Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Illinois: How to Find and Claim Your Money

If you’ve ever paid a utility deposit or had money held in escrow for a rental or mortgage in Illinois, you might still have funds in your name that you never got back. These can turn into unclaimed property if the company or financial institution could not reach you.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds typically work in Illinois and what steps you can take to search for and claim them through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It does not run any unclaimed property programs, does not hold funds, and cannot accept claims. To actually claim money, you must use the official Illinois unclaimed property system or the appropriate company/agency.

What Counts as Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

In Illinois, “unclaimed property” often includes money the owner never received or did not cash. Two common examples are:

Utility deposits

A utility deposit is money you pay to start or secure service, such as:

• Electric
• Gas
• Water/sewer
• Trash and recycling
• Telecommunications or internet (sometimes)

If you stop service, move away, or pay on time for a certain period, that deposit may be:

• Refunded to you as a check or bill credit, or
• Held until your account is closed and final charges are calculated.

If the utility company sends a refund but:

• The check is never cashed,
• It is mailed to an old address, or
• They cannot contact you,

the company usually must eventually turn that money over to the State of Illinois as unclaimed property in your name.

Escrow funds

“Escrow” is money held by a third party for a specific purpose. In Illinois, unclaimed escrow funds commonly involve:

• Mortgage escrow accounts for property taxes and homeowners insurance
• Rental/lease escrow during disputes or repairs
• Real estate earnest money deposits held by a title company or real estate brokerage during a home purchase

If the transaction ends, the account closes, or the dispute is resolved, the remaining escrow funds should be disbursed. If they are not successfully paid out or the owner can’t be found, they may also be turned over to the state’s unclaimed property office.

Who Typically Has Unclaimed Deposits or Escrow Funds?

People are often surprised to find money in their name. In Illinois, you may have unclaimed utility or escrow funds if you:

• Moved frequently (especially between apartments or rental homes)
• Changed your name (marriage, divorce, or legal name change)
• Closed a utility account without confirming the deposit refund
• Bought or sold property and paid earnest money or had a mortgage escrow
• Were a renter whose landlord required a security deposit or escrow for repairs/disputes
• Did not update your mailing address with a utility company, mortgage servicer, or landlord
• Never cashed a refund check you received

Even if you believe you collected everything, it can still be worth checking. Many people find small amounts, but sometimes there are larger deposits, especially from long-ago mortgage escrow accounts or utility deposits that were never refunded.

How Illinois Handles Unclaimed Utility and Escrow Funds

Illinois, like many states, has an official unclaimed property program run by a state agency (often in the Treasurer’s or Comptroller’s office). Utility companies, landlords, mortgage servicers, and escrow agents are generally required to:

1. Hold the funds for a waiting period
   If they cannot locate you, funds are usually considered “dormant” after a set time (often a few years). The exact period can depend on the type of account and current state law.

2. Attempt to contact you
   They may send letters, emails, or account notices. If they cannot confirm a current address or the mail comes back undeliverable, they must treat the funds as unclaimed.

3. Report and transfer the funds to the state
   After the waiting period, the company typically sends:

   • Your name (as it appears on their records)
   • Last known address
   • Amount owed
   • Type of property (e.g., utility deposit, escrow account)

4. The state holds the funds until claimed
   Illinois keeps unclaimed property in your name. There is usually no deadline for you to claim it, but it’s best to act sooner to avoid complications or changes in requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Search for Unclaimed Utility and Escrow Money in Illinois

You do not need to pay a service or third party to search. Most people can do this themselves using official Illinois tools.

1. Gather basic information

Before you search, it helps to collect:

• Full legal name(s) (including maiden names, previous married names, and common nicknames)
• Previous addresses in Illinois
• Approximate dates you lived at each address
• Old account details, if available:
  • Utility account numbers
  • Mortgage lender/servicer names
  • Title company or real estate brokerage names
• Your Social Security Number (last 4 digits) may help verify ownership, though it is often not needed just to search.

You can still search even if you don’t have old account numbers. Names and addresses are often enough.

