If you've been laid off in Illinois, you're likely eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Illinois offers one of the more generous unemployment programs in the nation, with maximum benefits of $707/week (plus dependent allowances up to $907) and no waiting week. This guide covers everything you need to know about filing for and receiving Illinois unemployment benefits.

Illinois Unemployment Benefits Overview

Benefit Amounts

How Benefits Are Calculated:

Your weekly benefit amount is approximately 47% of your average weekly wage during your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters), up to the maximum of $707.

Dependent Allowances:

• Non-working spouse: +$81/week
• Each dependent child: +$92/week
• Maximum total benefit: $907/week

Example: If your average weekly wage was $1,500, your base benefit would be $705 (47% × $1,500). Add a spouse ($81) and two children ($184), and your total could reach $907/week (the maximum).

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Illinois unemployment:

1. Earned sufficient wages in your base period (at least $1,600 with $440+ outside your highest quarter)
2. Lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, lack of work)
3. Be physically able to work each day
4. Be available for full-time work
5. Actively seek work each week
6. Be legally authorized to work in the United States

How to File for Illinois Unemployment

Before You File

Gather the following information:

• Social Security number
• Illinois driver's license or ID number
• Mailing address, email, and phone number
• Last employer information:
  • Company name and address
  • Phone number
  • Dates of employment
  • Reason for separation
  • Supervisor's name
• Work history for past 18 months (all employers)
• Direct deposit information (routing and account numbers)
• Dependent information (spouse, children under 18)
• Alien registration number (if not a U.S. citizen)

Filing Online (Recommended)

Step 1: Create an ILogin Account

• Visit IDES.Illinois.gov
• Click on "File for Unemployment"
• Create an ILogin account or log in

Step 2: File Your Claim

• Complete all sections of the application
• Answer questions about your separation carefully
• Include all employers from the past 18 months
• Add dependent information for additional benefits
• Review and submit

Step 3: Certify for Benefits

• After filing, you must certify every two weeks
• Certification is available through your ILogin account
• Answer questions about work, earnings, and availability

Filing by Phone

Call IDES Claimant Services: 1-800-244-5631

Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM

Tip: Phone lines can be busy. Online filing is typically faster and available 24/7.

Filing Timeline

After You File

No Waiting Week

Good news: Illinois eliminated the waiting week in 2020. Unlike most states, you can receive benefits starting from your first week of unemployment, assuming your claim is approved.

Certifying for Benefits

Every two weeks, you must certify by:

• Logging into your ILogin account
• Clicking on "Certify for Benefits"
• Answering questions about each week
• Reporting any work and earnings
• Confirming your work search activities

Certification Schedule:

• Available Sunday through Friday for the previous two weeks
• Must complete by Friday at 7 PM
• Missing certification = no payment for those weeks

Work Search Requirements

Illinois requires you to be actively seeking work:

Minimum 1-3 Work Search Activities Per Week:
(Specific requirements may vary based on your situation)

Acceptable Activities:

• Applying for jobs online or in person
• Submitting resumes to employers
• Interviewing for positions
• Attending job fairs
• Registering with employment agencies
• Attending approved training programs
• Networking for job leads

You Must Also:

• Be able and available to accept suitable work
• Keep a record of your job search activities
• Provide proof if requested by IDES

Receiving Your Benefits

Payment Methods

Direct Deposit:

• Fastest payment method
• Set up during initial application
• Funds available within 1-2 business days of payment

Illinois Debit Card (KeyBank):

• Mailed after claim approval
• Takes 7-10 days to arrive
• Can use at ATMs or for purchases

Payment Schedule

• Certify every two weeks
• Payments processed within 24-48 hours of certification
• Direct deposit arrives 1-2 business days after processing
• Debit card deposits may take an extra day

Taxes on Unemployment

Unemployment benefits are taxable income at both federal and state levels.

Withholding Options:

• Federal: Optional 10% withholding
• State: Optional 4.95% withholding (Illinois flat rate)
• You can elect withholding during application or change later

Recommendation: Have taxes withheld to avoid a large bill at tax time.

