Apply for Unemployment in Illinois
The Illinois unemployment insurance program is state-operated and designed to partially replace lost wages when you are out of work. Whether you are temporarily or permanently out of a job, or are working less than full time, unemployment insurance is there when you need it. You will have at least some form of income while you are looking for a job, up to a maximum of 26 full weeks in a one-year period.
This article will help you understand the eligibility requirements, and how to file a claim with the IDES (Illinois Department of Employment Security).
Contents
Steps
Eligibility
- Determine your eligibility. In order to be eligible for unemployment insurance, you must meet two criteria:
- Monetary eligibility: You must have earned enough in the previous 18 months for Illinois to determine a weekly benefit amount.
- Acceptable reason of separation: There must be a no-fault leading to the termination of your employment, such as a layoff or discharge.
- Note that if it's determined that your reason for separation is not acceptable, you will be given a chance to explain your situation to an IDES adjudicator. It takes about 2 weeks for the interview with the adjudicator. The adjudicator will gather the facts and determine your eligibility for unemployment compensation. This fact finding process may involve calling the employer, interviewing a witness, or other research.
Applying for Unemployment
- Choose a filing option. There are three ways you can file for unemployment insurance in Illinois: online, on the phone, or in person.
- Apply online. Establish a username and password here and begin your claim. Write down your log-in information for future reference. If you've already tracked down your paperwork and information, filing online should not take more than 30 to 45 minutes.
- File over the phone. Call IDES at (800) 244-5631 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for state holidays. Hearing-impaired applicants can call (866) 322-8357.
- Visit your local IDES office. Find the nearest IDES office and submit your claim in-person. If you choose this option, remember to take your Social Security card and a second form of ID with you, as well as the documents listed below. The representative you work with will make copies of these documents.
- Gather your information. Before you file a claim, make sure you have collected the necessary paperwork and information. Keep these items in a folder or binder for easy access:
- Social Security Number (SSN) and name, as it appears on your SSN card.
- The SSNs of any dependents you are claiming.
- Employer's name, mailing address, phone numbers, employment dates, and separation reason for all the employers you worked for in the past 18 months.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, your Alien Registration Information.
- If you have worked since the Sunday of the week of your application, the amount of gross wages (amount earned before any deductions) earned in that week—including lodging, meals, or earned compensation of any form.
- If you are a recently separated veteran, bring in the Member 4 Copy of DD form 214/215.
- In addition to the above, if you are filing in person you must bring 2 forms of identification—at least one of which includes your Social Security Number.
- Participate in an interview. You may be required to participate in an interview over the phone or attend one at your local IDES office. Have all your documents and information on-hand during the interview for easier reference.
- Receive your UI Claimant Wage Information Sheet. If you've filed online, you might receive this information via email or after you've completed your application. If you filed in an IDES office or on the phone, it should arrive by mail in 7 to 10 days. This sheet will indicate the day of the week on which you should certify your unemployment benefits to begin receiving them.
- Complete the certification process online or by phone. This requires answering about 10 questions and reporting gross wages earned.
- Know how wages are reported. In addition to reporting your gross wages before taxes are deducted, be aware that there's a distinction between wages earned and wages paid. For instance, if you were laid off on Thursday but worked Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, you'll need to calculate how much money you earned on those days and notify IDES, even if you won't be paid for another week.
- To certify by phone, call Tele-Serve at (888) 337-7234 from 5:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on your designated day (Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday).
- To certify online, click here and use the same login and password you created when you first applied for benefits.
- Re-certify every 2 weeks. In order to continue receiving payments, you must re-certify that you are willing, able and available to accept sustainable work every 2 weeks. Download a Work Search Record here.
- Select your method of payment. IDES will either disburse benefits to you by depositing them directly into your checking or savings account, or by issuing you a debit card with a PIN. Receiving the debit card is generally the default option unless you indicate that you would prefer direct deposit. Benefits should begin arriving within 3 days of your application approval.
- Set up direct deposit. You can arrange to have your benefits be deposited directly into your bank account. When you mail or fax the application to IDES, be sure to include a voided check from the account to which you want the benefits applied.
Top 10 Things To Know About Unemployment Insurance
- Use Illinois Joblink to search for a job. Illinois Joblink is IDES's online database that helps connect job seekers to employers in Illinois and throughout the country.
- Accurately report the reason you are unemployed. Accurately report you reason for separation from your job when you initially file your claim for benefits.
- Report any wages you are earning. You must report you gross wages for each week you work. Report all earnings, including part-time or temporary work.
- Be available for work. In order to collect benefits, you must continually certify that you are able , available and willing to accept suitable work.
- Actively search for work. You must search for work each week or benefits may be denied.
- Develop and document an effective search plan. An organized and documented job search improves you chances of employment. All claimants are required by law to document work search activities.
- Do not pay an agent to file your claim. The use of paid third parties to file you claim and/or communicate with IDES is very risky and discouraged. Do not share your personal information with anyone.
- Do not commit fraud. Follow the rules to preventing yourself from committing fraud. Failure to follow legal requirements has serious consequences.
- Know your responsibilities and ask for help. If you have questions, please visit an IDES office or call (800) 244-5631
- Don't delay. As soon as you begin working again, notify IDES. Avoid committing fraud, do not wait until you receive your first paycheck.
Tips
- If you're unhappy with the decision of the IDES, you can appeal.
- Here are some links that may find useful:
Warnings
- Internet claims default to the beginning of the calendar week in which IDES receives them. If you need to request a different start date for your claim, you must apply for unemployment by calling or visiting your local IDES office.
- Providing false information when filing for unemployment compensation or reporting your job search status can result up to a $500 fine and jail time.
Things You'll Need
- Social Security card (if applying in person), or number and name as it appears on card
- Second form of ID (if applying in person)
- Names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for children and/or spouse
- Employer information, including mailing address, dates of employment and dates of service for all employers for the last 18 months.
- Latest payroll stub or W-2
- Alien registration card (if applicable)
- Member 4 Copy of DD form 214 / 215 (if you're a recently separated veteran)
