Illinois Unemployment
Who Oversees Illinois Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is the state agency responsible for administering unemployment insurance benefits in Illinois. IDES manages the unemployment insurance program, ensuring that eligible individuals receive financial assistance during periods of unemployment. The agency also oversees employment services and labor market information. IDES
How Can I Qualify for Unemployment Benefits in Illinois?
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Illinois, you must meet the following criteria:
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Monetary Eligibility: You must have earned at least $1,600 during your base period, which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. Additionally, you must have earned at least $440 outside of your highest-earning quarter. IDES
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Reason for Unemployment: Your unemployment must be through no fault of your own. Acceptable reasons include layoffs or discharge due to lack of work. If you quit voluntarily without good cause attributable to your employer or were discharged for misconduct, you may be disqualified from receiving benefits. IDES
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Availability to Work: You must be physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking employment. IDES
How Much Will I Receive in Unemployment Benefits in Illinois?
The weekly benefit amount (WBA) in Illinois is calculated by adding your earnings from the two highest-earning quarters of your base period, taking 47% of that total, and then dividing by 26. As of 2023, the maximum WBA is $484 per week for individuals without dependents. If you have dependents, the maximum increases to $693 per week. Nolo
What’s the Process for Applying for Unemployment Benefits in Illinois?
To apply for unemployment benefits in Illinois:
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Prepare Necessary Information: Gather your Social Security number, driver’s license or state ID, and employment history for the past 18 months, including employer names, start and end dates, and the number of days worked. Illinois Legal Aid
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File a Claim: The preferred method is to file online through the IDES website. If you cannot file online, you may call IDES at (800) 244-5631. Illinois Legal Aid
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Register with Illinois JobLink: You are required to register with the state’s employment service at IllinoisJobLink.com to demonstrate your availability for work. IDES
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Await Determination: Within 7-10 days of filing, you will receive a UI Finding letter indicating your monetary eligibility and weekly benefit amount. IDES
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Certify for Benefits: Every two weeks, you must certify your eligibility by answering questions about your employment status. Certification can be completed online or by phone. IDES
How Can I Manage My Unemployment Benefits in Illinois?
Managing your unemployment benefits involves:
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Regular Certification: Certify your eligibility every two weeks through the IDES website or Tele-Serve system. IDES
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Selecting Payment Method: Choose between direct deposit into your bank account or receiving a debit card. Direct deposit can be set up online. IDES
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Maintaining Work Search Records: Keep a record of your job search activities, as you may be required to provide this information to IDES. IDES
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Updating Personal Information: Report any changes in your contact information or employment status to IDES promptly. IDES
How Can I Appeal a Decision Regarding Illinois Unemployment Benefits?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision within 30 days from the date the determination was mailed to you. To file an appeal:
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Submit a Written Appeal: Clearly state your reasons for disagreeing with the decision and include your Social Security number.
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Send the Appeal to IDES: Mail or fax your appeal to the address or fax number provided in the determination letter.
After your appeal is received, a hearing will be scheduled where you can present your case. It’s advisable to continue certifying for benefits during the appeal process, even if you are not receiving payments. IDES
How Can I Report Unemployment Fraud in Illinois?
To report suspected unemployment fraud:
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Online: Visit the IDES website and navigate to the fraud reporting section.
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Phone: Call the IDES fraud hotline at (800) 814-0513.
Provide as much detail as possible to assist in the investigation. IDES
How Can I Speak to a Representative at Illinois Unemployment Customer Service?
To speak with an IDES representative:
- Phone: Call the Claimant Services Center at (800) 244-5631.
Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours. Illinois Legal Aid
What Happens if I Was Fired?
If you were fired, your eligibility for unemployment benefits depends on the reason for your termination:
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Misconduct: If you were discharged for misconduct, you may be disqualified from receiving benefits. Misconduct includes deliberate violations of company policy, insubordination, repeated absenteeism without valid reasons, or actions that cause harm to the employer. If IDES determines that your firing was due to misconduct, your claim may be denied.
