State Treasuries are currently holding over $58 Billion in unclaimed assets.
This includes uncashed checks, forgotten savings accounts, utility deposits, and tax refunds. 1 in 7 Americans has money waiting to be claimed. Is your name on the list?
Searching for unclaimed money illinois residents are owed is a simple, free process that connects individuals with billions of dollars in lost assets. The State Treasurer acts as a custodian for these funds, which include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, and insurance proceeds. This system ensures that your money remains safe indefinitely until you or your heirs step forward to claim it.
Key Takeaways
- $5 Billion Available: The Illinois State Treasurer is currently safeguarding over $5 billion in unclaimed assets.
- 1 in 4 Residents: Approximately 25% of Illinois residents have money waiting to be claimed.
- Money Match: The state now automatically mails checks to eligible residents without requiring a claim file.
- Always Free: You should never pay a fee to search for or claim your property through the official state portal.
- Indefinite Custody: The state holds these funds forever; there is no deadline to claim your money.
The Illinois unclaimed property program, known as I-Cash, protects a staggering portfolio of assets. Currently, the treasurer holds more than 31 million individual properties valued at roughly $5 billion. These are not tax dollars; they are private assets turned over to the state when businesses cannot locate the rightful owners.
When a bank account or security deposit goes dormant, the law requires the business to transfer those funds to the Treasurer’s Office. The state then diligently works to find the owners. Since 2015, the office has successfully returned over $2.5 billion to residents, proving that the system works efficiently for those who participate.
Locating your assets begins with a visit to the official(https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/). The database allows you to search by name, business name, or property ID. Because data entry errors can occur at financial institutions, it is smart to try variations of your name.
Search Tips for Success:
Illinois has revolutionized the return process with the Enhanced Money Match program. This initiative uses data from the Illinois Department of Revenue to automatically verify the addresses of property owners. If your tax records match the unclaimed property owner information, the system skips the claim filing process entirely.
Eligible residents simply receive a letter notifying them of the match. Shortly after, a check arrives in the mail. This system focuses on single-owner properties with cash values up to $5,000. It eliminates paperwork and makes recovering funds effortless for thousands of residents every year.
A significant portion of unclaimed property belongs to deceased individuals. Claiming these funds requires proving your legal relationship to the owner. The documentation needed depends on whether the estate went through probate or if the owner had a will.
For smaller estates, Illinois allows the use of a Small Estate Affidavit. This legal document can be used if the total personal estate is valued at $150,000 or less and no direct probate court proceedings are active.
Required Documents Often Include:
You can often find free resources and forms to help navigate this process through Illinois Legal Aid Online.
Property does not become "unclaimed" immediately. It must remain inactive for a specific timeframe, known as the dormancy period. Once this period passes without contact from the owner, the business must transfer the asset to the state.
Table: Common Dormancy Periods for Illinois Assets
| Asset Class | Time Before Transfer | Definition |
| Wages & Payroll | 1 Year | Uncashed paychecks or commissions. |
| Utility Deposits | 1 Year | Refunds or deposits left after service ends. |
| Savings Accounts | 3 Years | Inactive accounts with no customer contact. |
| Checking Accounts | 3 Years | Daily accounts with no withdrawals or deposits. |
| Life Insurance | 3 Years | Death benefits or matured policies. |
| Stocks & Dividends | 3 Years | Uncashed dividend checks or inactive shares. |
| Safe Deposit Boxes | 5 Years | Contents removed due to unpaid rent. |
| Money Orders | 7 Years | Uncashed instruments (excluding Travelers Checks). |
The excitement of finding lost money can make residents vulnerable to fraud. Be vigilant against unsolicited text messages or emails claiming you have a "large settlement" waiting. Scammers often use official-sounding language to trick victims into paying "processing fees."
Red Flags to Watch For:
If you are unsure about a communication, verify it by contacting the Treasurer's office directly or visiting the official I-Cash portal.
If you have lived or worked in other states, your money might be held there. Each state maintains its own unclaimed property database. Because there is no single federal database for all state property, you may need to search multiple locations.
To streamline this, you can use MissingMoney.com, a national database endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). This site aggregates data from most state treasuries, allowing you to search across state lines in one session.
The I-Cash program only covers assets reported to the State of Illinois. Federal funds fall under different jurisdictions and require separate searches.
Common Federal Sources:
By checking these federal sources alongside the state database, you ensure a comprehensive search for your missing financial assets.
Yes, iCash is the legitimate, official program managed by the Illinois State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs, to return billions of dollars in lost assets to residents. You should only search and file claims through the secure government portal icash.illinoistreasurer.gov, as the service is 100% free and never charges a fee to return your property.
Yes, legal heirs can claim a deceased family member's assets by submitting specific documentation, such as a death certificate and a will or small estate affidavit. The state holds these funds indefinitely, meaning there is no deadline for descendants to prove their relationship and recover the money.
Most simple claims submitted online with correct documentation are processed and paid within 90 days, though complex cases involving estates or missing paperwork may take significantly longer. You can check the real-time progress of your submission by entering your dedicated Claim ID on the Treasurer’s claim status page.
No, your money never expires because the State of Illinois acts only as a permanent custodian and does not take legal ownership of the funds. This consumer protection law ensures that the original owner or their rightful heirs can collect the assets at any time, even decades later.
Unclaimed property typically consists of intangible financial assets like forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, life insurance proceeds, and safe deposit box contents that have been inactive for at least three years (or one year for wages). It importantly does not include physical real estate or vehicles, which are handled separately by county authorities.
The Homeward Bound program empowers individuals and families experiencing homelessness to find stable housing and support networks outside their current location. This initiative provides vital resources like transportation, facilitating a fresh start and fostering long-term stability by reconnecting people with their communities.
For young adults seeking a bridge to independent living, a transitional living program offers a vital stepping stone, equipping them with essential life skills and a supportive community. Discover how these programs empower individuals to navigate challenges, achieve personal growth, and build a foundation for a successful future.
In an effort to provide unwavering support, numerous government programs offer assistance to families raising children with special needs. These programs can help alleviate the financial burdens associated with specialized care, therapies, and equipment, allowing families to focus on their child's well-being and development.