Illinois Unemployment Contact Information

Illinois Unemployment Contact Information

Illinois Unemployment Phone Numbers

For jobless residents of Illinois, unemployment benefits can provide a welcome relief. These benefits are issued by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). With IDES, you can apply for benefits, sign in to request benefits, upload documents, and even start browsing for jobs by clicking through to the Illinois Job Link page. There is also a claimant services phone number which is 800-244-5631. You can apply for UI benefits over the phone if using the online portal is difficult.

Illinois Unemployment Phone Numbers

DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBER HELP AVAILABLE
Claimant Services Center (800) 244-5631 Ask questions about your unemployment benfits or ILogin questions
Benefit Payment Control (800) 814-0513 Report unemployment fraud and identity theft
Employer Services Center (800) 247-4984 For employers
IllinoisJobLink.com Help Desk (877) 342-7533 Get help finding a job or using your IllinoisJobLink.com account
Appointment Scheduling (217) 558-0401 Schedule an in-person or phone appointment

Find answers to questions on Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim, address change, appeal, Direct Deposit, expired password, Extended Benefits, tax form 1099, unemployment appeal or other IDES services for individuals.

Additional Illinois Unemployment Phone Numbers

Unemployment Insurance

Contact IDES if you have questions about an unemployment insurance (UI) claims, certification and payment, ILogin, appeals, and more:
Phone Number: (800) 244-5631


Unemployment Certification

Tele-Serve Phone Number: (312) 338-4337
Hours: 3:00AM – 7:30PM, Monday – Friday


Illinois Relay and TTY Numbers

Individuals with a hearing impairment who would like to speak with someone in the Claimant Services Center should dial 711 for the Illinois Relay System. After you are connected, request staff to call IDES at 800.244.5631.

Illinois Relay: (800) 526-0844 TTY or 711

Illinois Relay: (800) 526-0857 Voice or 711


IllinoisJobLink.com Help Desk

Need help with your login information?
Phone Number: (877) 342-7533


Fraud and Identity Theft Phone Numbers

Report fraud and identity theft:
Phone Number: (800) 814-0513

Fax Number: (312) 793-5151

 


Illinois Unemployment Office Locations

If you want to go to an IDES office in person, scroll down to find the closest IDES office location. There are many unemployment offices throughout the state, and over half a dozen around the greater urban area of Chicago and suburbs like Naperville. However, you need to make an appointment before visiting.

