A 3-step process for Illinois State Treasurer — Unclaimed Property (I-Cash) after a death in Illinois.
Administering agency
Illinois State Treasurer — Unclaimed Property (I-Cash)
Authority
765 ILCS 1026 (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act); claims 765 ILCS 1026/15-903
Search icash.illinoistreasurer.gov, then file a claim through the I-Cash portal. Along with the completed claim form, photo ID, and Social Security number every claim requires, an heir claim needs the owner's death certificate plus proof of authority — court-certified Letters of Office dated within the last three years if probate is open, or a small estate affidavit listing all heirs if the estate was not probated — and proof of relationship through death, birth, and/or marriage records.
No. The Treasurer holds unclaimed property in a custodial capacity until the rightful owner or heir has successfully claimed it, so an owner or their heirs can file a claim at any time.
Yes. The Illinois State Treasurer publishes a Small Estate Affidavit form and accepts it in place of Letters of Office. Under 755 ILCS 5/25-1, the affidavit may be used when no letters of office are outstanding, contemplated, or pending and the decedent's personal estate — excluding motor vehicles registered with the Secretary of State — does not exceed $150,000. Heirs file through the I-Cash portal with the affidavit, the death certificate, and proof of identity.
Data sourced from State Unclaimed Property in Illinois primary sources (6 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Illinois State Treasurer — Unclaimed Property (I-Cash)
Authority
765 ILCS 1026 (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act); claims 765 ILCS 1026/15-903