Learn About Unemployment Insurance in Illinois

Out-of-work Illinois residents can register for unemployment benefits to receive financial compensation while looking for new job opportunities. The unemployment insurance (UI) program in the state is under the management of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

Terminated workers who want to know how to file an unemployment claim in IL will need to discover the eligibility requirements of the UI program first. Applicants who are ineligible to collect benefits will receive denial notices, which they can appeal if they believe the decision was a mistake.

The best way to avoid a denied UI claim is to learn about federal and state laws. Claimants approved to receive UI payments will need to be aware of the ongoing requirements of the program and possible extensions if they exhaust their claim.

Learn About the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Benefits Program

The state collects unemployment taxes from businesses liable to fund the program. DES then distributes Illinois unemployment benefits to applicants who qualify for government assistance. Companies required to pay into unemployment insurance coverage must also report the wages for each of their workers.

When residents apply to the UI program, the state will verify the data on the application with the former employers. Aside from the earned income, business will confirm the reason for professional separation.

Applicants should bear in mind that benefits from the UI program are temporary. Similarly, financial compensation is only a portion of previous incomes, as the intention of UI in Illinois is to cover basic living and housing expense while beneficiaries are out of work.

The designation of state-operated assistance is also not a substitute income while claimants are sick, vacationing or otherwise not available and actively pursuing new professional prospects. As a result, UI enrollees must continue to certify for benefits for the duration of the claim.

Applying for Unemployment Benefits in Illinois

Recently dismissed workers who qualify for unemployment benefits can submit an application to IDES online or at local Employment Security offices. The unemployment application process requires claimants to furnish personal information and their work history.

Before filing an unemployment claim, applicants should gather all the necessary paperwork, particularly if they are applying in person. Former employees applying to UI in Illinois will need to detail their work experience for at least the past 18 months. In addition to basic contact information of the petitioner and former employers, the application will request identifying data from state-issued driver’s licenses, citizenship documents and military discharge papers, if applicable.

When residents apply to the UI program, they must also register for employment services through Illinois JobLink. Since the state wants UI participants to obtain new jobs quickly, they provide a means for residents to conduct work searches, connect with employers, strengthen and submit resumes. Failure to enroll in JobLink can result in IDES withholding benefits.

Understand Requirements for Unemployment Enrollment in Illinois

The qualifications for unemployment benefits are dependent on monetary and personal factors of applicants. To make an unemployment claim, claimants must have lost employment through no fault of their own. Those filing for unemployment after quitting their job without just reason or were fired for misconduct will not meet the eligibility requirements.

However, wrongfully terminated workers and those who resigned due to an unreasonable situation may still qualify. Applicants who list an unacceptable reason of separation will interview with an IDES representative, allowing claimants to furnish additional information.

The monetary eligibility conditions requires applicants to have earned a sufficient income. IDES cannot process claimants who made less than the minimum earnings to establish a claim. Authorities will review petitioners’ applications and work history for the past year and a half. In some cases, IDES will use an alternate base period for workers who lack adequate wages to qualify.

Claiming Unemployment Benefits in Illinois

Applying to unemployment insurance benefits is only the first step to receive financial assistance from the government. Illinois unemployment insurance compensation requires approved enrollees to continue to certify for payments on a bi-weekly basis.

These reoccurring unemployment claims inform IDES that the beneficiary is still UI eligible. Failure to submit these claims by the deadline will result in a forfeit of that period’s benefits.

The questions on the certification claims are very similar to the initial application, although not as intensive since claimants do not restate their work history. Instead, UI beneficiaries must illustrate they are actively searching for a new job by furnishing a work search record. This information will include the contact information of all businesses contacted for job opportunities.

Learn About Illinois Unemployment Benefits Extensions

While the duration of an unemployment claim can vary based on the initial award amount, there is a maximum amount of weeks for all beneficiaries. When beneficiaries exhaust their Illinois unemployment claims before securing new employment, they often have to wait till the next benefit year to reapply to the program.

Unemployment claim extensions are typically only available during periods of high joblessness in the state or nation. IDES notifies UI beneficiaries who are eligible for extensions when they become active by economic circumstances.

Appealing Unemployment Benefits Denial in Illinois

Applicants who do not meet the qualifications for unemployment will receive a denial notification from IDES listing the reasons for the rejection from the UI program. If the claimant disagrees with the Illinois unemployment decision, he or she can file a reconsideration form with IDES before the deadline.

It is important for residents denied unemployment registration to state why they are requesting an appeal of the determination. For instance, if the notification illustrates a clerical error in reported wages or dispute with the reason of separation with the business.

Workers wrongfully terminated who seek UI benefits often meet with animosity from former employees. The reasons for denied benefits in Illinois are varied and may involve an initial disqualification or may occur during the course of filing for weekly benefits.

If IDES denies the reconsideration, the case will automatically go to the Appeals Division and the applicant will receive the date and time for the hearing. Prior to the hearing, claimants should gather the material that will best prove their case, which can include witnesses and statements. The state offers free legal services through private law firms for those who seek appeal hearings.