"If you see a check in the mail from the state of Illinois, it's not a scam. All you have to do is open that envelope and cash that check.”
-Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs
Frequently Asked Questions About The Money Match Program
Why did the state of IL send me a check?
For those of you who recently received a letter and a check, thank you for scanning the QR Code on the postcard we sent you!
This webpage explains Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Office’s Money Match program. Here you’ll find an overview if the Enhanced Money Match program, recent media coverage of the checks we mailed, and frequently asked questions. We want you to cash your check!
What is the Enhanced Money Match program?
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Office’s Unclaimed Property Division has $5 billion in assets to return. The Enhanced Money Match program uses the state’s unclaimed property database with other state agencies to verify your information. Then the exciting process begins.
- Treasurer Frerichs sends you a letter to inform you about your unclaimed property. That includes the amount and its source.
- Presto! A week later, the check is in the mail.
- You open the envelope.
- You CASH the check.
If you are concerned it is a scam:
- Check out the media coverage that we featured on this page.
- Call our unclaimed property team at (217) 785-6998 or email us at unclaimedproperty@illinoistreasurer.gov.
- Still skeptical? Verify this program is legitimate with your local state elected official. You can find their contact information here.
Why am I getting free money?
- This money is yours; but you likely didn’t know it.
- Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Office is the custodian of $5 billion in unclaimed property that includes abandoned bank accounts, uncashed rebate and refund checks, and long forgotten insurance policies, stock dividends, safe deposit boxes and more.
- Treasurer Frerichs worked with the state legislature to match rightful owners with their property. Today we can verify property through data sharing with state agencies.
- You matched!
How can I cash my check:
- Banks and Credit Unions: Your own bank is the best option, but many banks will cash checks for non-account holders, often for a fee.
- Retail Stores: Many large retailers, like Walmart and grocery stores, offer check-cashing services.
- ATMs: Some ATMs allow you to deposit a check and withdraw cash immediately.
- PayPal or Other Apps: Some mobile payment apps let you cash checks by taking a picture of them
What is Unclaimed property?
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Unclaimed property includes forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, stock dividends, and more. When property remains unclaimed for anywhere between three to five years it is turned over to the Illinois State Treasurer’s office, which acts as a custodian. The state then attempts to reunite the rightful owners and heirs with their property. Individuals can search for unclaimed property through the Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Office’s website to see if they have any assets waiting to be claimed.
What is ICash?
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The ICash program is the self-service initiative where residents search our $5 billion database. This year we celebrated more than $2 billion returned since Treasurer Frerichs took office. This milestone was reached through friends and families sharing https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov, through great stories in the media, through partnership with state legislators, and through our work with the National Association of State Treasurer. You might have additional money in other states, too. Visit the national database at www.missingmoney.com and search your name or your loved ones.