Here's how to tell if you're missing money owed to you in Illinois – NBC Chicago

The Illinois State Treasurer's Office is holding more than $5 billion in unclaimed funds for Illinois residents, leaving a lot of money on the table for thousands of Illinoisans who probably don't know not that we owe them money.

According to Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, the Treasurer's Office holds all unclaimed funds until claimed by the original owner or their heirs.

Those who are owed property or funds receive them free of charge subject to proper identification, Frerichs' office said.

Unclaimed property held by the Treasurer's Office may include checking and savings accounts, uncashed salary and payroll checks, uncashed stock dividends and stock certificates, money orders, and travelers checks , among others.

According to Frerichs' office, real estate and vehicles are not included in the state's unclaimed real estate program.

Property typically becomes “unclaimed” or “abandoned” after it has been idle for a certain period of time, which is three years for most property, according to the treasurer's office.

To prevent accounts from going unclaimed or abandoned, Frerichs' office advises keeping accounts active and making sure to make a deposit or withdrawal and update contact information at least annually.

People wanting to know if they have unclaimed property can search using the Treasurer's Office iCash database here.

More information about unclaimed property in Illinois can be found here.