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Poor Performance or No Fault of Your Own: If you were fired due to poor job performance, inability to meet employer expectations, or a layoff disguised as termination, you may still qualify for benefits. Illinois unemployment law allows benefits for individuals who were fired for reasons other than misconduct, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
IDES will review the circumstances surrounding your termination before making a decision. You may be required to provide details about your firing, and your employer may also be asked for their perspective. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Illinois Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations
| Edwards County Unemployment Office | 334 Industrial DriveRoute 4 Box 136Albion, IL 62806 | 618-445-2379 |
| Union County Unemployment Office | 1000 N. Main StreetPO Box 439Anna, IL 62906 | 618-833-7431 |
| Cook County Unemployment Office | 723 Algonquin RoadJim Ballee Resource CenterArlington Heights, IL 60005 | 847-437-9424 |
| Kane County Unemployment Office | 143 First StreetBatavia, IL 60510 | 630-762-2120 |
| Cass County Unemployment Office | 109 White Pine LaneBeardstown, IL 62618 | 217-323-1859 |
| Unemployment Office – Belleville | 4519 West Main Street, FL 001Belleville, IL 62226 | 618-277-3090 |
| The Workforce Connection – Belvidere | 530 S. State St.Suite 105Belvidere, IL 61008 | 815-547-9616 |
| Kankakee Workforce Services | 450 N. KinzieKankakee Community CollegeBradley, IL 60915 | 815-802-8960 |
| Illinois Employment and Training Center | 2207 Poplar StreetCairo, IL 62914 | 618-734-9034 |
| Career Link – Fulton County | 111 N. Main StreetFulton SquareCanton, IL 61520 | 309-647-2946 |
| Unemployment Office – Carlinville | 116 S. Plum St.P.O. Box 260Carlinville, IL 62626 | 217-854-9642 |
| Unemployment Office – Clinton County | 930 Fairfax StreetCarlyle, IL 62231 | 618-594-4520 |
| Unemployment Office – Carmi | 1700 College Ave.Carmi, IL 62821 | 618-252-6020 |
| Unemployment Office – Carterville | 700 Logan College DriveCarterville, IL 62918 | 618-985-2828 |
| Unemployment Office – Centralia | 2005 East McCord St.Centralia, IL 62801 | 618-545-3250 |
| Unemployment Office – Centralia | 27210 College RoadCentralia, IL 62801 | 618-545-3113 |
| Unemployment Office – Champaign | 1307 North Mattis Ave.Room 202Champaign, IL 61821 | 217-531-8282 |
| Career Center – Randolph County | 1 Taylor StreetSuite 104Chester, IL 62233 | 618-826-4709 |
| America Works of Illinois, Inc. | 205 W. Randolph StreetSuite 920Chicago, IL 60606 | 312-726-5627 |
| Chicago Workforce Center | 4314 S. Cottage Grove AveSecond FloorChicago, IL 60653 | 773-538-5627 |
| Unemployment Office – Pilsen | 1700 W. 18th St.Chicago, IL 60608 | 312-994-8300 |
| Northside American Job Center | 1145 W. WilsonSuite 1917Chicago, IL 60640 | 773-334-4747 |
| Job Center – Daley College | 7500 S. Pulaski Rd.Building 100Chicago, IL 60652 | 773-884-7000 |
| American Job Center – Daley College | 7500 South Pulaski RoadBuilding 100Chicago, IL 60652 | 773-884-7000 |
| Westside American Job Center | 605 S. Albany AvenueFirst FloorChicago, IL 60612 | 773-722-3885 |
| American Job Center at Prairie State College | 202 S. Halsted St.ATOC Building, Suite 148Chicago Heights, IL 60411 | 708-709-7975 |
