This summer, the state of Illinois is offering some fantastic financial news for its residents. While not a traditional “stimulus payment,” the state is returning billions of dollars that belong to its citizens through the Enhanced Money Match program, managed by the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. If you’re an Illinois resident, you might be in line to receive a surprise check!
What is the Enhanced Money Match Program?
The Enhanced Money Match program is part of Illinois’ Unclaimed Property program, also known as I-CASH. It’s one of the state’s oldest and most successful consumer protection initiatives. The best part? It eliminates the need to file a claim.
The program automatically determines eligibility by cross-referencing data already collected by other state agencies with the state’s large database of unclaimed property. If the data matches, you will be notified and sent a check.
Who is Eligible for the Enhanced Money Match Program?
Eligibility for the program is determined automatically based on information in the state’s records. The program primarily focuses on cash that is owed to a single person, which could include:
Forgotten bank accounts
Uncashed payroll or reimbursement checks
Unpaid life insurance benefits
Unused refund cards
If you are a current or former resident of Illinois and have any unclaimed funds in these categories, you are likely eligible for a payout through the Enhanced Money Match program.
How Much Money Can You Get?
This summer, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is distributing $45 million to nearly 600,000 people—making this the largest unclaimed money distribution in U.S. history.
Since the program’s inception in 2018, more than $130 million has been returned to over 870,000 people. The amount you receive will depend on the unclaimed funds in your name, but the checks can vary widely.
What Happens If the Payment Has Not Arrived?
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has emphasized that the state is responsible for safeguarding more than $5 billion in unclaimed property and returning it to its rightful owners or heirs, no matter how long it takes. If you haven’t received a check but suspect you may have unclaimed money, there are still options.
The Enhanced Money Match program primarily covers straightforward claims. However, it does not handle certain types of unclaimed property, including:
Stocks and bonds
Escrow accounts
Safe deposit box contents
If you think you may have unclaimed property outside the scope of the Enhanced Money Match program, you can visit the official I-CASH website to check.
