Being familiar with the applicable dormancy periods is crucial for a successful unclaimed property program. A dormancy period is the length of time that you must hold a property before escheating it to the state, and it typically begins on the date that the funds were first payable. Of course every state has a different set of dormancy periods, and of course they are all subject to change.
The standard dormancy period is three years for most states, but over a third use a five-year standard. Certain property types often have longer or shorter dormancy periods. For example, government-related funds and utility deposits often have shorter periods, typically a year. The majority of states also use a one-year dormancy for payroll and commissions. Money orders and travelers checks almost always have longer dormancy periods.
