Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Find Unclaimed Assets in Illinois

Many people are surprised to learn they might have unclaimed money sitting with the State of Illinois and not even know it. This can include old paychecks, utility deposits, forgotten bank accounts, or life insurance benefits that were never paid out.

This guide explains, in plain English, how unclaimed property works in Illinois and walks you through step‑by‑step how to search and claim it through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, not an application portal, and cannot check or process claims. This guide is meant to help you understand the process so you can work directly with the official Illinois unclaimed property office.

What “Unclaimed Assets” Mean in Illinois

In Illinois, “unclaimed property” (or “unclaimed assets”) usually refers to money or property that belongs to you but has been turned over to the state after a business or institution could not reach you for a certain period.

Common examples include:

• Uncashed checks (payroll, refund, rebate, dividend, etc.)
• Closed bank accounts with a leftover balance
• Utility or phone deposits that were never refunded
• Insurance policy proceeds or benefits
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares
• Gift cards or credit balances at some businesses

Illinois does not take ownership of your property. The state typically holds it until the rightful owner (or heirs) file a claim through the official process.

Who Can Search for Unclaimed Property in Illinois?

You can usually search for free if you are:

• An individual looking for money in your own name
• A person who has changed names (e.g., after marriage or divorce)
• Someone checking for deceased family members’ property
• A business owner (LLC, corporation, nonprofit, etc.)
• An heir, executor, or administrator of an estate

There is no income requirement. Typically, anyone can search and file a claim if they can prove they are the rightful owner or legal heir.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can search without documents, but having some key details ready can make things easier later if you file a claim.

Helpful information to gather:

• Full legal name
  • Include maiden name, previous married names, or any aliases you’ve used
• Current address and past addresses in Illinois
• Social Security number (last 4 digits) (sometimes used to verify identity)
• For a business: business name, former names, and last known Illinois address
• For a deceased person:
  • Their full legal name and any known prior names
  • Their last Illinois address
  • Date of birth and date of death (if known)

You do not usually need to upload documents at the search step, but you will often need them later to prove your claim.

Step 2: Use the Official Illinois Unclaimed Property Search

Illinois maintains an official online unclaimed property search managed by the state. You do not need to pay a third‑party service to look for money in your name.

To search:

1. Go to the official Illinois unclaimed property website operated by the state (commonly run by the State Treasurer’s Office).
2. Look for a tool labeled something like “Search”, “Find Unclaimed Property,” or “ICASH” (a common name for Illinois’ unclaimed property program).
3. Enter the following:
   • Last name (or business name)
   • First name (optional but helpful)
   • City or ZIP code (if requested, to narrow results)
4. Submit the search and review the list of potential matches.

If you are having trouble online, you can usually:

• Call the Illinois unclaimed property office or
• Request a mailed form or in‑person assistance through the State Treasurer’s Office or another designated state office.

Step 3: Review Your Search Results Carefully

Your search may show no results, a few results, or dozens of possible matches. Go through them slowly.

Pay attention to:

• Name spelling – Check for minor differences in spelling or initials.
• Reported address – Compare to your current or past addresses in Illinois.
• Business names – If you owned or managed a business, look for those names too.
• Type of property – The site often labels items (e.g., “Bank Account,” “Wages,” “Insurance,” “Security”).
• Reported dollar range – Some systems categorize by ranges (e.g., “less than $100,” “more than $100”).

If you find a listing that you believe belongs to you (or your business or a deceased relative), you can usually select it and start a claim request on the official portal.

Step 4: Start a Claim Through the Official Illinois Portal

When you begin a claim on the state’s website, you’ll typically be guided through a step‑by‑step online form.

You can expect to:

1. Select the property you want to claim from the search results.
2. Confirm how you are related to it:
   • Owner
   • Heir (child, spouse, next of kin)
   • Executor or administrator of an estate
   • Business representative
3. Enter identifying information such as:
   • Full name
   • Current mailing address and contact information
   • Social Security number or tax ID (if requested)
   • Date of birth
4. Review the claim summary and submit the claim request.

Starting the claim usually creates a claim number. The state may then provide instructions on how to send your supporting documents, which might involve uploading documents online, mailing copies, or both.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or process any of these materials. All claims and documents must go through the official Illinois unclaimed property office.

Step 5: Gather the Documents You’ll Likely Need

The exact documents can vary based on what type of property it is and your relationship to the original owner. The official portal or claim form will usually list what is required.

Below is a general guide to possible documents:

For Your Own Property

You may be asked for:

• Government‑issued photo ID, such as:
  • State driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security number, such as:
  • Social Security card
  • Pay stub or W‑2 (if it shows SSN)
• Proof of current address, such as:
  • Recent utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
• Proof of former address, if different from current and related to the claim:
  • Old utility bill
  • Old bank statement
  • Past tax return showing that address

For Property Belonging to a Deceased Person

In addition to the items above, you may need:

• Death certificate (certified copy is often required)
• Proof you are the legal heir or executor, such as:
  • Letters of office or letters testamentary from probate court
  • Small estate affidavit (when applicable under Illinois law)
  • Will or trust documents (if requested by the state)
• Your own:
  • Photo ID
  • Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate) if required

For Business‑Owned Property

You may be asked for:

• Business tax ID (EIN)
• Proof of authority, such as:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Operating agreement
  • Letter on company letterhead naming you as an authorized representative
• Proof of business address matching the record:
  • Business utility bill
  • Lease or mortgage statement
  • Business bank statement

Quick Reference: Common Documents by Claim Type

*Exact requirements are set by the official Illinois office handling unclaimed property. Always follow their instructions.

