diff --git a/api/namex/VERSION.py b/api/namex/VERSION.py
index d8ecf328b..b1a372daf 100644
--- a/api/namex/VERSION.py
+++ b/api/namex/VERSION.py
@@ -1 +1 @@
-__version__ = '1.1.36'
+__version__ = '1.1.37'
diff --git a/api/namex/models/request.py b/api/namex/models/request.py
index 41dad41b9..26700bd08 100644
--- a/api/namex/models/request.py
+++ b/api/namex/models/request.py
@@ -331,11 +331,15 @@ def find_existing_name_by_user(cls, user_name_search_string, email):
         """	
         Gets requests submited by user with given name choice in state draft
         """
+        current_time = datetime.utcnow()
         existing_nr = db.session.query(Request). \
             join(Applicant, and_(Applicant.nrId == Request.id)). \
             filter(
                 Applicant.emailAddress == email,
-                (Request.stateCd == 'DRAFT') | (Request.stateCd == 'PENDING_PAYMENT') ,
+                #Check if status of request is in pending payment state (payment failed/stuck) within 5 mins
+                #check if status of request is in draft (payment successful/request in for name examination) 
+                (Request.stateCd == 'DRAFT') | (Request.stateCd == 'PENDING_PAYMENT'),
+                (Request.submittedDate >= current_time - timedelta(minutes=5)),
                 (Request.nameSearch == ('('+user_name_search_string+')')) | ( Request.nameSearch == user_name_search_string )). \
             one_or_none()