Kelly
Illinois is surprising hundreds of thousands of residents this summer by returning unclaimed money—without any application needed—through its Enhanced Money Match program.
This generous return comes directly from the Treasurer’s Office, and if your name and address match their records, a *surprise check will soon arrive in your mailbox.
With $45 million distributed to nearly 600,000 residents, this may be the biggest unclaimed money payout in Illinois history.
What Is the Enhanced Money Match Program?
The Enhanced Money Match is part of Illinois’s broader I‑CASH unclaimed property system, aimed at reuniting individuals with forgotten assets. Crucially, this process requires no paperwork from you—the Treasurer’s team uses state agency data to match unclaimed funds to current residents.
How it works:
- Your name/address profile is flagged in the unclaimed property database.
- You receive a notification letter.
- Within days, a check arrives in the mail.
- You simply cash it—no tricks, no extra steps.
Who Qualifies for the Program?
Any current or former Illinois resident with unclaimed money owed is potentially a recipient. Eligible categories include:
- Forgotten savings or checking accounts
- Uncashed payroll or expense reimbursement checks
- Unclaimed life insurance payouts
- Expired rebate or gift cards
If any of these unpaid cash sums belong to you, and your data lines up, expect to get matched.
2025 Payout at a Glance
| Program Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Distributed in 2025 | $45 million |
| Number of Recipients | About 600,000 residents |
| Average Check Size | Typically $50 or less |
| Some Receive Larger Checks | Multiple past claims |
| Since Launch (2018) | $130+ million returned to ~870K |
Why Is This Significant?
This round is now the largest distribution ever by Illinois’s Enhanced Money Match initiative, reinforcing the state’s commitment to returning funds that lawfully belong to its residents.
Since 2018, this program has returned over $130 million—thanks to efficient data matching and a drive to eliminate barriers to claiming small cash.
What If You Don’t Receive a Check?
- Don’t panic—it may be in the mail. Letters were sent in late June, and checks continue throughout the summer.
- If you suspect you are owed money and haven’t received anything, try checking the I‑CASH website using your name and city/ZIP code.
- Remember, only straightforward single-person cash claims are automatically matched. Items like joint accounts, stocks, bonds, or contents of safe deposit boxes require separate claims.
Trusted & Legitimate
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has underscored this initiative by publicly saying:
- The money belongs to you, the check is real, and this is not a scam.”
- His team encourages any recipient to simply cash the check and reach out if they have concerns
What You Should Do Next
- Watch your mail for an official notice from the Treasurer’s Office.
- Cash the check once it arrives—banks or retailers will accept it.
- Check I‑CASH if no letter/check comes—enter your name and ZIP code to see if funds are waiting.
- Update your address with Illinois agencies to improve matching chances.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to apply? | No—eligibility is determined automatically. |
| When are letters/checks mailed? | Late June through summer 2025. |
| Average check amount? | Usually $50 or less; some individuals receive more. |
| What funds are included? | Bank checks, life insurance, expired rebate cards, etc. |
| What funds aren’t included? | Stocks, bonds, escrow, safe deposit contents—not auto-matched. |
| What if I don’t see a check? | Use the I‑CASH site to search. |
Illinois is returning a massive $45 million to nearly 600,000 residents automatically this summer. With no action required on your part, just cash the official check when it arrives.
If your mail is empty, visit the I‑CASH database to see if you’re owed money. It’s a rare, paperwork-free opportunity to recover your own funds—don’t miss it!
FAQs
How do I know if I’m receiving money from Enhanced Money Match?
You’ll either receive a letter in late June detailing the amount followed by a check, or you can search your name and ZIP on the I‑CASH website.
What kinds of unclaimed funds are returned automatically?
You may receive checks for forgotten bank accounts, unpaid paychecks, expired insurance benefits, or unused rebate cards issued to a single individual.
What if I have unclaimed stocks or contents of a safe deposit box?
Such items are not covered by this automatic program. You’ll need to file a claim manually through the I‑CASH site.