Heir Claims in Illinois: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

When a family member passes away in Illinois, they may leave behind unclaimed money or property that was never transferred to heirs. This can include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, security deposits, or even stock.

Illinois has an official unclaimed property program (sometimes called “escheated property”) that holds these assets until the rightful owner or heir comes forward. HowToGetAssistance.org is not part of this program and cannot process claims, but this guide explains how the process typically works and how you can move forward through official Illinois channels.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Illinois?

In Illinois, unclaimed property generally means money or assets that:

• Were held by a business, bank, insurance company, or another entity
• Have had no activity or contact from the owner for a specific period of time (often 3–5 years, depending on the type of asset)
• Were then turned over to the State of Illinois to hold for the owner or their heirs

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts or CDs
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, dividends)
• Life insurance benefits
• Utility deposits or rental security deposits
• Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents

If the original owner has died, heirs or a representative of the estate may usually file a claim to recover this property.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Person?

For Illinois heir claims, the state generally allows claims from:

• Executor or administrator of the estate (if there is a probate case)
• Heirs named in a will
• Heirs at law (such as spouse, children, parents, or siblings) if there is no will
• Sometimes a court-appointed guardian or other legal representative, depending on the situation

Who should file the claim depends on:

1. Whether there is an estate open in probate
2. The total value of the unclaimed property
3. Whether there is a will and what it says
4. How many heirs are involved

If you are unsure whether you are eligible to claim as an heir, you may want to:

• Review any will or estate documents
• Check whether there is a probate case opened in the county where the person lived
• Talk with the executor of the estate or an Illinois probate attorney for legal guidance

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Illinois

You typically begin by searching the official Illinois unclaimed property database.

To find the correct site:

• Look for the official Illinois state government website for unclaimed property or the state treasurer’s office.
• Verify that the address ends in “.gov” and clearly states it is an Illinois government site.
• You can also contact the Illinois State Treasurer’s office by phone to confirm the official search tool.

When searching:

• Use the deceased person’s full legal name
• Try maiden names, previous names, and common misspellings
• Search previous addresses, including old cities or towns where they may have lived or worked

If you find entries that appear to belong to your deceased relative, you’ll usually see:

• The business or institution that reported the property
• The city where it originated
• The type or category of property
• Sometimes an approximate value range

At that point, you can typically start a claim as an heir through the state’s official system.

Step 2: Determine the Type of Heir Claim You Need

Illinois may treat claims for deceased owners differently depending on:

• Whether probate is open
• Value of the property
• Number of heirs

Here’s a simplified overview:

The exact process can vary, and state rules may change, so the safest approach is to:

• Follow instructions on the official Illinois unclaimed property website, or
• Call the program’s official phone number for help with which form or path applies to your situation.

Step 3: Gather Typical Documents for an Illinois Heir Claim

Illinois usually requires proof of the deceased person’s identity, proof of death, and proof that you are the rightful heir or representative.

Documents can vary by case, but commonly requested items include:

Proof About the Deceased Person (the Original Owner)

You may be asked for:

• Death certificate (certified copy)
• Previous addresses of the deceased
• Social Security number (or last 4 digits), if known
• Proof of ownership if available (e.g., old bank statements, insurance policies, stock certificates)

Proof of Your Relationship / Authority

Depending on the situation, you might need:

• Will and/or letters of office (letters testamentary or letters of administration) if there is probate
• Small estate affidavit (if allowed and the estate value qualifies)
• Marriage certificate (if you’re a surviving spouse)
• Birth certificates (if you’re a child or parent of the deceased)
• Court orders appointing you as executor, administrator, or guardian
• Affidavits of heirship or similar forms outlining the family tree

Your Own Identification

Illinois typically asks for:

• A copy of your government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Proof of your address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, matching the address you provide in the claim

📌 Tip: Names and addresses on your documents should match what you enter on the claim form as closely as possible. If your name changed due to marriage or other reasons, include documents connecting the names (e.g., marriage certificate).

Step 4: Submitting an Heir Claim in Illinois

The exact claim process may change over time, but typically it involves:

1. Starting the Claim Online or by Mail

• On the official Illinois unclaimed property website, you usually:

  • Search for the property
  • Select the claim
  • Indicate that the owner is deceased
  • Choose your relationship (heir, executor, etc.)
  • Complete a claim form

• In some cases, you may be able to request that claim forms be mailed to you if you prefer paper.

2. Attaching or Mailing Documentation

You may be asked to:

• Upload scanned copies of documents through a secure portal, or
• Mail copies (and sometimes originals, depending on the instructions) to the address provided by the Illinois unclaimed property program

Always follow the exact instructions on the claim form about whether documents must be certified, original, or photocopies.

3. Keeping Copies for Your Records

Before sending any documents:

• Make copies or scans of everything
• Keep a note of:
  • The claim number
  • The date you submitted documents
  • The office you sent them to

What Happens After You File an Heir Claim in Illinois?

Once the official Illinois office receives your claim and documents, they will usually:

1. Review your claim to confirm:

   • The deceased person is the rightful owner
   • You are a valid heir or authorized representative
   • All required documents are provided and complete

2. Ask for additional information, if needed

   • You might receive a letter, email, or phone call requesting:
     • Clarification on your relationship
     • Additional court records
     • Corrected or certified documents

3. Approve or deny the claim

   • If approved, payment is usually made by check, or assets may be transferred in another form depending on the property type.
   • If denied, the state typically provides a reason and may explain whether you can submit more documentation or request a review.

