A record $301 million is back in the pockets of 321,558 Illinois residents after Illinois State treasurer Michael Frerichs returned the funds in through the state’s missing money program during Fiscal year 2024. Illinois’ missing money program, I-CASH, is among the oldest consumer protection initiatives of the state.

“The Enhanced Money Match program is a key driver in this success,” Frerichs’ office said in a press release. This program allows the Treasurer’s office to automatically return money without the need to file a claim. 

The Treasurer’s office also implemented a couple features during Frerichs tenure: a “share” feature on I-CASH and a spanish-language missing money website.

Illinois is a national leader in the unclaimed property space and other states frequently seek guidance on reformation of their own unclaimed property laws, rules and procedures from Illinois. 

In Frerichs’ time as Treasurer, residents have received more than $2 billion so far in returns. In his first year, there were 60,000 claims paid a year; this past year more than 300,000 claims were paid. Unclaimed items go up for auction after ten years of attempts to locate owners or heirs. The next live unclaimed property auction is Saturday, Aug. 17 at 11 AM on the Lincoln Stage at the Illinois State Fair. 

If you believe you have missing money, check icash.illinoistreasurer.gov.