CHICAGO – With support from State Senator Javier Cervantes, residents of the 1st District have received over $400,000 in claims returns from the Illinois Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Money Match program, which returns unclaimed property to constituents automatically without the need to file a claim.
“This is an amazing program that has brought tangible funds to the residents of Chicago they never knew they had,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “I encourage residents to keep an eye out for mail in the upcoming months as more Money Match letters are sent out.”
The Money Match program enables the treasurer’s office to work with the Illinois Department of Revenue, the Illinois State Board of Elections and the Illinois Secretary of State to find accurate mailing addresses for rightful owners of unclaimed property. The office then confirms an owner’s address and sends a letter to the individual to make them aware that a check is coming in the mail so they know that the check is legitimate.
Letters to residents whose claims meet the requirements for Money Match will continue to go out over the next several months. The treasurer’s office began mailing Money Match notification letters this month and expects to return more than $47 million in unclaimed property to approximately 66,000 individuals.
Previously, the program would Money Match properties that were $2,000 or less. Last year, Senate Democrats passed legislation allowing automatic payment for certain unclaimed properties worth up to $5,000. The legislation also made it easier for the treasurer’s office to collaborate with other state agencies to return property to the rightful owners.
“I thank the treasurer’s office for looking out for Illinois residents and am proud to support them with the ability to file claims for residents and return money to where it belongs,” Cervantes said. “With some residents getting as much as $5,000 back, this funding can help Illinois residents struggling with financial difficulties.”
For more information about unclaimed property, visit the Illinois State Treasurer’s website.
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