Step 6: Submit Your Supporting Documents

After you start your claim online, the state usually gives specific directions for sending documents. Common options include:

• Upload documents to the official online portal (scanned PDF or clear photos)
• Mail copies to the official Illinois unclaimed property office address
• Deliver in person at an official state office, if that option is available

Tips for this step:

• ✅ Follow instructions exactly – Include your claim number on all documents or cover pages.
• ✅ Send copies, not originals, unless the state specifically asks for originals.
• ✅ If mailing, consider using a method where you can track delivery.

If you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable, you can usually call the state’s unclaimed property hotline or contact the State Treasurer’s Office for clarification.

Step 7: Track Your Claim and Watch for Requests for More Information

Once you’ve submitted your claim and documents:

• Many states, including Illinois, allow you to check claim status on the same official site where you searched.
• You may receive emails or letters if:
  • Additional documentation is needed
  • There is an issue verifying your identity or address
  • Your claim has been approved or denied

Important:

• Respond promptly if the state requests more information.
• Keep your mailing address and email current; notify the office if they change.
• Retain copies of everything you submitted, plus any letters from the state.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Unclaimed Property?

Processing times can vary widely based on:

• Volume of claims
• Complexity of your claim (for example, an estate can take longer than a simple paycheck)
• Whether your documents are complete and easy to verify

In many cases, straightforward claims may be processed in a matter of weeks to a few months, but more complicated claims can take longer.

If your claim seems delayed:

• Check your claim status through the official portal, if available.
• Call the Illinois unclaimed property office or the State Treasurer’s Office with your claim number.

Common Reasons Illinois Unclaimed Property Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding typical issues can help you avoid them.

Frequent problems include:

• Missing documents – Not sending a required death certificate, ID, or address proof.
• Name mismatch – Large differences between the name on the record and your current name without documents to link them (e.g., marriage certificate).
• Address mismatch – No proof you lived at the address linked to the unclaimed asset.
• Unclear heir status – Multiple heirs, incomplete probate, or unclear legal authority.
• Unreadable uploads – Blurry or dark scans, cut‑off pages, or incomplete documents.

If your claim is denied, look for:

• A written notice explaining the reason; and
• Information about any appeal or review process available.

You can usually contact the official office directly to ask how to correct the issue or whether there is a way to reapply.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Cannot Prove Ownership?

Sometimes, you may not be able to make a claim, or you may not have the documentation the state requires. Options to consider:

• Check other states: If you lived or worked in other states, you may have unclaimed property there as well. Most states have their own official unclaimed property sites.
• Work on getting replacement documents:
  • Request replacement IDs
  • Request copies of old tax returns, bank statements, or utility bills
  • Obtain official vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) from the appropriate offices
• Ask about alternative proof: If certain documents are impossible to obtain, the Illinois office may sometimes suggest other acceptable forms of documentation. This varies by case and is entirely at the state’s discretion.

How to Avoid Scams When Searching for Unclaimed Assets

Because unclaimed money can be appealing, some scammers try to take advantage. To protect yourself:

• Use official sources: Search through the official Illinois unclaimed property website or by calling the office directly, not through random links sent by text or email.
• Be wary of fees: Many third parties offer to search or file claims for a percentage of your money. In Illinois, you can typically search and claim your property directly with the state at no cost.
• Protect your information:
  • Do not give your Social Security number, full date of birth, or bank details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
  • Confirm you’re on a “.gov” website or speaking to a verified state office before sharing personal data.
• Check credentials: If someone claims to be a “finder” or “locator”:
  • Ask for their written contract.
  • Ask whether such services are regulated or restricted by Illinois law.
  • Remember you are usually not required to use a paid service at all.

If something feels suspicious, you can contact:

• The Illinois Attorney General’s office (consumer protection division), or
• Your local consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau

to ask about your rights and how to report scams.

Tips to Make Your Illinois Unclaimed Property Search More Effective

A few practical strategies can help you find more potential matches:

• Search every name you’ve used
  • Maiden names
  • Hyphenated names
  • Misspellings that businesses sometimes used
• Search different address combinations
  • Cities where you studied, worked, or briefly lived
  • Old dorm addresses or temporary rentals
• Check for family members
  • Spouses, parents, grandparents, adult children
  • Especially those who have passed away
• Check periodically
  • New items are turned over to the state every year.
  • Try searching again once a year or whenever you change addresses or close accounts.

Where to Go Next

To move forward:

1. Identify the official Illinois unclaimed property website or the State Treasurer’s unclaimed property division.
2. Search your name (and your past names) for free.
3. Start a claim on the official portal if you see property that appears to belong to you.
4. Follow the state’s document and submission instructions exactly.
5. Track your claim and respond promptly to any requests from the official office.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept claims or documents, but using the steps in this guide can help you feel prepared and confident as you work directly with the official Illinois unclaimed property program to see if any unclaimed assets are waiting in your name.