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Illinois Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Illinois unemployment insurance benefits constitute a state-operated unemployment insurance program designed to partially replace lost wages when an Illinois resident loses employment through no fault of their own.
Like other types of insurance, the program exists to activate during an emergency – when workers are temporarily or permanently out of a job, or if labor hours are dramatically reduced because of a lack of work.
The program can help guarantee that, as long as a claimant continues to meet eligibility requirements as outlined in Illinois law, that worker will have some level of income while he or she looks for a new job.
Illinois Unemployment Services
Website | illinois.gov |
Private Website | Illinois Unemployment |
Phone | 800-244-5631 |
Apply Online | File a Claim |
Weekly Certification | File a Weekly Claim |
Appeal a Denial | Request a Hearing |
Find a Local Office | Career Center Locations |
Report Fraud | Benefits Fraud |
Coronavirus Updates | COVID-19 Assistance |
How To Qualify for Illinois Unemployment Benefits
As specified by Illinois law, unemployed workers who meet the following eligibility requirements may receive UI benefits:
- You are unemployed through no fault of their own
- You paid a minimum level of wages during the base period for review as outlined by Illinois law
- You are willing, available and able to work, as evidenced by being registered for work with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
Benefit Payments and Duration
Base Period | First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters |
Alt Base Period | Last 4 completed quarters |
Duration of Benefits | Weekly Payment | Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year) | |
Min | Max | ||
26 weeks | $51 | $669 | $17,342 |
How Do I Apply for Illinois Unemployment Benefits?
It’s important to submit your initial claim for unemployment insurance benefits immediately after losing your job or having work hours significantly reduced.
The easiest way to submit your UI benefits claim is online or at an IDES office. If you aren’t sure whether you meet eligibility requirements, it’s a good idea to call IDES Claimant Services at 800-244-5631 and speak to a representative.
Please note that part of the initial claim process is registering with the Illinois Employment Service system at illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov. You also may register at an IDES office.
Managing Your Unemployment Benefits
One of the key elements of managing your regular unemployment benefits is your bi-weekly certification. Certifying is a process you will complete for the first time two weeks after you have filed your initial claim. To continue receiving unemployment compensation, you must certify that you are available and actively seeking work. In addition, you will need to report any income earned during the two-week benefit period.
During the process, you will answer basic questions about your employment status. The best way to do so is online. You may submit weekly certification online Monday through Friday, from 3 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
You also may file your unemployment claim by telephone using Tele-Serve.
How Do I Appeal a Decision?
If you disagree with a decision regarding your claim, you have the option to request an appeal. You will receive an official notice of your decision, which will outline the specific steps you should take to request an appeal, including the mailing address and fax number for submitting your written request for appeal.
Illinois law stipulates that you must file your appeal within 30 days of the mailing date on your decision notice.
Reporting Fraud
Unemployment fraud, including identity theft, is a significant crime that lessens the integrity of Illinois’ unemployment insurance benefits program and diverts resources from Illinois workers who need them.
Whether it constitutes providing false information, stealing another’s identity, or failing to report income, a fraudulent claim for unemployment insurance is taken seriously in Illinois. You are strongly encouraged to make a report if you suspect someone of fraudulently collecting unemployment assistance.
Illinois Unemployment Office Locations
Edwards County Unemployment Office | 334 Industrial DriveRoute 4 Box 136Albion, IL 62806 | 618-445-2379 |
