• Submit clear, complete documents

  • Take photos or scans in good lighting.
  • Ensure all corners and text are visible; no shadows or cut-off pages.

• Respond promptly to requests

  • If the office asks for more information, respond as soon as you reasonably can.
  • Delayed responses almost always mean longer overall timelines.

• Explain name/address changes when needed

  • If your current name or address is different from what appears on the property listing, include a brief note or supporting documents so staff can connect the dots.

• Keep copies of everything

  • Save copies of forms, letters, emails, and uploaded documents in case you need to resubmit or reference them later.

Common Reasons Missouri Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding what can go wrong may help you avoid problems:

Frequent Delay Triggers

• Missing or incomplete forms
• Unclear ID or unreadable documents
• No proof connecting you to the address or account on record
• Complicated estates with no clear legal representative
• Conflicting information, such as different birthdates or inconsistent spellings

Common Denial Reasons

• Insufficient proof of ownership or heirship

  • The office could not confirm you are the person (or estate representative) entitled to the property.

• Another party’s stronger claim

  • Someone else provided documentation that better matches the original property record.

• Failure to respond

  • You did not provide requested documents within the timeframe the office uses to keep claims active.

• Legal restrictions

  • In some situations, the property may have legal conditions attached (for example, certain court orders or estate rulings) that prevent payment to you.

If you receive a denial and do not understand it, contact the state unclaimed property office and ask for:

• Clarification of the specific reason, and
• A list of documents or steps that might allow you to resubmit or appeal, if that option exists.

How to Verify You Are Using an Official Missouri Channel (and Avoid Scams)

Because unclaimed property involves money, scammers sometimes pretend to “help” in exchange for a fee or personal information.

Here are ways to protect yourself:

Signs You’re on an Official Channel

• The website is clearly identified as the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office or another official Missouri state government office.
• Web addresses usually end in “.gov”.
• Contact addresses and phone numbers are clearly labeled as state office contact information.
• You are not required to pay a fee just to search for or claim your own unclaimed property (some states do not charge owners any fee).

Red Flags for Scams

• Someone contacts you unexpectedly and demands a fee upfront to claim your money.
• The person pressures you to act immediately, or you will “lose” your money.
• The website or email address looks suspicious or does not clearly belong to the State of Missouri.
• You are asked to provide sensitive information like your full Social Security number or bank account details through an unsecured link, or in a way that does not match instructions on the official state site.

If you are unsure:

• Call the Missouri State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property office using a phone number you find through the official Missouri government website, not through a message sent to you.
• Ask them to confirm whether any letter or email you received is legitimate.

What If You Don’t Qualify or the Claim Isn’t Yours?

Sometimes people discover unclaimed property that isn’t actually theirs, or they cannot provide enough proof to claim it.

If the property isn’t yours or you don’t qualify:

• You can leave the property in the state’s custody.
• If you later find new documents (for example, an old statement tying you to the address or account), you can usually submit a new claim with the improved documentation.
• If you believe the property might belong to a relative, you can encourage them or the estate executor to file a claim.

If you need assistance understanding your options, you may:

• Talk with a legal aid organization or private attorney for estate or heirship issues.
• Contact the state unclaimed property office to ask what type of documentation they would consider in your situation.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Unclaimed Assets Claim Timelines and Status

• Many simple individual claims in Missouri are processed within about 2–8 weeks once all required documents are received.
• More complex claims, especially heir, estate, or business claims, can take months.
• You can check your claim status by:
  • Logging into the official Missouri unclaimed property portal, and/or
  • Calling the Missouri State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property office with your claim number.
• To avoid delays, submit clear, complete documents, respond promptly to requests, and keep track of all correspondence.
• Use only official Missouri government channels to search for, claim, or check the status of unclaimed property, and be cautious of fees or unsolicited offers.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process or track claims, but you can use this information to better understand what to expect and how to follow up with the official Missouri unclaimed property office.