2. Use the official Illinois unclaimed property search

Illinois maintains an official online unclaimed property search where you can:

• Enter your name (and any previous names)
• Narrow by city or address, if needed
• View any properties that match your information

To confirm you are on the correct site:

• It should clearly state it is an Illinois state government site (look for “Illinois” and references to the state office, such as the Treasurer).
• It should not ask for payment to search.
• Contact information should lead to a state agency office (not a private business).

If you’re not sure which site is official, you can:

• Call Illinois state government information (such as the Treasurer’s office) using a phone number listed in the state government directory.
• Ask a local public library staff member to help you locate the correct government site.
• Call 211 in Illinois and ask for help finding the official Illinois unclaimed property program.

3. Search under all possible names

When you use the official search:

• Try your current full legal name
• Try previous names (for example, maiden name or name before a marriage or divorce)
• Try common misspellings of your name, if companies frequently got it wrong
• If you managed property or a small business, search under:
  • Business name
  • Your name as listed on business accounts

Repeat for:

• Spouse or former spouse
• Parents or grandparents (especially if you are managing an estate)

4. Review any results that match you

Results will usually show:

• Owner name
• Last known address or city
• Sometimes the holding company (e.g., a utility provider, bank, or title company)
• Approximate amount or a label like “less than $100” or “over $100”

Look for:

• Old utility companies (power, gas, water, internet)
• Names of mortgage companies or banks
• Title companies, real estate brokerages, or escrow services

If something matches your name and address history, you may have a valid claim.

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Utility Deposits or Escrow Funds in Illinois

Once you identify property that appears to belong to you, Illinois generally requires you to file a claim through the official state process.

1. Start the claim through the state’s official system

On the official Illinois unclaimed property site, there is usually a button like “Claim” or “File a Claim” next to each matching entry.

You will typically be asked to:

1. Confirm your basic contact information
2. State your relationship to the property (self, heir, executor, etc.)
3. Provide or upload supporting documents (more on that below)

If you cannot submit online, there is often:

• A printable claim form you can mail in, or
• An option to request a claim package by calling the state unclaimed property office.

2. Documents you may need

Requirements vary by situation, but for unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Illinois, you are often asked to provide:

Basic identity proof:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Social Security Number (often just the last 4 digits) to match records

Proof of address or ownership at the time of the account:

• Old utility bill showing your name and the service address
• Copy of lease agreement or rental contract
• Mortgage statement with your name and the property address
• Property tax bill in your name
• Closing documents from a home purchase or sale (for escrow or earnest money)
• Bank statement or canceled check referencing escrow

For name changes:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Official name change order

If you are claiming for someone else (e.g., deceased relative):

• Death certificate
• Proof of your relationship (birth certificate, will, letters of office, or other estate documents)
• Any documents that show your legal right to the funds (for example, being the executor or heir).

The Illinois unclaimed property site or office will list exactly what they require for each type of claim.

Quick Reference: Typical Documents Needed

The exact list can change, so always check the current instructions on the official Illinois unclaimed property site or by calling the state office.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Money?

Processing times vary, but many Illinois claims take a few weeks to a few months, depending on:

• How complete your documents are
• How complicated the ownership situation is (e.g., multiple heirs)
• Overall workload at the state unclaimed property office

You can usually:

• Check claim status through the official online system, or
• Call the unclaimed property office using the official phone number listed on the Illinois state website.

If the state needs more information, they often send a letter, email, or online message asking for additional documents. Responding quickly helps avoid delays.

Common Reasons Illinois Claims Get Delayed or Denied

People sometimes run into problems that slow down or block their claim. Common issues include:

• Incomplete forms – Missing signatures, missing fields, or leaving out required information.
• Not enough proof of address – Especially if you no longer have documents showing you at the address on file.
• Name mismatch – The name on your ID does not match the name on the account, and no official proof of name change is provided.
• Unclear relationship to the owner – When filing on behalf of a deceased person or a business, but not providing legal documents showing you are authorized to claim.
• Unreadable copies – Dark, blurry, or cut-off images of IDs or bills.

To reduce the chances of problems:

• Carefully follow the checklist on the official Illinois claim instructions.
• Provide clear, legible copies of all documents.
• If something has changed (name, address), explain it briefly and include proof.

