Filing for Unemployment in Illinois (2025)
What Is Unemployment Insurance (UI) in Illinois?
Unemployment Insurance is a temporary financial assistance program for workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. It helps cover basic living expenses while you search for new employment.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Unemployment in Illinois
1. Check If You're Eligible
You must:
Have earned enough wages in the last 18 months
Be unemployed through no fault of your own (e.g., laid off, hours cut)
Be physically able and available to work
Actively look for a job each week
2. Gather Required Info Before Applying
You'll need:
Social Security Number
Last employer’s name, address, and phone number
Dates of your employment
Reason for separation
Banking info (if you want direct deposit)
3. File Your Claim Online
Go to: IDES.Illinois.gov
Click “File an Unemployment Claim”
Follow the guided prompts
Double-check all your info
You can also call IDES at 800-244-5631 if you need help filing.
Certification: How to Get Paid Weekly
After you apply, you must “certify” your unemployment status every two weeks to continue getting benefits. This is how you confirm you're still eligible.
You’ll be asked questions like:
Did you work or earn income?
Were you available and actively seeking work?
Did you refuse any job offers?
How to Certify:
Online: Log in to your IDES account
Phone: Call the Tele-Serve line at 312-338-4337
IMPORTANT: Certify on your assigned day—late certification can delay payments.
Payment Timeline and Delays
How Long Does It Take to Get Paid?
Typically, your first payment arrives within 2–3 weeks of filing. The first week is a “waiting week” (you won’t get paid for it).
What Causes Delays?
Errors in your application
Identity verification issues
Employer disputes your reason for leaving
Missed or incorrect certification
How to Avoid Delays:
Triple-check your application for accuracy
Certify on time, every time
Respond to all IDES requests promptly
How Much Will I Receive?
Your benefit is based on your earnings during your “base period.”
Max Weekly Benefit: ~$578 (more if you have dependents)
Length of Benefits: Typically up to 26 weeks
Use the IDES Benefit Estimator Tool on their website to get a rough idea.
Need Help? How to Contact IDES
Online Help Center: IDES Help
Phone Support: 800-244-5631
Tele-Serve (Certify): 312-338-4337
Local Offices: In-person visits may require appointments
If you can’t get through by phone, try calling right at 8:30 AM when lines open or midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) for better chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What if I was fired?
A: You may still qualify, depending on the reason. Misconduct typically disqualifies you, but poor performance usually doesn’t.
Q: Can I work part-time and still get unemployment?
A: Yes, but your weekly benefit may be reduced based on how much you earn.
Q: What happens if I forget to certify?
A: You might miss that week’s payment. Certify as soon as possible or call IDES for help.
Q: How long do I get benefits?
A: Up to 26 weeks in most cases. Extensions may be offered during high unemployment.
Q: Is my unemployment income taxable?
A: Yes. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your payments.
Final Tips
Keep a job search log—it may be requested
Sign up for job alerts through Illinois JobLink
Read all letters/emails from IDES carefully
Getting unemployment shouldn't feel impossible. With the right info, you can apply confidently and avoid delays. For more help or free benefit guides, visit blank-insurance.com.