Union County Unemployment Office | 1000 N. Main StreetPO Box 439Anna, IL 62906 | 618-833-7431 |
Cook County Unemployment Office | 723 Algonquin RoadJim Ballee Resource CenterArlington Heights, IL 60005 | 847-437-9424 |
Kane County Unemployment Office | 143 First StreetBatavia, IL 60510 | 630-762-2120 |
Cass County Unemployment Office | 109 White Pine LaneBeardstown, IL 62618 | 217-323-1859 |
Unemployment Office – Belleville | 4519 West Main Street, FL 001Belleville, IL 62226 | 618-277-3090 |
The Workforce Connection – Belvidere | 530 S. State St.Suite 105Belvidere, IL 61008 | 815-547-9616 |
Kankakee Workforce Services | 450 N. KinzieKankakee Community CollegeBradley, IL 60915 | 815-802-8960 |
Illinois Employment and Training Center | 2207 Poplar StreetCairo, IL 62914 | 618-734-9034 |
Career Link – Fulton County | 111 N. Main StreetFulton SquareCanton, IL 61520 | 309-647-2946 |
Unemployment Office – Carlinville | 116 S. Plum St.P.O. Box 260Carlinville, IL 62626 | 217-854-9642 |
Unemployment Office – Clinton County | 930 Fairfax StreetCarlyle, IL 62231 | 618-594-4520 |
Unemployment Office – Carmi | 1700 College Ave.Carmi, IL 62821 | 618-252-6020 |
Unemployment Office – Carterville | 700 Logan College DriveCarterville, IL 62918 | 618-985-2828 |
Unemployment Office – Centralia | 2005 East McCord St.Centralia, IL 62801 | 618-545-3250 |
Unemployment Office – Centralia | 27210 College RoadCentralia, IL 62801 | 618-545-3113 |
Unemployment Office – Champaign | 1307 North Mattis Ave.Room 202Champaign, IL 61821 | 217-531-8282 |
Career Center – Randolph County | 1 Taylor StreetSuite 104Chester, IL 62233 | 618-826-4709 |
America Works of Illinois, Inc. | 205 W. Randolph StreetSuite 920Chicago, IL 60606 | 312-726-5627 |
Chicago Workforce Center | 4314 S. Cottage Grove AveSecond FloorChicago, IL 60653 | 773-538-5627 |
Unemployment Office – Pilsen | 1700 W. 18th St.Chicago, IL 60608 | 312-994-8300 |
Northside American Job Center | 1145 W. WilsonSuite 1917Chicago, IL 60640 | 773-334-4747 |
Job Center – Daley College | 7500 S. Pulaski Rd.Building 100Chicago, IL 60652 | 773-884-7000 |
American Job Center – Daley College | 7500 South Pulaski RoadBuilding 100Chicago, IL 60652 | 773-884-7000 |
Westside American Job Center | 605 S. Albany AvenueFirst FloorChicago, IL 60612 | 773-722-3885 |
American Job Center at Prairie State College | 202 S. Halsted St.ATOC Building, Suite 148Chicago Heights, IL 60411 | 708-709-7975 |
Vermilion County Workforce Development Center | 407 North FranklinDanville, IL 61832 | 217-442-0296 |
Illinois workNet Center – Decatur | 757 West Pershing RoadDecatur, IL 62526 | 217-875-8750 |
DeKalb Workforce Development Office | 650B North Peace RoadDekalb, IL 60115 | 815-901-0177 |
BEST Inc. – Dixon Access Site | 112 E. 2nd St.Dixon, IL 61021 | 815-288-1260 |
Illinois workNet Center – Effingham | 2311 Hoffman Dr.Effingham, IL 62401 | 217-342-4382 |
Kane County – Unemployment Office | 270 N. GroveElgin, IL 60120 | 847-742-2411 |
Hardin/Pope County Affiliate Center | 147 North Main StreetElizabethtown, IL 62931 | 618-287-8880 |
Career Link – Woodford County | 1950 S. Main StreetEureka, IL 61530 | 309-467-4445 |
Wayne County Satellite | 2004 W. Delaware StreetFairfield, IL 62837 | 618-842-2962 |
The Workforce Connection – Freeport | 27 W. StephensonFreeport, IL 61032 | 815-315-1830 |
Unemployment Office – Galena | 9483 W. US Highway 20Galena, IL 61036 | 815-777-6177 |
Lake County Workforce Development | 19351 W. Washington St.College of Lake County C175Grayslake, IL 60030 | 847-986-1511 |
Southwestern Illinois workNet – Bond County | 209 North Third St.,Suite CGreenville, IL 62246 | 618-545-3473 |
Saline County Unemployment Office | 14 Veterans DriveHarrisburg, IL 62946 | 618-252-2680 |
Career Link – Mason County | 114 W. Adams StreetHavana, IL 62644 | 309-543-1035 |
Career Link – Marshall County | 509 Front StreetHenry, IL 61537 | 309-364-4120 |
The Job Center – Jacksonville | 814 West StreetJacksonville, IL 62650 | 217-243-5846 |
The Job Center – Jerseyville | 301 West ExchangeJerseyville, IL 62052 | 618-498-1778 |
IDES North Chicago Street | 250 North Chicago StreetJoliet, IL 60432 | 815-740-5101 |
Workforce Center of Will County | 2400 Glenwood AvenueJoliet, IL 60435 | 815-727-4444 |
Pulaski County Satellite – Karnak | 530 West WashingtonP.O. Box 298Karnak, IL 62956 | 618-634-2201 |
Illinois Worknet Center – Lawrenceville | 700 E State StreetP.O. Box 96Lawrenceville, IL 62439 | 618-943-4442 |
Illinois workNet Center – Logan County | 2201 Woodlawn RoadHeartland Community College #200Lincoln, IL 62656 | 217-558-4287 |
