Harper and Comptroller Mendoza Remind Residents to Check for Uncashed Checks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is highlighting a program to reunite local taxpayers and small businesses with uncashed checks issued by the State of Illinois through Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s Check for Cash program.

“Hard working Illinois families need every dime they can get these days,” said Harper. “I encourage people to take advantage of this program so that perhaps they might be able to find money for themselves and their families.”

Each year, the State of Illinois issues thousands of checks that go uncashed, most frequently to state employees, small businesses doing business with a state agency and local governments. Over the years, these uncashed checks have accumulated to over $30 million in unclaimed taxpayer money. Comptroller Mendoza’s Check for Cash website provides a simple way for citizens to find out if an uncashed check is being held in their name and fill out paperwork to make a claim. Because the checks have already been issued, the available money rightfully belongs to the taxpayer, not the state.

“Through our online database, anyone can look up if they have an uncashed check and start the process right there to get that check reissued,” Comptroller Mendoza said. “These checks don’t represent any new spending–they are rightfully owed to someone and I believe we ought to do our part to make sure those taxpayers aren’t shortchanged.”

The Comptroller currently has records of more than 100,000 uncashed checks. The Check for Cash website can be found at http://illinoiscomptroller.gov/services/check-for-cash. For information, contact Harper’s full-time constituent service office at 773-925-6580.