| Vermilion County Workforce Development Center | 407 North FranklinDanville, IL 61832 | 217-442-0296 |
| Illinois workNet Center – Decatur | 757 West Pershing RoadDecatur, IL 62526 | 217-875-8750 |
| DeKalb Workforce Development Office | 650B North Peace RoadDekalb, IL 60115 | 815-901-0177 |
| BEST Inc. – Dixon Access Site | 112 E. 2nd St.Dixon, IL 61021 | 815-288-1260 |
| Illinois workNet Center – Effingham | 2311 Hoffman Dr.Effingham, IL 62401 | 217-342-4382 |
| Kane County – Unemployment Office | 270 N. GroveElgin, IL 60120 | 847-742-2411 |
| Hardin/Pope County Affiliate Center | 147 North Main StreetElizabethtown, IL 62931 | 618-287-8880 |
| Career Link – Woodford County | 1950 S. Main StreetEureka, IL 61530 | 309-467-4445 |
| Wayne County Satellite | 2004 W. Delaware StreetFairfield, IL 62837 | 618-842-2962 |
| The Workforce Connection – Freeport | 27 W. StephensonFreeport, IL 61032 | 815-315-1830 |
| Unemployment Office – Galena | 9483 W. US Highway 20Galena, IL 61036 | 815-777-6177 |
| Lake County Workforce Development | 19351 W. Washington St.College of Lake County C175Grayslake, IL 60030 | 847-986-1511 |
| Southwestern Illinois workNet – Bond County | 209 North Third St.,Suite CGreenville, IL 62246 | 618-545-3473 |
| Saline County Unemployment Office | 14 Veterans DriveHarrisburg, IL 62946 | 618-252-2680 |
| Career Link – Mason County | 114 W. Adams StreetHavana, IL 62644 | 309-543-1035 |
| Career Link – Marshall County | 509 Front StreetHenry, IL 61537 | 309-364-4120 |
| The Job Center – Jacksonville | 814 West StreetJacksonville, IL 62650 | 217-243-5846 |
| The Job Center – Jerseyville | 301 West ExchangeJerseyville, IL 62052 | 618-498-1778 |
| IDES North Chicago Street | 250 North Chicago StreetJoliet, IL 60432 | 815-740-5101 |
| Workforce Center of Will County | 2400 Glenwood AvenueJoliet, IL 60435 | 815-727-4444 |
| Pulaski County Satellite – Karnak | 530 West WashingtonP.O. Box 298Karnak, IL 62956 | 618-634-2201 |
| Illinois Worknet Center – Lawrenceville | 700 E State StreetP.O. Box 96Lawrenceville, IL 62439 | 618-943-4442 |
| Illinois workNet Center – Logan County | 2201 Woodlawn RoadHeartland Community College #200Lincoln, IL 62656 | 217-558-4287 |
| workNet Center- DuPage | 2525 Cabot DriveSuite 302Lisle, IL 60532 | 630-955-2030 |
| The Job Center- Litchfield, An Illinois workNet Center | 108 E Columbian Blvd. SouthUnit BLitchfield, IL 62056 | 217-324-2640 |
| McDonough County Workforce Office | 440 N. LafayetteSuite 110Macomb, IL 61455 | 309-837-1280 |
| Unemployment Office – Marion | 3000 W DeYoung St Suite 800-BMarion, IL 62959 | 618-998-9570 |
| CEFS, An Illinois workNet Partner – Mattoon | 109 N. 16th St.Mattoon, IL 61938 | 217-279-0371 |
| West Suburban Cook County American Job Center | 1701 South 1st AvenueSuite 10Maywood, IL 60153 | 708-223-2652 |
| Hamilton County Unemployment Office | 110 E. JeffersonMcLeansboro, IL 62859 | 618-643-2161 |
| Massac County Satellite | 1 Superman Square Room 1CMetropolis, IL 62960 | 618-524-2941 |
| Warren County Workforce Office | 1025 S. 2nd StreetMonmouth, IL 61462 | 309-734-4745 |
| Illinois workNet Center – Piatt County | 1115 N. State St.Suite 111Monticello, IL 61856 | 217-762-8404 |
| Grundy Workforce Services | 725 School StreetMorris, IL 60450 | 815-942-0566 |
| Wabash County Unemployment Office | 119 W 12th StreetMt. Carmel, IL 62863 | 618-262-4151 |