Illinois Office Locations

Name Location Phone
Edwards County Satellite Unemployment Office 334 Industrial Drive Route 4 Box 136 Albion, IL 62806 618-445-2379
workNet Batavia Unemployment Office 143 First Street Batavia, IL 60510 630-762-2120
Illinois workNet Center - Cass County 109 White Pine Lane Beardstown, IL 62618 217-323-1859
Illinois workNet Center - American Job Center - Belleville 7650 Magna Drive Suite #120 Belleville, IL 62223 618-277-3090
The Workforce Connection - Belvidere 600 S. State St. 2nd Floor Belvidere, IL 61008 815-547-9616
Kankakee Workforce Services 450 N. Kinzie Kankakee Community College Bradley, IL 60915 815-802-8960
Career Link - Fulton County Unemployment Office 111 N. Main Street Fulton Square Canton, IL 61520 309-647-2946
or 309-647-7017
The Job Center-Carlinville  - An Illinois workNet Center 116 S. Plum St. P.O. Box 260 Carlinville, IL 62626 217-854-9642
Southwestern Illinois-WorkNet Center - Clinton County 930 Fairfax Street Carlyle, IL 62231 618-594-4520
Illinois workNet Center - Carmi 1700 College Ave. Carmi, IL 62821 618-252-6020
John A. Logan College Career Services 700 Logan College Drive Carterville, IL 62918 618-985-2828 ext. 8424
CEFS, An Illinois workNet Partner - Centralia 2005 East McCord St. Centralia, IL 62801 618-545-3252
Kaskaskia College 27210 College Road Centralia, IL 62801 618-545-3113
Illinois WorkNet Center - Champaign 1307 North Mattis Avenue. Room 202 Champaign, IL 61821 217-531-8282
Southwestern Illinois WorkNet Center - Randolph County No. 1 Taylor Street Suite 104 Chester, IL 62233 618-826-4709
America Works of Illinois, Inc. 205 W. Randolph Street Suite 920 Chicago, IL 60606 312-726-5627
Chicago Workforce Center - Mid-South Martin Luther King Human Service Center 4314 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Second Floor Chicago, IL 60653 773-538-5627
Near West American Job Center 1700 W. 18th St. Chicago, IL 60608 312-994-8300
Northside American Job Center at Truman College 1145 W. Wilson Ave. Suite 1917 Chicago, IL 60640 773-334-4747
Southwest American Job Center at Daley College 7500 S. Pulaski Rd. Building 100 Chicago, IL 60652 773-884-7000
Westside American Job Center 605 S. Albany Avenue First Floor Chicago, IL 60612 773-722-3885
South Suburban Cook County American Job Center at Prairie State College 202 S. Halsted St. ATOC Building, Suite 148 Chicago Heights, IL 60411 708-709-7975 or
855-994-8300
Vermilion County Workforce Development Center 407 North Franklin Danville, IL 61832 217-442-0296
Illinois workNet Center - Decatur 757 W. Pershing Road Decatur, IL 62526 217-875-8751
DeKalb Workforce Development Office 650B North Peace Road Suite B Dekalb, IL 60115 815-901-0177
BEST Inc. - Dixon Access Site 112 E. 2nd St. Old Lee County Courthouse Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-1260
Illinois workNet Center - Effingham 2311 Hoffman Dr. Effingham, IL 62401 217-342-4382
Workforce Development Division - Gail Borden Library 270 N. Grove St. Elgin, IL 60120 847-742-2411
Hardin/Pope County Affiliate Center 147 North Main Street Elizabethtown, IL 62931 618-287-7071
Career Link - Woodford County  (Satellite Office) 1950 S. Main Street Eureka, IL 61530 309-467-4445
Wayne County Satellite 2004 W. Delaware Street Fairfield, IL 62837 618-842-2962
The Workforce Connection - Freeport 307 W. Main St. Freeport, IL 61032 815-315-1830
Best Inc. - Galena Access Sites 9483 W. US Highway 20 An Illinois workNet Partner Galena, IL 61036 815-777-6177
Southwestern Illinois workNet - Bond County 209 North Third St., Suite C Greenville, IL 62246 618-545-3473
Career Link - Mason County 114 W. Adams Street Havana, IL 62644 309-543-1035
Career Link - Marshall County (Satellite Office) 509 Front Street Henry, IL 61537 309-364-4120
The Job Center - Jacksonville 814 West Street Jacksonville, IL 62650 217-243-5846
Jersey/Calhoun Employment & Training 120 West Pearl Street Jerseyville, IL 62052 618-498-1778
IDES North Chicago Street 250 North Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432 815-740-5101
(Appointments: 217-558-0401)
Workforce Center of Will County 2400 Glenwood Avenue Suite 100 Joliet, IL 60435 815-727-4444
Illinois Worknet Center - Lawrenceville 700 E State Street (basement of Lawrenceville City Hall); P.O. Box 96 Lawrenceville, IL 62439 618-943-4442
Illinois workNet Center - Logan County 2201 Woodlawn Road Heartland Community College  #200 Lincoln, IL 62656 217-558-4287