Processing times can vary based on:

• The volume of claims
• The complexity of your heirship
• Whether your documentation is complete and clear

If you haven’t heard anything after a reasonable amount of time (often several weeks to a few months, depending on the program’s current workload), you can usually:

• Contact the Illinois unclaimed property office using the claim number
• Ask for a status update and whether anything else is needed

Common Reasons Illinois Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems:

• Missing death certificate or incorrect copy type (for example, a photocopy when a certified copy is required)
• No proof of authority when probate is open (such as letters of office for the executor)
• Conflicting information about heirs
  • Example: multiple people claim to be the closest heir
• Incomplete family tree information when there is no will
• Name mismatches on documents
  • For example, the property is under “Robert J. Smith,” but documents are for “Bob Smith” with no proof these are the same person
• Unclear addresses or lack of proof that the deceased lived at the addresses listed on the unclaimed property record
• Unsigned or undated forms, or forms not notarized when required

If your claim is denied:

• Read the denial notice carefully to understand the reason.
• You may be able to:
  • Correct the issue (for example, send the correct type of document)
  • File a new claim with additional proof
  • In some cases, request a review or reconsideration, following the instructions from the Illinois unclaimed property office

For legal questions about rights as an heir or how Illinois inheritance laws apply, you may want to consult a licensed Illinois attorney.

Special Situations: No Will, Multiple Heirs, or Out-of-State Heirs

When There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)

If the deceased died without a will, Illinois intestacy laws usually determine who inherits. Generally, that might include:

• Spouse
• Children
• Sometimes parents or siblings, if there is no spouse or children

In these cases, the state may require:

• Affidavits of heirship describing the family structure
• Birth certificates and marriage certificates supporting those relationships
• Documentation showing there are no closer heirs

When There Are Multiple Heirs

If several heirs are entitled to the property:

• Illinois may require:
  • A single claim with information about all heirs, or
  • Multiple signatures or agreements from each heir
• The state might:
  • Issue a joint payment, or
  • Issue payment to the estate for distribution, depending on the paperwork you provide

Always read the specific instruction forms provided by the Illinois unclaimed property office, since procedures can vary.

Out-of-State Heirs

If you live outside Illinois but are an heir:

• You can usually still file a claim, as long as you can:
  • Prove your relationship
  • Provide acceptable ID
• You may need to use:
  • Notarized forms
  • Documents that meet Illinois standards
• Check with the official Illinois unclaimed property office for any extra steps for out-of-state or international claimants.

How to Verify You Are Using an Official Illinois Channel

Because unclaimed property can involve money, it can attract scams. To protect yourself:

• Look for “.gov” in the official Illinois website address.
• Confirm the site clearly identifies itself as part of the State of Illinois or the Illinois State Treasurer.
• Use phone numbers listed on official Illinois government pages to contact the office directly.
• Be cautious if:
  • Someone asks for upfront fees to search or claim money.
  • You receive calls or emails telling you about unclaimed property but asking for sensitive information or payment.
• Many people are able to:
  • Search for unclaimed property
  • Start a claim directly through the official Illinois government resources without paying any third-party service.

If you’re unsure whether a website or caller is legitimate, you can:

• Independently look up the Illinois State Treasurer’s office contact information on a known government site
• Call and ask whether the communication you received is genuine

Alternatives if You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Claim Right Now

Sometimes, you may find unclaimed property in a deceased relative’s name but cannot complete a claim immediately. For example:

• There are disputes among heirs
• Probate has not been opened yet
• You cannot obtain required documents right away

In many cases:

• Illinois will hold unclaimed property indefinitely for the rightful owner or heirs, rather than taking it permanently.
• You may be able to come back later when you have:
  • Court orders
  • Estate documents
  • Necessary certificates

If you feel overwhelmed by the legal side:

• You can contact:
  • A local legal aid organization in Illinois
  • The county probate court for basic procedural information
  • A private probate or estate attorney for advice specific to your situation

Quick Checklist: Getting Ready for an Illinois Heir Claim

Use this as a simple starting point:

1. Search the official Illinois unclaimed property database

   • Confirm you are on a “.gov” site.

2. Identify the properties that belong to your deceased relative

   • Write down the claim IDs, holder names, and any details shown.

3. Figure out your role

   • Are you an executor/administrator, or an heir?

4. Gather documents

   • Death certificate
   • Proof of your identity and address
   • Relationship proof (birth/marriage certificates, will, court letters, affidavits of heirship)
   • Any estate or probate documents, if applicable

5. Complete the official claim form

   • Online or on paper, according to state instructions
   • Make sure forms are signed, dated, and notarized if needed.

6. Submit documents as directed

   • Keep copies and note your claim number.

7. Monitor for follow-up

   • Respond promptly to any requests from the Illinois unclaimed property office.

By understanding how heir claims for unclaimed property typically work in Illinois—and by working directly with the state’s official unclaimed property program—you can better navigate the process of recovering assets that may belong to your deceased relative’s estate or to you as an heir.