Rutherford said that many area residents have abandoned property in their name that can be claimed. Most claims are assets exceeding one hundred dollars.

“People occasionally forget about their small savings or checking accounts, valuables left in a lock box, uncashed payroll checks—things of that nature,” explained Senator Rutherford. “After these assets have been abandoned or inactive for five years, the person holding the property is required to try to locate the owner. If the owner can’t be found, the assets are then turned in to the State Treasurer’s Office.”

Anyone with a Central Illinois address who believes they may have abandoned or unclaimed property in their name should access Senator Rutherford’s website and check the lists of unclaimed property located at www.DanRutherford.com (see Unclaimed Property tab).

Rutherford encourages the public to check each list that is posted—not just the most recent—to ensure they do not miss any opportunities to claim their property.

Individuals on the list must write the Illinois State Treasure’s Office at:

The Honorable Judy Baar Topinka

State Treasurer

Unclaimed Property Division

P.O. Box 19495

Springfield, IL 62794-9495

All inquiries must be in writing and include the name, address and county of the reclaiment. The State Treasurer’s Office will be happy to provide specific information about the asset being held and how to claim the property.