Illinois Treasurer Urges Residents to Check for Missing Money

Frerichs has returned over $2.4 billion in unclaimed property since 2015

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging residents to visit the ICash missing money website to see if they have any unclaimed property or forgotten money waiting for them. Frerichs has returned over $2.4 billion in unclaimed property since taking office in 2015, with nearly $294 million returned to almost 545,000 people in 2025 alone.

Why it matters

Unclaimed property can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed rebate checks, unpaid life insurance claims, and abandoned safe deposit box contents. By law, these items must be turned over to the Illinois State Treasurer's Office, which is then required to return the money to the rightful owners or their heirs.

The details

Frerichs has worked to streamline the process of returning unclaimed property, eliminating red tape, making online claims easier, and returning money without the need to file a claim through the Enhanced Money Match program. He has also added a Spanish-language website and started an online unboxing video series to encourage people to check for unclaimed property.

  • Since Frerichs began serving as State Treasurer in 2015, he has returned more than $2.4 billion in unclaimed property.
  • During 2025, almost 545,000 people got back nearly $294 million in missing money.

The players

Michael Frerichs

The Illinois State Treasurer who has returned over $2.4 billion in unclaimed property since taking office in 2015.

ICash

The Illinois State Treasurer's website where residents can check for missing money and unclaimed property.

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What they’re saying

“It's a good idea to check the names of family members and friends, as well as your own name, because you might find some unexpected treasures. If you find something for your relatives or neighbors, you can use our website's Family and Friends 'share' feature to let them know.”

— Michael Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer

“We work hard to return missing money and unclaimed property to the rightful owners. The proof is in our record-breaking numbers over the years. Putting money back in your warm hands is better than keeping it in our cold bank vaults.”

— Michael Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer

What’s next

Residents can visit the ICash website at icash.illinoistreasurer.gov to search for any unclaimed property or missing money that may be owed to them or their family and friends.

The takeaway

This initiative by the Illinois State Treasurer's Office highlights the importance of regularly checking for unclaimed property, as one in four adults who do so discover they have money or other assets waiting to be claimed. By making the process easier and more accessible, the Treasurer's Office is helping to return millions of dollars to the rightful owners.