FAQS

General
Owners
Heirs

General
How do I find out if I have unclaimed property?

Search your name on our online I-CASH database which is updated weekly. As part of our ongoing owner outreach efforts, you may even receive a letter directly from the Treasurer informing you that you have unclaimed property. We also do data matching with other agencies and if you are a match, you will receive your unclaimed funds without doing anything.


Is there a deadline for making a claim?

No. You can make a claim anytime since Unclaimed Property is kept in a custodial capacity until the rightful owner or heir has successfully claimed the property.


What should I do if I find my name on the database?

Follow the prompts to submit a claim online.


I have not heard from your office in a while, what should I do?

Typically, all claims are reviewed in the date order received by our office. Processing time prior to receiving either your first communication or payment may be up to 12 weeks, dependent on the number of claims submitted to our office during the time frame your claim was received.


What does it mean when your search page indicates a '?' in the Amount column?

When the "?" appears, this is an indication the asset being held is either securities, such as stock or mutual funds, or the contents of a safe deposit box.


How can I get my documentation to you?

Any claim form or ownership documentation can be emailed to us at unclaimedproperty@illinoistreasurer.gov, uploaded via our website at https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/app/claim-doc-upload, or mailed to us at Office of the Illinois State Treasurer P.O. Box 19495 Springfield, IL 62794-9495.


Owners
I am claiming safe deposit box property. Will my property still be sold at auction?

No. Once a claim has been initiated on any property, the property is no longer eligible to be sold. If it is determined the claimant was not the rightful owner, the property is once again eligible for sale.


My claim has been approved, when will I receive my safe deposit box property?

Contents of safe deposit boxes are typically mailed to the claimant within 2 weeks of your claim being finalized. Contents are returned certified mail.


What do you mean by "documentation of my social security number"?

Documentation would be a copy of a document showing both your name and your social security number, e.g. social security card, W2, or 1099.


What is considered proper evidence to verify my age?

Your age may be verified by either a copy of a state issued identification ( driver's license ) showing date of birth or a copy of your birth certificate.


What is considered proper evidence to verify an old address?

This could be any document which shows both your name and the previous address. Examples would be: envelopes showing an USPS cancellation, school records, or birth certificates.


Heirs
What does it mean when you ask if the estate was probated?

Probate means the decedent's estate was overseen by a court of law.


Where can I obtain a certified copy of a will?

A certified copy of a will may be obtained at the county court house where the will was originally filed.


What is a certified copy?

A certified copy must show the court stamp which indicates the will is the final will on file for an individual.


Where can I obtain a death certificate?

Death certificates may be obtained at the county court house in the county which death occurred.


Where can I obtain a Small Estate Affidavit?

Deceased before July 2, 2010
Deceased between July 2, 2010 and December 31, 2014
Deceased on/after January 1, 2015


Where can I obtain a Capacity to Claim Affidavit?

Capacity To Claim Affidavit


How long are Letters of Office in effect?

Letters of Office are in effect until an estate has been closed. Our office asks that if the Letters of Office show a date older than three years, a current copy be obtained and submitted.


Why do I have to establish my relationship to the property owner?

Under the Illinois Probate Act, in the absence of a will, an individual's estate is divided among family members. Relationship documentation is needed to determine the decedent's family members.


What is estate information?

Assets held by the State Treasurer's Unclaimed Property Division in a deceased individual's name require the state to follow the Illinois Probate Act on the requirements needed in order to claim the assets. Please use this interactive tool to assist you.