workNet DuPage Career Center 2525 Cabot Drive Suite 302 Lisle, IL 60532 630-955-2030
The Job Center- Litchfield, An Illinois workNet Center 108 E Coloumbian Blvd. South Unit  B Litchfield, IL 62056 217-324-2640
McDonough County Workforce Office 440 N. Lafayette Suite 110 Macomb, IL 61455 309-837-1280
American Job Center  Unemployment Office 3117 Civic Circle Blvd. Suite B Marion, 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 Avenue Suite 10 Maywood, IL 60153 708-223-2652
Hamilton County Satellite 110 E. Jefferson Mcleansboro, IL 62859 618-643-2161
Massac County Satellite 1 Superman Square Room 1C Metropolis, IL 62960 618-524-2941
Warren County Workforce Office 1025 S. 2nd Street Monmouth, IL 61462 309-734-4745
Illinois workNet Center - Piatt County 1115 N. State St. Suite 111 Monticello, IL 61856 217-850-0803
Grundy Workforce Services Unemployment Office 725 School Street Morris, IL 60450 815-942-0566
Wabash County Satellite Unemployment Office 119 W 12th Street Mt. Carmel, IL 62863 618-262-4151
Brown County Workforce Office - Mt. Sterling 206 S. West Cross St. Mt. Sterling, IL 62353 217-285-2216
Southwestern Illinois  workNet Center -- Washington County 101 E. St. Louis St. Nashville, IL 62263 618-327-4191
Career Link- McLean County Unemployment Office 705 E. Lincoln Street, Suite 110 Normal, IL 61761 309-807-1386
Southwest Suburban Cook County American Job Center 7222 W Cermak Rd. Suite 301 North Riverside, IL 60546 708-222-3100
Illinois Valley Community College - Career Services(Access Site) CLOSED. 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave. Oglesby, IL 61348 815-224-0370
CEFS, An Illinois workNet Partner - Olney 305 North West Street OCC, Room 208A Olney, 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 Street Pekin, IL 61554 309-347-8492
Career Link - Peoria County Unemployment Office 406 Elm Street PO Box 5021 Peoria, IL 61605 309-321-0260
Illinois workNet - Menard County Unemployment Office 101 W. Sheridan Menard County Housing Authority Petersburg, IL 62675 217-524-6096
Pike County Workforce Center 120 S. Madison Street Pittsfield, IL 62363 217-285-2216
Livingston Workforce Services Unemployment Office 211 E Madison Street Suite 3 Pontiac, IL 61764 309-268-8280
BEST Inc.- Princeton Access Sites - An Illinois workNet Partner 225 E. Backbone Rd. PO Box 597 Princeton, IL 61356 815-872-0255
Quincy Workforce Service Center 107 N. 3rd St. An Illinois workNet Center Quincy, IL 62301 217-224-8171
Illinois WorkNet Center - Robinson 102 W. Main St. Suite 283, P.O. Box  838 Robinson, IL 62454 618-544-3858
American Job Center 500 42nd Street 4 Rock Island, IL 61201-2155 309-788-7587
The Workforce Connection - Rockford 303 N. Main St. 3rd Floor An Illinois workNet Center Rockford, IL 61101 815-847-7574
Schuyler County Workforce Office - Rushville 233 N. Congress Street Rushville, IL 62681 217-285-2216
Shelby County Job Center 515 North Cedar Shelbyville, IL 62565 217-774-5550
Safer Foundation (South Holland) 249 W. 162nd Street South Holland, IL 60473 708-596-0037
Illinois workNet Center - Springfield Unemployment Office 1300 South Ninth Street Springfield, IL 62703 217-524-5996
Illinois workNet Center - Christian County 800 Spresser Street South Building Room 1109 Taylorville, IL 62568 217-558-4283
or 217-786-2814
Illinois WorkNet Center - Vandalia Unemployment Office 517 West Gallatin Vandalia, IL 62471 618-283-2780
Southwestern Illinois Worknet - Monroe County 100 South Main Street Room 19 Waterloo, IL 62298 618-939-3332
Illinois workNet Center - Iroquois County 1001 East Grant Street Watseka, IL 60970 815-432-5246
Job Center of Lake County - Waukegan 1 North Genesee, 1st Floor An Illinois workNet Center Waukegan, IL 60085 847-377-3450
North Suburban Cook County American Job Center 1400 S. Wolf Road Suite 200 Wheeling Illinois, IL 60090 847-484-8187
Southwestern Illinois workNet - Wood River 101 East Edwardsville Road An Illinois workNet Center Wood River, IL 62095 618-296-4301
McHenry County Workforce Center 500 Russel Court An Illinois workNet Center Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-7100 ext. 2771
Career Link - Stark County Unemployment Office 106 E. Williams Street Wyoming, IL 61491 309-606-9060
or 309-606-9061
Illinois WorkNet Center - Kendall Unemployment Office 811 West John Street Yorkville, IL 60560 630-553-8303

