Forget the Lottery—Check Illinois’ I-Cash for Your Surprise Payday

I’m not saying I’m rich now, but Illinois’ I-Cash program just gave me a little financial plot twist. In early 2024, I checked the I-Cash website and found close to $800 in unclaimed money waiting for me. I checked again this year and found nearly $600 more.

My Accidental Payday, Courtesy of Illinois

When I heard about National Unclaimed Property Day (February 1, in case you’re wondering), I got curious and checked again today. BOOM! Another almost $600. This is officially my new favorite holiday.

What Is I-Cash, and Why Should You Care?

I-Cash is Illinois’ way of reuniting residents with money and property we didn’t even know we were missing. This could be from forgotten checking accounts, uncashed rebate checks, unpaid life insurance claims, or even a dusty old safe deposit box full of questionable life choices.

When businesses or banks can’t track you down, they send the funds to the Illinois Treasurer, who holds onto them until you come and claim what’s rightfully yours.

How to Check If You Have Free Money

Want to see if Illinois is holding onto some surprise cash for you? It’s ridiculously easy:

• Go to the Illinois I-Cash website.
• Enter your name. Just your last name works, but add your first name to narrow things down.
• Cross your fingers and hit search. If your name pops up, congratulations! You’re about to have a much better day.
• Follow the steps to claim your money. You’ll need to verify your identity, but the process is pretty straightforward.

The Most Overlooked Sources of Unclaimed Cash

You might be sitting on money from sources you’d never expect, including:

• A rebate check you forgot about because, let’s be honest, who even keeps track of those?
• An old utility deposit from the apartment you swore you’d only stay in for six months (and then stayed for three years).
• A long-lost bank account from your college job when your biggest concern was pizza money.
• A life insurance payout that no one ever told you about (seriously, check this one).

In my case, it's been mostly rebate checks, and several commission checks from a couple of years working in network marketing.

What Am I Doing with My Found Fortune?

Great question. I’d love to say I’m making wise financial investments, but let’s be real—there’s a strong chance some of this cash will go toward fried chicken, waffle fries, and a celebratory road trip to Buc-ee’s.

Check Now—Your Wallet Will Thank You

If I had nearly $1,400 floating around in the system, you might have a hidden stash of cash too. Don’t wait for another National Unclaimed Property Day to remind you—check now, and let me know if you hit the jackpot.