Illinois is one of the few states that have implemented measures to reunite unclaimed money with its rightful owners. In fact, the state holds more than $3 billion in unclaimed assets, including money from forgotten bank accounts, insurance policies, and safe deposit boxes. If you’re wondering whether you have unclaimed money in Illinois, here’s what you need to know.
First, it’s essential to understand what unclaimed property means. According to Illinois law, unclaimed property refers to assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their owners. These assets could be in the form of cash, securities, dividends, refunds, and more. When the rightful owner fails to claim these assets for a certain period, the financial institution holding them is required to turn them over to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.
To check if you have unclaimed money in Illinois, you can start by visiting the state’s official unclaimed property website, www.illinoistreasurer.gov. On the homepage, click on the “I-Cash” button, which will direct you to the search page. From there, enter your name or business name and hit search.
If your name appears on the list of unclaimed property owners, you can file a claim online, print out a claim form, or request one to be sent to you by mail. You will need to provide some identification details, such as your Social Security number, address, and proof of ownership.
Aside from the online search, you can also call the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office toll-free hotline at 1-800-961-8303 to check for unclaimed assets. If you prefer to visit in person, the office is located at 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 15-600, Chicago, IL 60601. Note that the office is currently open by appointment only due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s best to call ahead.
It’s essential to note that the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office does not charge a fee to search for or claim unclaimed property. If you come across a website or service that claims to help you find unclaimed money but requires a fee, it’s likely a scam. Be sure to only use the official Illinois State Treasurer’s website or hotline to search for unclaimed property.
Conclusion
if you’re wondering whether you have unclaimed money in Illinois, it’s easy to find out. Visit the Illinois State Treasurer’s website, enter your name, and see if you have any unclaimed assets.
If you do, file a claim online or through mail and provide the necessary identification details. Remember, there is no charge to search for or claim unclaimed property in Illinois, so be cautious of any website or service that requires a fee.
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