Illinois Treasurer Urges Residents to Claim Unclaimed Funds

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced that nearly 140,000 residents will receive checks totaling approximately $13.2 million as part of the Enhanced Money Match program, which automatically returns unclaimed property without requiring a claim. This program has successfully returned over $102 million to nearly 422,000 individuals since its inception in 2018, making this round the largest in U.S. history. Frerichs cautioned that many people may mistakenly view these checks as scams and urged them to cash them promptly to avoid the funds becoming unclaimed again. The recent legislation has also increased the return limit for unclaimed funds from $2,000 to $5,000, facilitating quicker access to owed money. The initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens, especially with the holiday season approaching, providing families with additional financial resources. Residents can check for unclaimed property through the state’s online database.