2021

CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today the return of more than $90,000 to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago. The proceeds were turned over to the Illinois Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Program from the estate of Army veteran Ernest Ulrich, who named the non-profit as a beneficiary. Ulrich passed away in 1999. “We are proud to carry out the final wishes of Mr. Ulrich,” Frerichs said. “He left his entire estate to several nonprofits that were special to him, and it brings us great joy to return these…

CHICAGO — State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that the Michigan ABLE Program has joined the 18-member consortium known as the National ABLE Alliance, making Michigan the 19th member of the largest consortium in the country to offer “Achieving a Better Life Experience” savings and investment accounts to people with disabilities. “As the acting facilitator and founding member of the National ABLE Alliance, Illinois welcomes Michigan ABLE to the Alliance,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “I congratulate MiABLE account owners for being able to enjoy the benefits of a low-cost and high-quality…

SPRINGFIELD — Christmas, Santa, Reindeer, Wreath, and Noel are among millions of names in Illinois’ unclaimed property database with cash and property available to them to claim, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. “This is a time of year when extra money and keepsakes are even more special to return to the rightful owner,” Frerichs said. “We have returned more than $1.3 billion in unclaimed property in the past five years with billions more to claim. Check our database at claim.” An estimated one-in-four people in Illinois who search…

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today launched Operation Purple Heart, an unprecedented mission to return 11 Purple Heart medals to their rightful owners. The military honors were submitted to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office for safekeeping and return as part of the Unclaimed Property program, also known as I-Cash or missing money. “These medals personify honor, sacrifice, and duty,” Frerichs said. “They belong in the loving care of families rather than hidden inside our cold basement vault.” The treasurer’s office hopes attention to the upcoming Veterans Day celebrations…

CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plans has earned a Gold rating from Morningstar, keeping the plan among the best in the nation for the fifth consecutive year. “To be touted as the ‘best and brightest’ by Morningstar is the ultimate compliment and confirms from an independent source that Illinois’ 529 College Savings plans are a great investment for Illinois families,” Frerichs said. “Since taking office, my priority has been to ensure Illinois families have access to the highest quality…