Residents urged to retrieve part of $2.5 billion in unclaimed property at Des Plaines event

The state treasurer's office is holding $2.5 billion in funds owed to Illinois residents, and the officials are continuing efforts to return property and money.

The I-CASH program returns funds, such as unclaimed utility deposits, insurance payments, refund checks or unclaimed wages. By law, the state maintains custody of the property until the rightful owner or heirs come forward with proper identification.

According to State Treasurer Michael Frerichs' office, the state has paid out more than $220 million the past two years but more remain. About 400,000 properties are worth more than $1,000, according to a news release from state Rep. Marty Moylan.

"Who knows, with the amount of open unclaimed properties, it could be your lucky day," Moylan said in a statement.

As it turns out, a quick search of the I-CASH database at icash.illinoistreasurer.gov shows Moylan himself is owed money.

Moylan's office is holding an I-CASH event 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood Ave.