If your claim is denied, the state typically sends a notice explaining why and what you can do next.

What If You Don’t Have Old Utility Bills or Escrow Papers?

Many people no longer have documents from accounts that were closed years ago. In Illinois, you still may be able to claim:

• The state may rely on the information already reported by the utility or escrow holder.
• You may be able to use other documents that tie you to the same address and time period:
  • Old tax returns showing the address
  • Pay stubs or employment records
  • Bank statements mailed to that address
  • School, medical, or insurance records with your name and address

If you are unsure what will be accepted:

• Call the Illinois unclaimed property office directly and ask what alternative documents might work.
• Visit a local legal aid office or tenant/consumer assistance nonprofit for guidance, especially if the amount is significant.

If You No Longer Live in Illinois

You can still claim unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds from when you lived in Illinois, even if you now live in another state.

You will typically:

• Use the Illinois online search just like a current resident.
• Submit proof of identity from your current state (for example, your new driver’s license).
• Provide proof you lived in Illinois at the time (old documents or alternative proof).

Your funds can usually be mailed by check or, in some cases, transferred through other official methods. Check the instructions for non-residents on the Illinois unclaimed property site.

What If You Don’t Qualify or You Don’t Find Any Funds?

Sometimes, people search and find no results, or they identify funds but cannot meet the documentation requirements. In those situations, you still have options:

1. Double-check your search

   • Try all previous names and addresses.
   • Check for misspellings.
   • Consider whether a spouse or family member is listed as the account holder.

2. Search other states
   If you have lived or worked outside Illinois, use the unclaimed property search tools for each state in which you had:

   • Utilities
   • Bank accounts
   • Jobs
   • Property

3. Contact former utility companies or lenders directly
   If you think a deposit was never turned over to the state, sometimes the company may still have it:

   • Call the customer service line for the utility or mortgage servicer.
   • Ask if they show any closed accounts with credit balances or deposits in your name.
   • If they state the funds were turned over to the state, confirm when and under what name/address.

4. Seek help from consumer or legal aid organizations
   If a substantial amount is involved and you are having trouble proving your claim, a legal aid office or consumer rights organization in Illinois may be able to advise you.

How to Avoid Scams When Claiming Unclaimed Funds in Illinois

Because unclaimed property involves money, scams do exist. Protect yourself by:

• Using only official channels

  • Search and claim through the official Illinois government website or by contacting the state unclaimed property office directly.
  • Be suspicious of websites that charge a fee to search or to “unlock” your results.

• Watching for unsolicited contacts

  • Some legitimate “finders” services contact people about unclaimed funds and charge a percentage if they help. However, scammers may:
    • Demand upfront payments
    • Ask for sensitive information in unsafe ways
  • You are not required to use a third party; Illinois usually allows you to claim for free directly.

• Verifying any mailed or emailed requests

  • If you receive a letter or email claiming you have unclaimed property:
    • Check that the logo, address, and contact info match the official Illinois state agency.
    • If unsure, call the state office using a phone number listed on the main Illinois government site, not on the letter.

• Protecting your personal information

  • The official Illinois site may ask for your Social Security Number, especially to confirm large claims. This can be normal, but:
    • Make sure the site address clearly indicates it is a state government website.
    • Avoid entering personal data on unfamiliar or look-alike sites.
    • Do not share personal details by email with anyone you can’t verify as an official state representative.

Tips to Keep Future Deposits and Escrow Funds From Becoming “Unclaimed”

Even if you don’t find any unclaimed money now, you can reduce the chances of having unclaimed funds in the future:

• Update your address with utility companies, mortgage servicers, and landlords when you move.
• Set up online accounts where possible, so you see final bills and notices even if you move.
• Keep copies (digital or paper) of:
  • Leases
  • Utility startup letters
  • Closing documents for property
  • Deposit receipts
• Check unclaimed property regularly (for example, once every year or two) on the official Illinois site and any other states where you have lived or worked.

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds work in Illinois and using the official state unclaimed property tools, you can check whether any money is sitting in your name and follow the proper steps to claim it. All actual claims must go through Illinois’s official unclaimed property office or website, not through HowToGetAssistance.org or any private information site.