workNet Center- DuPage | 2525 Cabot DriveSuite 302Lisle, IL 60532 | 630-955-2030 |
The Job Center- Litchfield, An Illinois workNet Center | 108 E Columbian Blvd. SouthUnit BLitchfield, IL 62056 | 217-324-2640 |
McDonough County Workforce Office | 440 N. LafayetteSuite 110Macomb, IL 61455 | 309-837-1280 |
Unemployment Office – Marion | 3000 W DeYoung St Suite 800-BMarion, IL 62959 | 618-998-9570 |
CEFS, An Illinois workNet Partner – Mattoon | 109 N. 16th St.Mattoon, IL 61938 | 217-279-0371 |
West Suburban Cook County American Job Center | 1701 South 1st AvenueSuite 10Maywood, IL 60153 | 708-223-2652 |
Hamilton County Unemployment Office | 110 E. JeffersonMcLeansboro, IL 62859 | 618-643-2161 |
Massac County Satellite | 1 Superman Square Room 1CMetropolis, IL 62960 | 618-524-2941 |
Warren County Workforce Office | 1025 S. 2nd StreetMonmouth, IL 61462 | 309-734-4745 |
Illinois workNet Center – Piatt County | 1115 N. State St.Suite 111Monticello, IL 61856 | 217-762-8404 |
Grundy Workforce Services | 725 School StreetMorris, IL 60450 | 815-942-0566 |
Wabash County Unemployment Office | 119 W 12th StreetMt. Carmel, IL 62863 | 618-262-4151 |
Unemployment Office – Mt. Carroll | 301 N. MainMt. Carroll, IL 61053 | 815-244-2522 |
Brown County Workforce Office | 206 S. West Cross St.Mt. Sterling, IL 62353 | 217-285-2216 |
Unemployment Office — Washington County | 101 E. St. Louis St.Nashville, IL 62263 | 618-327-4191 |
Career Link- McLean County | 705 E. Lincoln Street Suite 110Normal, IL 61761 | 309-807-1386 |
Cook County American Job Center | 7222 W Cermak Rd Suite 301North Riverside, IL 60546 | 708-222-3100 |
Illinois Valley Community College Career Services | 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave.Oglesby, IL 61348 | 815-224-0370 |
Unemployment Office – Olney | 305 North West Street Room 208AOlney, IL 62450 | 618-392-7777 |
Illinois workNet Center – Ford County | 258 W. State St.Paxton, IL 60957 | 217-579-1010 |
Career Link – Tazewell County | 2956 Court StreetPekin, IL 61554 | 309-347-8492 |
Career Link – Peoria County | 406 Elm StreetPO Box 5021Peoria, IL 61605 | 309-321-0260 |
Unemployment Office – Menard County | 117 North 7thMenard County Housing AuthorityPetersburg, IL 62675 | 217-558-4268 |
Illinois workNet Center – Menard County | 117 N. 7th StreetPetersburg, IL 62675 | 217-558-4268 |
Pike County Workforce Center | 120 S. Madison StreetPittsfield, IL 62363 | 217-285-2216 |
Livingston Workforce Services | 211 E Madison Street Suite 3Pontiac, IL 61764 | 309-268-8280 |
Unemployment Office – Princeton | 225 E. Backbone Rd.PO Box 597Princeton, IL 61356 | 815-872-0255 |
Quincy Workforce Service Center | 107 N. 3rdQuincy, IL 62301 | 309-671-3157 |
Illinois WorkNet Center – Robinson | 102 W. Main St.Suite 283, P.O. Box 838Robinson, IL 62454 | 618-544-3858 |
American Job Center | 500 42nd StreetRock Island, IL 61201-2155 | 309-788-7587 |
The Workforce Connection – Rockford | 303 N. Main St.Rockford, IL 61101 | 815-547-9616 |
Schuyler County Workforce Office | 233 N. Congress StreetRushville, IL 62681 | 217-322-6916 |
The Job Center – Shelbyville | 515 North CedarShelbyville, IL 62565 | 217-774-5550 |
Safer Foundation (South Holland) | 249 W. 162nd StreetSouth Holland, IL 60473 | 708-596-0037 |
Illinois workNet Center – Springfield | 1300 South Ninth StreetSpringfield, IL 62703 | 217-524-5996 |
NCI Works One Stop Center – Sterling | 2323 E. LincolnwaySterling, IL 61350 | 815-433-4550 |
Illinois workNet Center – Christian County | 800 Spresser StreetSouth Building Room 1109Taylorville, IL 62568 | 217-558-4283 |
Pulaski County Satellite | 8364 Shawnee College RoadShawnee Community CollegeUllin, IL 62992 | 618-634-3293 |
Illinois WorkNet Center – Vandalia | 517 West GallatinVandalia, IL 62471 | 618-283-2780 |
Illinois Worknet – Monroe County | 100 South Main Street Room 19Waterloo, IL 62298 | 618-939-3332 |
Illinois workNet Center – Iroquois County | 1001 East Grant StreetWatseka, IL 60970 | 815-432-5246 |
Job Center of Lake County – Waukegan | 1 North Genesee, 1st FloorWaukegan, IL 60085 | 847-377-3450 |
Illinois workNet – Wood River | 101 East Edwardsville RoadWood River, IL 62095 | 618-296-4301 |
McHenry County Workforce Center | 500 Russel CourtWoodstock, IL 60098 | 815-338-7100 |
Career Link – Stark County | 106 E. Williams StreetWyoming, IL 61491 | 309-606-9060 |
Illinois WorkNet Center – Kendall | 811 West John StreetYorkville, IL 60560 | 630-553-8303 |