Where do I file for benefits?
We recommend filing for benefits online at www.ides.illinois.gov.
If you have any questions, contact IDES Claimant Services at (800) 244-5631.

What information do I need to file for benefits?

• Your driver’s license or state ID.
• Social Security number and name as it appears on your Social Security card.
• If you are claiming your spouse or child as a dependent, the social security number, date(s) of birth and name(s) of dependent(s).
• The name of all employers you worked for in the last 18 months; the beginning and ending dates of employment for these employers; the mailing address of each employer; phone number and separation reason for each employer.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen, your Alien Registration information.

How much in benefits will I receive and how long does it last?
Your benefit amount is based on your recent income. The maximum benefit amount is $484 per week. Those who have a qualifying dependent receive an additional amount. Benefits are paid for up to 26 weeks. You will be notified if the federal government approves you for an extension.

When do I certify for benefits?
After filing your claim for unemployment insurance benefits, you will receive a notice titled “UI Finding”. This notice will indicate your first certification date, which is approximately 2 weeks from the date you submit your claim. You will be required to certify your eligibility to receive payment on the date indicated on the notice and every two weeks thereafter in order to receive payment.

How do I certify for benefits?
The best way to certify for benefits is by going online to www.ides.illinois.gov/certify. You can also certify by calling (312) 338-4337.

When do I receive payment and how do I receive it?

After completing your certification and your responses are approved, benefits are received within 2-3 business days. You will be issued a debit card automatically. You may, however, sign up for direct deposit when you file for benefits, or at any point thereafter.

What are Rapid Response Services?
Rapid Response Services are available to employers who are planning or have gone through a permanent closure or mass layoff, or a natural or other disaster, that results in mass job dislocation. The State Dislocated Worker Unit coordinates with employers to provide information to workers and employers about employment and retraining services designed to help participants retain employment when feasible, or obtain re-employment as soon as possible. For more information, visit Rapid Response Services for Businesses or contact your local Illinois workNet Center.

What actions are being taken to address the high volume of calls at IDES claims services line?
IDES hired additional staff and expanded their business hours to vulture the extremely high volume of calls. The caller is advised to try their call again if they get a busy signal. When the call gets through, there will be an average wait of 20-30 minutes before they speak to a specialist.

If a business decides to shut down voluntarily before mandated, will staff be able to qualify for unemployment? 
If a business decides to shut down, employees would be potentially eligible for benefits and are advised to open a claim as soon as possible

TINLEY PARK – A new law in Illinois will put a stop to payroll “offshoring” in the governor’s office.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) championed House Bill 5121 to force transparency from the governor’s office when it comes to paying employees. It was signed into law Tuesday.

“South Suburban residents deserve to know how and where their valuable tax dollars are spent,” Hastings said. “This new law will encourage transparency and responsible tracking of state finances.”

For years, governors have used appropriations for various state agencies to pay for personnel costs for individuals working in the governor’s office – a practice that siphons much-needed funds from the operation of state agencies.

With this now-outlawed practice, a governor’s administration could pay an individual out of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services fund even if they do no direct work for the agency. This allows a governor to falsely diminish the apparent financial footprint of their staff.

In Gov. Rauner’s office, 60 of 105 employees were paid out of funding from state agencies, making it look like the governor’s staff cost the state $4.9 million when it was actually closer to $10 million.

This new law will prohibit the governor's office from using other agency funding to pay for governor's office employees.

“Going forward, governors – regardless of political party – will not be able to use crooked practices to bend the rules,” Hastings said. “Fair and open accounting will promote the responsible use of state funds.”

House Bill 5121 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support and goes into effect immediately.