After you submit your claim online, check your email for next steps.
You should receive a confirmation email within 10 minutes informing you of whether more information is needed for verification and processing.
Claims filed on behalf of someone else, such as a minor child or deceased owner, may require additional documentation and take longer to process than usual. The sooner you provide any requested documents, the faster we can process your claim.
If the email:
- Includes an attached claim form, complete the form and provide any documents listed. See Required Documentation for further instructions. Once we receive your additional information, allow up to 90 days for us to review your claim.
- States no further action is needed on your part at this time, your claim should be processed within 30 days.
If you don’t receive a confirmation email and it’s not in your junk or spam folder, contact us.
Email and Text Updates
We’ll email you updates on your claim status, including approval notifications or requests for additional information. If you opted in, we’ll also notify you of important updates via text message.
If You Mailed Your Claim
If you provided your email address on a blank claim form, you should receive a confirmation email within 30 days—as well as text updates if you provided your mobile number and opted in.
If you did not provide your email address, you should receive a letter from us within 30 days containing your Claim ID and instructions on whether additional information is required.
Check the Status of Your Claim
You can check the status of your claim online throughout the process by entering the seven-digit Claim ID referenced in your confirmation email.
Note that our call center representatives do not have any more information about your claim than what’s included in your status or correspondence from us, and cannot provide you with the dollar amount.
If Your Claim Is Approved
Once your claim is approved, we’ll email you the payment details, including the amount. Your check will be mailed to the address provided on your claim form within 30 days.
If your claim included multiple properties, in most cases you’ll receive one check for the total amount.
Checks arrive in a perforated envelope, similar to a W-2 tax form or paycheck, from the Office of the New York State Comptroller. Direct deposit or pre-paid cards are not available at this time.
Change of Address
If your mailing address changed after you submitted your claim, complete and mail a Change of Address Form.
Missing or Incorrect Check
Contact us if:
- it’s been more than 30 days and you haven’t received your check,
- you lost your uncashed check, or
- the name on the check is misspelled or your former name.
Cash Your Check Promptly
You have until December 31 of the following calendar year to cash your check. For example, a check issued on March 1, 2026, may be cashed until December 31, 2027.
If you do not cash it by then, you'll have to file a new claim.
Taxes and Interest
If your property was originally interest bearing, such as a savings account, you’ll be paid interest for up to five years from the date we receive your property. If your payment earned interest, or involves a security or dividend, it may be subject to federal and state taxes.
See Taxes and Interest for more information.