| Unemployment Office – Mt. Carroll | 301 N. MainMt. Carroll, IL 61053 | 815-244-2522 |
| Brown County Workforce Office | 206 S. West Cross St.Mt. Sterling, IL 62353 | 217-285-2216 |
| Unemployment Office — Washington County | 101 E. St. Louis St.Nashville, IL 62263 | 618-327-4191 |
| Career Link- McLean County | 705 E. Lincoln Street Suite 110Normal, IL 61761 | 309-807-1386 |
| Cook County American Job Center | 7222 W Cermak Rd Suite 301North Riverside, IL 60546 | 708-222-3100 |
| Illinois Valley Community College Career Services | 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave.Oglesby, IL 61348 | 815-224-0370 |
| Unemployment Office – Olney | 305 North West Street Room 208AOlney, IL 62450 | 618-392-7777 |
| Illinois workNet Center – Ford County | 258 W. State St.Paxton, IL 60957 | 217-579-1010 |
| Career Link – Tazewell County | 2956 Court StreetPekin, IL 61554 | 309-347-8492 |
| Career Link – Peoria County | 406 Elm StreetPO Box 5021Peoria, IL 61605 | 309-321-0260 |
| Unemployment Office – Menard County | 117 North 7thMenard County Housing AuthorityPetersburg, IL 62675 | 217-558-4268 |
| Illinois workNet Center – Menard County | 117 N. 7th StreetPetersburg, IL 62675 | 217-558-4268 |
| Pike County Workforce Center | 120 S. Madison StreetPittsfield, IL 62363 | 217-285-2216 |
| Livingston Workforce Services | 211 E Madison Street Suite 3Pontiac, IL 61764 | 309-268-8280 |
| Unemployment Office – Princeton | 225 E. Backbone Rd.PO Box 597Princeton, IL 61356 | 815-872-0255 |
| Quincy Workforce Service Center | 107 N. 3rdQuincy, IL 62301 | 309-671-3157 |
| Illinois WorkNet Center – Robinson | 102 W. Main St.Suite 283, P.O. Box 838Robinson, IL 62454 | 618-544-3858 |
| American Job Center | 500 42nd StreetRock Island, IL 61201-2155 | 309-788-7587 |
| The Workforce Connection – Rockford | 303 N. Main St.Rockford, IL 61101 | 815-547-9616 |
| Schuyler County Workforce Office | 233 N. Congress StreetRushville, IL 62681 | 217-322-6916 |
| The Job Center – Shelbyville | 515 North CedarShelbyville, IL 62565 | 217-774-5550 |
| Safer Foundation (South Holland) | 249 W. 162nd StreetSouth Holland, IL 60473 | 708-596-0037 |
| Illinois workNet Center – Springfield | 1300 South Ninth StreetSpringfield, IL 62703 | 217-524-5996 |
| NCI Works One Stop Center – Sterling | 2323 E. LincolnwaySterling, IL 61350 | 815-433-4550 |
| Illinois workNet Center – Christian County | 800 Spresser StreetSouth Building Room 1109Taylorville, IL 62568 | 217-558-4283 |
| Pulaski County Satellite | 8364 Shawnee College RoadShawnee Community CollegeUllin, IL 62992 | 618-634-3293 |
| Illinois WorkNet Center – Vandalia | 517 West GallatinVandalia, IL 62471 | 618-283-2780 |
| Illinois Worknet – Monroe County | 100 South Main Street Room 19Waterloo, IL 62298 | 618-939-3332 |
| Illinois workNet Center – Iroquois County | 1001 East Grant StreetWatseka, IL 60970 | 815-432-5246 |
| Job Center of Lake County – Waukegan | 1 North Genesee, 1st FloorWaukegan, IL 60085 | 847-377-3450 |
| Illinois workNet – Wood River | 101 East Edwardsville RoadWood River, IL 62095 | 618-296-4301 |
| McHenry County Workforce Center | 500 Russel CourtWoodstock, IL 60098 | 815-338-7100 |
| Career Link – Stark County | 106 E. Williams StreetWyoming, IL 61491 | 309-606-9060 |
| Illinois WorkNet Center – Kendall | 811 West John StreetYorkville, IL 60560 | 630-553-8303 |