$45 Million In Unclaimed Money Going Out To 600,000 Illinoisans This Summer

You may need to check your mail soon.

Illinois is sending out a total of $45 million in "unclaimed money or property" to 600k residents.

According to a release from Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerich obtained by NBC Chicago, the latest round of checks (which started going out in late June and are continuing) are part of the state's "Enhanced Money Match" program, which is part of the larger "I-Cash" program. It automatically sends Illinoisans money that's owed to them.

The last round of checks went out in fall 2024. And though the amount will vary and may not amount to a full-on jackpot, Frerich's office says that people could have multiple checks coming their way. And if you do get one, for sure cash it. Frerich says:

The first thing we tell people, is this – the money belongs to you, the check is real, and this is not a scam. The second thing we tell them, is to cash the check! Who couldn’t use a little extra pocket money this summer?

Missing Money Program

Illinois started the program in 2018. Officials say Illinois has $5 billion in unclaimed property. The Enhanced Money Match program does have some limitations.

The treasurer's office says it's "straightforward claims that involve cash owed to a single person". It's not escrows, shares of stocks and bonds, etc.

Wondering if you'll get a check this summer? Search I-Cash's unclaimed property database on the state's website.

The release from Treasurer Frerich's office says that it's their legal duty to return money to it's owners or heirs, "no matter how long it takes".