SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WJPF) – Nearly $50 million worth of unclaimed cash and property, all belonging to southern Illinois residents, is being held by the state treasurer’s office.

The valuables – often unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, and unused rebate cards – are part of the treasurer’s office I-Cash program.

“It’s often a surprise for people to find out they have an overlooked investment account or final paycheck through no fault of their own,” Frerichs said. “This money and property belong to the people of Illinois.  It should be in their pocketbook rather than the state’s safe.”

Alexander County – More than 13,820 unclaimed properties totaling nearly $3.8 million

Franklin County – Nearly 56,120 unclaimed properties totaling more than $3.9 million

Hardin County – More than 3,900 unclaimed properties totaling $105,000

Jackson County – Nearly 100,000 unclaimed properties totaling more than $13.1 million

Jefferson County – Nearly 53,400 unclaimed properties totaling more than $6.25 million

Johnson County – Nearly 13,360 unclaimed properties totaling nearly $1.7 million

Massac County – More than 17,300 unclaimed properties totaling more than $1 million

Perry County – More than 23,260 unclaimed properties totaling more than $157,000

Pope County – More than 4,030 unclaimed properties totaling $97,500

Pulaski County – Nearly 9,500 unclaimed properties totaling more than $389,000

Randolph County – Nearly 37,000 unclaimed properties totaling more than $1.8 million.

Saline County – More than 35,220 unclaimed properties totaling more than $2 million

Union County – Nearly 21,200 unclaimed properties totaling more than $4.2 million

Washington County – More than 15,710 unclaimed properties totaling nearly $192,000

Williamson County – More than 91,840 unclaimed properties totaling nearly $8.9 million

An estimated one-in-four adults in Illinois who search I-Cash find unclaimed property.  The average claim is $1,000.