Working While Receiving Benefits

Partial Benefits

Illinois allows you to work part-time and still receive partial benefits:

Earnings Formula:

• You can earn up to 50% of your weekly benefit amount before any reduction
• Earnings above 50% reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar
• If you earn more than your weekly benefit, no payment that week

Example:

• Weekly benefit: $600
• 50% earnings allowance: $300
• Your earnings: $400
• Amount over allowance: $100
• Benefit paid: $500 ($600 - $100)
• Total income: $900

Reporting Requirements

When certifying:

• Report all work, including part-time and self-employment
• Report gross earnings (before taxes)
• Report earnings for the week worked, not when paid
• Failure to report can result in overpayment and fraud penalties

Dependent Allowances

One of Illinois's best features is additional benefits for dependents.

Who Qualifies

Spouse:

• Must be unemployed or earning less than $195/week
• Provides an additional $81/week

Children:

• Must be under 18 (or under 26 if full-time student)
• Provides an additional $92/week per child
• No limit on number of children, but total benefit capped at $907

How to Claim

• Provide dependent information when filing your claim
• You'll need dependents' names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers
• IDES may request documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificates)

Example Scenarios

Common Issues and Solutions

Claim Under Review

Your claim may be flagged if:

• Your employer disputes the separation
• You have wages in multiple states
• There are eligibility questions
• Previous claims had issues

What to Do:

• Respond promptly to all IDES requests
• Attend scheduled phone interviews (called "fact-finding")
• Gather documentation (termination letter, pay stubs)
• Be honest and thorough in your responses

Benefit Denial

If your claim is denied:

1. You'll receive a Determination Letter explaining why
2. You have 30 calendar days to appeal
3. File appeal online through your ILogin account
4. A hearing will be scheduled with a Referee
5. Many denials are overturned on appeal

System Issues

If you encounter problems with the online system:

• Try different browsers
• Clear cache and cookies
• File during off-peak hours (early morning or evening)
• Call the help line if issues persist

Special Situations

Chicago Metro Workers

If you were laid off in the Chicago area:

• Illinois' higher maximum benefits help offset Chicago's cost of living
• Consider both Illinois and Wisconsin job markets if you're near the border
• Many Chicago employers understand current layoff climate

Multi-State Employment

If you worked in multiple states:

• File in the state where you worked most recently
• Or file a "combined wage claim" if you have significant wages in multiple states
• IDES will help determine the best option

Severance Pay

In Illinois:

• Severance is generally not deducted from unemployment benefits
• You can file immediately upon separation
• Report severance when filing—IDES will determine impact
• Salary continuation payments may delay benefits

Vacation or PTO Payout

• Vacation/PTO payouts are typically considered wages
• They may be allocated across the period covered
• Report all payouts when filing

Self-Employed or 1099 Workers

Traditional unemployment is for W-2 employees:

• If you were misclassified as 1099, file anyway—IDES will investigate
• Some pandemic-era programs for self-employed may still have residual effects
• See our Gig Worker Guide for more

IDES Contact Information

Online: IDES.Illinois.gov

Phone:

• Claimant Services: 1-800-244-5631
• TTY: 1-866-488-4016

Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM

In-Person:
IDES has offices throughout Illinois. Visit the website for locations.

Mail:
Illinois Department of Employment Security
33 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60603

Related Resources

• Unemployment Benefits Overview
• COBRA vs ACA Calculator
• Budget Planner Tool
• Unemployment Calculator
• First 24 Hours After Layoff
• State Comparison Tool

Key Takeaways

1. Illinois pays up to $707/week ($907 with dependents)—among the highest in the nation
2. No waiting week—benefits start from week one
3. File immediately when laid off
4. Claim dependent allowances for spouse and children
5. Certify every two weeks to continue receiving benefits
6. Part-time work allowed—50% earnings disregard
7. Severance doesn't affect your benefits
8. Both state and federal taxes apply to benefits
9. Appeal if denied—you have 30 days
10. Use direct deposit for fastest payment

Illinois offers one of the better unemployment programs in the country. Take advantage of dependent allowances, file promptly, and certify on time every two weeks.