State Unclaimed Property in Illinois

State Unclaimed Property in Illinois: key facts

Administering office

Illinois State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division.

Official search

icash.illinoistreasurer.gov (free search and online claims).

Heir claim documents

A certified death certificate, plus Letters of Office (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration) if the estate was probated, or an affidavit of heirship or small estate affidavit if it was not, and proof of the claimant's identity.

Time to claim

Illinois holds unclaimed property until it is claimed; there is generally no deadline for an owner or heir to file.

Small estate option

Heirs may submit an Illinois Small Estate Affidavit (755 ILCS 5/25-1) in lieu of Letters of Office when the decedent's total personal estate does not exceed $150,000 and no letters of office are outstanding or pending. The Treasurer accepts this affidavit for unclaimed property heir claims.

Claim processing time

Estate and heir claims requiring manual document review typically take approximately 3–4 months after all documents are received. Simple claims processed through the automated Fast Track system may be resolved more quickly.