SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The state of Illinois has more than $2 billion in unclaimed property, and some of it might be yours.
The Illinois Treasurer’s Office said they have thousands of names in their database of people who have forgotten an investment account or a final paycheck.
“This money and property belongs to the residents of Illinois. It should be in their possession rather than the state’s safe,” Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said in a press release.
These unclaimed properties include lost bank accounts, insurance policy proceeds and unpaid rebate cards. The items go to the treasury office after three years of unsuccessful attempts to reach the owners. The treasury office then tries to contact the owners and enters the property into the database.
Thousands of items are surrendered every year, so residents should check the database every six months.
