SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — This summer, Illinois is set to distribute $45 million in unclaimed funds to a record-breaking 600,000 residents through the state’s Enhanced Money Match program, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. The initiative, part of the state’s I-CASH unclaimed property program, aims to return money to individuals without requiring them to file a claim.
“The first thing we tell people, is this – the money belongs to you, the check is real, and this is not a scam,” said Treasurer Frerichs. “The second thing we tell them, is to cash the check! Who couldn’t use a little extra pocket money this summer?”
The Enhanced Money Match program, founded in 2018, has returned more than $130 million to over 870,000 people. This summer’s distribution of nearly 600,000 checks marks the largest Money Match ever conducted in the nation. Most checks will be for $50 or less, although some individuals may receive larger amounts due to multiple claims.
Frerichs’ office began mailing notification letters at the end of June, with checks following throughout the summer. The program uses data from partnering state agencies to crossmatch with the State Treasurer’s unclaimed property database, ensuring accurate delivery to rightful owners.
The Enhanced Money Match focuses on straightforward claims involving cash owed to a single person, excluding claims involving multiple parties, stocks, bonds, escrow accounts, and safe deposit box contents.
Illinois holds over $5 billion in unclaimed property, with more than $2.3 billion returned since Frerichs took office, the most in state history. The state treasurer is legally required to return missing money to its owners or heirs, regardless of the time it takes.
