Illinois Sends $13.2 Million in Unclaimed Checks

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has mailed checks totaling nearly $13.2 million to approximately 140,000 residents as part of the Enhanced Money Match program, which automatically returns unclaimed property without requiring claims to be filed. Many recipients may initially dismiss the checks as scams, but Frerichs reassured them that these checks are legitimate and urged them to cash them promptly. The program utilizes state-collected data to match individuals with their unclaimed funds, which can include everything from abandoned bank accounts to unpaid life insurance benefits. Since the program's inception in 2018, over $102 million has been returned to residents, with checks typically ranging from $50 to $100. Frerichs emphasized the importance of recognizing that this money belongs to citizens, not the state. To verify whether one has unclaimed property, individuals can check the Treasurer's online database.