Illinois

Illinois Department of Employment Security

The Illinois Department of Employment Security administers state unemployment benefits, runs the employment service and Illinois Job Bank, and publishes labor market information

Agency
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Type
State Resource
Phone
1-800-244-5631
Application Period
Income Limit
Visit Website

The Illinois Department of Employment Security administers state unemployment benefits, runs the employment service and Illinois Job Bank, and publishes labor market information.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security administers state unemployment benefits, runs the employment service and Illinois Job Bank, and publishes labor market information.

Additional Information

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Images & PDFs

Asian American Employment Plan

Asian American Employment Plan

A document submitted to the Illinois General Assembly focusing on employment strategies and opportunities for Asian Americans in Illinois.

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Illinois PYs 2020-2023 WIOA State Plan Portal - U.S. Department of Education

Illinois PYs 2020-2023 WIOA State Plan Portal - U.S. Department of Education

A detailed methodology flowchart outlining how business demand informs data-driven supply and demand analysis to determine priority sectors in Illinois.

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Illinois PYs 2020-2023 WIOA State Plan Portal

Illinois PYs 2020-2023 WIOA State Plan Portal

A diagram outlining the connection between different sectors and the WIOA Unified State Plan process in Illinois.

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Untitled Illinois workNet Map

Untitled Illinois workNet Map

A map of Illinois highlighting the distribution of employment in natural resources and mining sectors as of December 2010, providing a visual breakdown by county.

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Untitled Illinois workNet Resource

Untitled Illinois workNet Resource

A bubble chart illustrating employment changes in Illinois industry sectors from 2015 to 2020.

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Impact Reports

Illinois Employment Security: Supporting Workforce Development

5/10/2022 | Coverage: state

This report outlines how the Illinois Department of Employment Security programs have bolstered workforce development, reduced unemployment, and assisted participants in transitioning back to stable employment.

Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security

Coverage Area: state

Public Assistance Programs and the Economic Recovery: A Review

6/20/2023 | Coverage: national

This report from the Administration for Children and Families provides an overview of public assistance programs and their roles in supporting communities during economic downturns.

Source: Administration for Children and Families

Coverage Area: national

The Cost of Living Crisis and Its Impact on Unemployment Benefits

1/15/2023 | Coverage: national

This national study discusses the rising costs of living in the U.S. and the increased necessity for unemployment benefits, emphasizing how such programs are crucial in alleviating financial strain.

Source: Urban Institute

Coverage Area: national

Program Timeline

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

3/27/2020

This federal legislation provided expanded unemployment benefits and funding for state unemployment systems amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Party: Bipartisan

Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program

2/17/2008

An emergency extension of unemployment benefits was implemented in response to the financial crisis.

Bill: Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program
Party: Bipartisan

Illinois Job Training and Economic Development Act

1/1/1992

Legislation was enacted to create programs focused on job training and workforce development.

Bill: Illinois Job Training and Economic Development Act
Party: Democratic

Federal Unemployment Compensation Amendments

1/1/1975

Congress passed amendments to enhance unemployment benefits and extend eligibility.

Bill: Federal Unemployment Compensation Amendments
Party: Bipartisan

Establishment of Unemployment Insurance

6/6/1933

The Illinois Unemployment Insurance Act was enacted as part of the New Deal to provide unemployment benefits to workers.

Bill: Illinois Unemployment Insurance Act
Party: Democratic

FAQ

To file for unemployment benefits in Illinois, you can complete your application online through the IDES website or call the IDES customer service line. It is important to have your Social Security number, employment history, and reason for unemployment ready when you apply.

Before filing for unemployment benefits, make sure you have the following:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Details of your last employer
  • Dates of employment
  • Reason for separation from your last job

Having this information ready will help streamline your application process.

Here are some important steps to take after you file for unemployment benefits:

  1. Monitor your email for communication from IDES
  2. Keep a record of your job search activities
  3. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
  4. File your weekly claims on time

Following these steps will ensure that you remain compliant and receive your benefits in a timely manner.

Reference: https://www.ides.illinois.gov/Unemployment/Claimants.html

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on individual circumstances.

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Illinois, you must have worked and earned a minimum amount in the last year, be unemployed through no fault of your own, and be actively seeking work. Additional criteria may apply based on individual circumstances.

Reference: https://www.ides.illinois.gov/Unemployment/Eligibility.html

The Illinois Department of Employment Security offers a variety of services to assist individuals seeking employment, including job search assistance, unemployment insurance, and workforce development programs. They also provide resources for employers looking to hire qualified candidates.

Reference: https://www.ides.illinois.gov/

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