Since time frames for mail delivery vary, you should allow 10 business days after the check was mailed before reporting it as missing. If you have moved and notified the Post Office of your new address, your check will be forwarded. You should also notify DCSE of your new address. DCSE does not request that a stop payment be placed on a check until 10 business days have passed. After the 10 business days, if you still have not received your payment, you should notify DCSE so the check status can be researched. If the check has not been cashed, DCSE will request that a replacement check be issued, and usually a check will be issued within two to four weeks. If the check has been cashed, an investigation by the Treasurer`s Office and bank must be conducted and it may become a criminal investigation, which requires much more time. It may require 2­12 months or longer for such an investigation to be completed. If you are certain that a check has been stolen or that you have lost it, you should contact DCSE immediately. If you have a bank account in your name, you should also consider applying for direct deposit to avoid this type of problem.