Illinois Unemployment Insurance Program Benefits
Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet Illinois' eligibility requirements. Unemployment insurance is a state-operated insurance program designed to partially replace lost wages when you are out of work. Like fire, accident, health and other types of insurance, it is for an emergency: when you are temporarily or permanently out of a job, or if you work less than full time because of lack of work.
The program ensures that, if you meet the eligibility requirements of the law, you will have some income while you are looking for a job, up to a maximum of 26 full weeks in a one-year period, depending on when the claim was established. Unemployment insurance, however, cannot and does not protect you against wage losses while you are absent from work due to illness or while you are idle by choice. Link to Unemployment Insurance Benefits Handbook.
Illinois Unemployment Insurance Program
If you would like to send additional documentation to IDES regarding your regular unemployment claim filing, then go to the Regular Unemployment Documentation Upload Portal. To use this feature, you must have already established a Claimant ID, but you do not need to have established an online account. You will be prompted to log in, which requires you to create an online username and password. Be sure to have all necessary information ready when filing your claim. Instructions are also available if you are filing for unemployment insurance and live out of state.
Who is eligible for Illinois Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
To be eligible for this benefit program, you must a resident of Illinois and meet all of the following:
- Unemployed, and
- Worked in Illinois during the past 12 months (this period may be longer in some cases), and
- Earned a minimum amount of wages determined by Illinois guidelines, and
- Actively seeking work each week you are collecting benefits.
How do I apply for Illinois Unemployment Insurance?
Illinois Unemployment Insurance Certification
Certification is the process of answering basic questions online or by telephone to communicate your employment status, after your initial application. Certification establishes your continued eligibility and is how your benefits are paid. In the Regular UI, PEUC, and EB programs, you certify every other week on your assigned day. The best way to certify for payment of benefits is online. These services are available Monday - Friday from 3:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Tele-Serve Handbook:
Illinois Unemployment Insurance Payment
Log in to view and print your 1099-G tax information. Individuals who have not established a username and password to manage their account will first be prompted to do so. Accessing the form electronically speeds the tax preparation process because individuals can obtain the form at their convenience and not wait for it to be mailed. Earlier tax years are also available.
Florida Head Start Program BenefitsHow can I contact someone?
For Unemployment Insurance inquiries, including questions about claims, certification, and Direct Deposit, or to certify for benefits online, please visit our website or call Claimant Services to speak to a representative at 1-800-244-5631 (TTY 1-866-322-8357). For Employer Information, including Unemployment insurance tax contribution rates, special requirements for new and small employers, quarterly filing requirements and household employers, please call our Employer Services Center at 1-800-247-4984. For help finding a job or to recruit a new employee, please visit Illinois JobLink. Illinois JobLink is your best source for posting and finding jobs in the state of Illinois.1-800-244-5631