Learn How to File an Unemployment Claim With Our Help in Illinois

Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

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Claimants can opt to receive federal unemployment benefits by direct deposit or debit card. Direct deposit is a more convenient and reliable way to receive benefit payments. The benefit payments are typically deposited into the specified account within two business days after the claimant is certified to receive benefits. They can sign up for direct deposit online. If they do not do this, they will receive their benefit payments via debit card.
In the case of a debit card, it will be mailed to the claimant, and the benefit payment amount will be downloaded onto the card approximately two business days after the beneficiaries claim unemployment benefit with IDES. The card will be administered jointly by a major bank card issuer and IDES.

Illinois Unemployment Resources

After unemployment beneficiaries receive their UI Finding (see Apply page), they must re-certify their eligibility to receive benefit payments every two weeks. IDES permits beneficiaries to file bi-weekly certifications online or by Tele-Serve.

After unemployment applicants file their unemployment benefits claim, they may be scheduled for a telephone interview. Usually, the interview involves filling out and submitting a questionnaire, but in some circumstances the applicant may be required to report to an IDES office in person.

As a reminder, wages must be reported for the week in which they were earned, not the week in which they were received. If the gross wages earned in any week are less than the weekly benefit amount, the claimant may still be able to receive a full or partial benefit payment.

Unemployment benefits are taxable depending on their amount. These benefits will be listed on Form 1099-G. You may elect to have federal income tax withheld at a rate of 10 percent and state income tax withheld at 3.75 percent.

An Illinois unemployment benefits extension is also possible if you have exhausted your regular unemployment insurance benefits during a period when the nation is experiencing a high unemployment rate. The unemployment benefits extension page covers this topic more thoroughly.