UNCLAIMED FUNDS
Unclaimed funds are funds held by the court for an owner or recipient entitled to a distribution from a bankruptcy case, but who has not claimed ownership. Most unclaimed funds are deposited with the court when claimants’ checks are returned to the case trustee as undeliverable.
Creditors who wish to recover funds previously submitted to the U.S. Treasury as unclaimed may do so by filing an application with supporting documentation and providing proof of identity. For complete procedures, click here.
A list of unclaimed funds is not available on-line.
If you are interested in locating unclaimed funds from bankruptcy cases in the Central District of Illinois, click here.
Application for Payment of Unclaimed Funds Procedure
The release of unclaimed funds may occur only after the claimant/filer:
1. Submits for filing an Application for Payment of Unclaimed Funds ÝÔ5 to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court with all of the required supporting documentation referred to in the Application.
2. Serves a copy of the Application for Payment of Unclaimed Funds on the United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois and attaches a Certificate of Service to the original Application filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The mailing address for the U.S. Attorney is 318 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62701.
3. Proves the claimant's identity through at least one of the following methods:
a) An individual claimant may appear personally before the clerk of this court or the clerk's designee and provide documentation evidencing identity, such as an unexpired passport or valid driver's license.
b) An individual claimant, not appearing personally before the clerk of this court or the clerk's designee must file an Affidavit of Claimant with the certificate of a notary public. Such affidavit must bear the seal of the notary and indicate that the notary has examined the documents presented by the claimant/filer to establish identity. Such documents may include an unexpired passport or a valid driver's license.
c) A corporation representative appearing for the corporation must attach to the Application an affidavit of the Chief Executive Officer that such representation is a duly authorized representative of the corporation. If the creditor/claimant is a successor corporation, documents establishing the chain of ownership of the original corporate claimant must be provided as proof of entitlement to the unclaimed funds.
d) A representative of a deceased creditor/claimant must provide certified copies of all probate documents, including a copy of the death certificate, to substantiate the representative's right to act on behalf of the decedent's estate. An executor filing the application on behalf of a beneficiary must include a notarized copy of the Probate Order appointing him as executor.
e) If claimant is represented by an attorney-in-fact (attorney or "funds locator"), copies of power of attorney documents must be provided to ensure that proper authority has been granted. Proof of identity must also be submitted. See # 3(b) above.
Additional proof of identity or entitlement to funds may be requested, if required, on a case-by-case basis.
Any payment made to a claimant represented by an attorney will be issued to the claimant and mailed to the attorney or as ordered by the court.
Questions concerning these procedures should be directed to Benjamin Newman, Financial Assistant, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of Illinois, 226 U.S. Courthouse, 600 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701, (217) 492-4551.
Locating Unclaimed Funds
How do I obtain a list of unclaimed funds?
The unclaimed funds register is an internal financial document that is not available to the public. However, you may request copies of individual Orders To Deposit Unclaimed Funds/Small Dividends . Requests must be made in writing by mail, email or fax. The Clerk’s Office will respond with a quote for the required copy work fees and search fees. The copy work request will be filled upon receipt of payment.
United States Bankruptcy Court
2nd Floor Room 226
600 E. Monroe Street
Springfield, IL 62701
Fax: 217-492-4556
Email: Copywork_Spr@ilcb.uscourts.gov
What should I include in my written request?
Include the date range of Orders To Deposit of Unclaimed Funds /Small Dividends or the specific case numbers/case names. The Clerk’s Office will search date ranges, but will not search based on a certain minimum dollar amount. We will not search the Orders for the name of a particular creditor. We will not make copies of Orders pertaining to small dividends (under $5.00) unless specifically asked to include them.
How much do copies cost?
Copies are $.50 per page. A search fee of $26.00 also applies.
Can the Clerk’s office fax or email the copies after I submit payment?
Yes. Please include a fax number or email address in your written request.
May I review the unclaimed funds file in the Clerk’s Office?
Yes. The Orders To Deposit Unclaimed Funds/Small Dividends may be reviewed at the Springfield Office only. Copies are $.50 per page and the search fee does not apply.
May I include a "do not exceed $.00.00 " check with my request in order to receive my copies faster?
Yes.
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Calling the Voice Case Information System (VCIS) 1-800-827-9005 or |
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2. |
Using PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) |
| 3. | Federal Records Center (FRC) Case Information Search |
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Using the FRC Search Cases closed prior to April 4, 2004 are stored at
the The FRC Records Center Case Information Search is designed to look up location numbers so that you may complete Form NATF 90. |