The unemployment insurance programs run by the U.S. Department of Labor offer unemployment compensation to qualified workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own and who also meet other eligibility standards.

A joint federal-state program called unemployment insurance pays cash benefits to qualified workers. While each state runs its own unemployment insurance program, they all adhere to the same rules set down by federal law.

Each state sets its own unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines, but you usually qualify if you:

• Are unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means you have to have separated from your last job due to a lack of available work.
• Meet work and wage requirements. You must meet your state’s requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a “base period.” (In most states, this is usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before the time that your claim is filed.)
• Meet any additional state requirements.

You must submit a claim to the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked in order to collect benefits under the program. Claims can be submitted in person, over the phone, or online, depending on the state.

• You should contact your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.
• Generally, you should file your claim with the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency where you now live can provide information about how to file your claim with other states.
• When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your former employment. To make sure your claim is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information.
• It generally takes two to three weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check.

Federal law permits significant flexibility for states to amend their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits in multiple scenarios related to COVID-19.

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For example, federal law provides states flexibility to pay benefits where:

1. An employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19, preventing employees from coming to work;
2. An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over; and
3. An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member.

In addition, federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.

10 Things You Should Know

Your claim will need to be evaluated and rectified manually by IDES staff if you don’t supply all the necessary information. Your rewards will be delayed or less than they should be if IDES is unable to make the necessary modifications before you certify (request payment).

1. Accurately report the reason you are unemployed
   Accurately report your reason for separation from your job when you initially file your claim for benefits.
2. Report any wages earned and list all your employers from the last 18 months.
   You must report your gross wages for each week you work. Report all earnings, including part-time or temporary work. You must report all employers you worked for in the last 18 months. If an employer name is unfamiliar, please review your check stub or W2 to confirm the employer name reported on your claim application before reporting you did not work for that employer. If you worked in another state, make sure you tell us what state you worked in.
3. Be available for work
   You must be available for work each week or benefits may be denied.
4. Actively search for work
   You must search for work each week or benefits may be denied.
5. Develop and document an effective work search plan
   An organized and documented job search improves your chances of employment. All claimants are required by law to document work search activities.
6. Use IllinoisJobLink.com to search for a job
   IllinoisJobLink.com is IDES’s online database that helps connect job seekers to employers in Illinois.
7. Do not pay an agent to file your claim
   The use of paid third-parties to file your claim and/or communicate with IDES is very risky and discouraged. Do not share your personal information with anyone.
8. Do not commit fraud
   Follow the rules to prevent yourself from committing fraud. Failure to follow legal requirements has serious consequences.
9. Know your responsibilities and ask for help
   If you have questions, please call (800) 244-5631. To quickly find answers to your unemployment insurance questions, visit Frequently Asked Questions.
10. Don’t delay: as soon as you begin working again, report your return to work.
    Notify IDES as soon as you begin working. Avoid committing fraud; do not wait until you receive your first paycheck.

The U.S. Department of Labor works with our state partners to develop a number of effective initiatives that are focused on preventing overpayments and will have the greatest impact on lowering the rates of erroneous payments for unemployment insurance.

All citizens have access to services catered to their unique requirements through American Job Centers. This covers a wide range of things, such as career planning and assistance, employment and job training services, and much more.

Workers and companies can get answers to their inquiries about job loss, layoffs, business closures, unemployment benefits, and job training by calling the Department of Labor’s toll-free call center: For TTY users, dial 1-877-889-5627.

Your eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits may be determined by computer matching tools that verify whatever information you provide to IDES.​

Direct deposit or paper checks are both accepted forms of payment for unemployment insurance benefits. IDES advises claimants to use direct deposit because it is the quickest and easiest option.