How to Apply for Unemployment in Illinois

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Last Updated: March 9, 2024 Approved

Losing a job is a scary experience, but Illinois fortunately offers unemployment benefits to those who've lost a job through no fault of their own. You can apply online, by phone, or at an office during the first week you become unemployed. Remember to recertify your eligibility for benefits every two weeks, up to a maximum of 26 weeks in a one-year period.^{[1]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Submitting Your Application

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1
Check if you're eligible. Not all unemployed workers qualify for unemployment benefits in Illinois. Check that you meet the following requirements:^{[2]
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- You're unemployed through no fault of your own. Typically, this means you were laid off for economic reasons. You weren't fired and you didn't quit. However, you might qualify if you quit because of sexual harassment, domestic violence, or another reason.
- You were paid at least $1,600 in wages in your base year. Generally, you should check your pay for the past five quarters and count only the wages paid during the first four of those quarters. Quarters are January 1-March 31, April 1-June 30, July 1-September 30, and October 1-December 31.
- You were paid wages in more than one quarter. At least $440 must have been paid in a different quarter.
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Gather required information. You must supply the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) with certain information. Collect this information ahead of time:^{[3]
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- Your Social Security Number.
- Your driver's license or state ID.
- The contact information for job you've worked for the past 18 months, as well as dates of employment and the reasons for separation.
- Your wage records, such as W-2 or pay stubs.
- Any amount you earned during the week you are filing for benefits.
- Your Alien Registration Number, if you aren't a citizen.
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Online is the preferred method of applying. Visit the IDES website. You will need to create a username and password here: https://benefits.ides.illinois.gov/File4UI/Benefits/profile/createRegistrationStart.do. Provide all requested information.
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File by phone. You may also file for unemployment benefits by calling IDES at 800-244-5631. Call between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.^{[4]
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- Hearing impaired applicants should call 866-322-8357.
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Visit an office to file. You may also file at any IDES office. Remember to take your Social Security card and a second form of ID, such as your driver's license or state ID card.
- You can find your nearest IDES office here: https://www.ides.illinois.gov/Pages/Office_Locator.aspx. Enter your zip code.
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Select your method of payment. You can receive your benefits by direct deposit or on a debit card. If you choose direct deposit, the benefit amount will be deposited within two business days.^{[5]
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- Debit card is the default option, which you'll receive unless you select direct deposit. The card will be mailed to you, and benefits will be loaded after two business days. Call KeyBank Customer Service at 866-295-2955 if you lose your card.
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Register with the employment service. Most applicants will need to register. Based on your answers when you apply, you may be prompted to visit www.IllinoisJobLink.com and upload at least one resume to the website.^{[6]
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- You may also register at an IDES office, if that's easier for you.^{[7]
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Participate in an interview, if necessary. IDES might require that you have a telephone interview. In some situations, you will simply fill out a questionnaire and mail it back in. Only a handful of people will be called into the IDES office for an interview.^{[8]
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- You'll have to interview if your employer protests your application for unemployment benefits, e.g., you quit because of harassment.
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Receive your UI Finding. IDES will send you this information after your claim has been filed. Review it to make sure the information contained in it is correct, and contact IDES if anything is wrong. The form should contain the following information:^{[9]
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- Your certification date.
- The wages each employer paid you over the past year, broken out by quarter.
- The dates your benefits begin and end.
- How much you qualify for in weekly benefits.
- Your maximum benefit balance.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Filing for Weekly Benefits

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Requesting benefits is called certifying. After you apply, you'll receive a call day for certifying benefits.^{[10]
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Certify your benefits. You need to certify every two weeks for the weeks that have just ended. You can certify either online or through Tele-Serve.^{[11]
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- To certify online, visit this website: https://ides.illinois.gov/unemployment/certify.html. Click on “Certify for Benefits” and sign in using your username and password. Certification is available Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 7:30 pm.
- To reach Tele-Serve, call 312-338-4337.
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Actively look for work. To keep receiving benefits, you must actively search for work and be available for work. IDES might contact you and ask where you've been searching and your prospects for getting hired.^{[12]
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- Keep detailed records of where you apply and the dates. Not everyone is required to submit this information, but you want it handy in case you do.

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Can I receive unemployment if I get a severance?

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Yes. Illinois does not generally consider your severance payment as "wages."

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Do I qualify for unemployment benefits if I worked as an independent contractor for 17 years for the same employer and he suddenly terminated me?

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Independent contractors can apply for unemployment benefits at an IDES office. However, you aren't immediately entitled to benefits.

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What is the web address to file for unemployment?

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To file for unemployment in Illinois online, go to ides.illinois.gov. Filing online is less stressful than filing in one of the IDES offices.

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You can appeal if you are denied benefits at any time. To appeal, complete the Request for Reconsideration of Claims Adjudicator's Determination and submit it to your local IDES office.^{[13]
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