In-Person Appointments

Many individuals collecting Illinois unemployment benefits will navigate the entire process remotely, including filing their initial Illinois unemployment claims and maintaining eligibility requirements like their job search. But some individuals making an unemployment claim might feel a benefit from visiting an unemployment office in person, either to get help in person entering the unemployment system (e.g. applying for benefits) or by leveraging a claimant services center into something more than customer service: that is, as a tool for getting a new job.

To schedule an in-person appointment, call 217-558-0401. You must have an appointment as walk-ins are not allowed. There are no appointments required to use the drop boxes to drop off documents.

Services provided at IDES locations include:

  • Logging on to the unemployment compensation system and/or Job Link
  • Responding to a request to verify ID or other additional information in order to collect benefits (if, for instance, there is suspicion of fraudulent activity)
  • Assistance documenting job search activities, and requests to use the resource room. Locations also have a drop box for dropping off documents

Appointment times will be booked between Monday and Friday, anywhere from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Depending on the nature of the appointment, time slots run between 20 to 50 minutes. You cannot arrive at an IDES office as a walk-in, and if you attempt to do so you will be directed to call the appointment hotline and schedule an appointment. You must bring a photo ID to your appointment (which protects everyone from unemployment fraud).

If your meeting about your Illinois unemployment requires some additional documentation to be furnished (e.g. details of your previous work history or a record of your current job search while you are collecting benefits), you must bring that with you as well.

Employment Security Offices, State of Illinois

There is a 10 minute grace period that allows you to be late, but if you arrive beyond that, you will need to schedule another appointment. Although the COVID pandemic seems to be over, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) still recommends wearing masks in public locations. If you have been experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or been exposed to someone with COVID-19 up to 14 days prior to your appointment, you will need to reschedule.

Information To Have When Contacting IDES

If you are contacting IDES to start your Illinois unemployment application, you should have some information ready:

  • You will need your Social Security number and must provide your name as it appears on your Social Security card
  • You will need a driver’s license or a state ID card.
  • If you are going to claim a spouse or child as a dependent, you will also need their Social Security number, birthday, and name.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide your Alien Registration Information
  • If you recently became a Veteran, a Member 4 Copy of the DD form 214/215.
  • If you were a civilian employee of the federal government, you will need Standard Form 8 and Personnel Action Form 50.

In order to collect UI benefits, you will also need to provide information about your work history and earnings. More specifically, you will need the business name, mailing address, phone number, and employment dates for every employer you worked for in the past 18 months.

You will also need to provide a reason for termination or separation for each employer, not just the most recent place at which you were an employee. Income information is needed to determine your weekly benefit amount when you file your bi-weekly certification. That said, you should also have wage records like paycheck stubs or payroll information such as a W-2.

If you are already collecting unemployment insurance benefits and contacting IDES to file your biweekly certification, you will need to provide information about any income you have earned during the weeks in which you file for benefits. IDES requests that you report your gross wages, not your take-home pay. Additionally, you are technically supposed to report “wages” paid in the form of lodging, meals, or merchandise.

You are also supposed to report any pensions you are receiving, but you are not required to report income from Social Security.

  1. I tried to file a claim online, and after putting in my driver’s license info, it told me there was incorrect information. I re-typed everything again, and it told me something along the lines of “You cannot file for unemployment online at this time,” and it gave me a number to call. When I tried one more time, it told me there were too many attempts and to wait 24 hours (!!!). Really?

    So I tried to file a claim by calling 800-244-5631. Of course, there’s nowhere obvious on the site that tells the days and hours of operation at this number. But I basically had to choose the option for a callback.

  2. I have filed a claim 3/30/2022 and from then to now 6/15/2022 I have not had any payment come through, I have been certifying every two weeks, been on the job board almost every day applying, and have gotten a letter in the mail saying how much I’ll be getting but still nothing has come.

  3. I need to get a corrected 1099G. Someone stole my identity and filed unemployment under my social. I have filed a police report and reported the crime with the Illinois Department of Employment Security. I did not receive any unemployment money or benefits. How do I get my corrected 1099G? Thanks.

    • Good luck they made me pay it all bacand the same thing happened to me they won’t send the money to you. And it’s impossible to get a hold of anyone takes days for them to call you back

    • Dear Julia,
      Please contact the Illinoise unemployment office immediately. I am surprised law enforcement didn’t instruct you to take this step. The state will send a corrected Form 1099-G to the IRS to document that you did you not receive benefits.

      Please call as many times as you need to–it can be difficult to reach someone.

      Best,

      Jean

  4. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SIGN UP FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR 2 OR 3 HOURS AND CANNOT GET THROUGH YOU MAZE.

    I WORKED FOR AN ILLINOIS COMPANY REMOTELY AND I NEED TO FILE MY UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIM
    MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS

  5. Have continued Unemployment benefits for 3 cycles now. I’m still active in the system, and have Benefits balance available for at least 13 weeks. Filing benefits online very 2 weeks. Have NOT received payments since then. I understand the cancellation of benefits payment since Sep 2021, and know that congress is debating to continue EB. May I ask for an update on when the EB will be passed so I can continue to collect my benefits? Than You

  6. I try and file a claim online and get all the way to where it wants to know my union local hall number. Then when I go to enter it in it’s blank and won’t let me enter it in. When I call to get help the lines are either too busy and won’t let you call, your on hold for hours upon hours waiting or they put you on a call back list and don’t get called back. They have jobs so they don’t give a rats ass. What about us that are living on one income and she only makes minimum wage and we have 3 kids? GIVE ME A CALL BACK.

    • Nathan,

      Please note this is a private forum and we do not have access to your claim file. Please follow up directly with the office.

  7. The address that is given for Belleville, IL is incorrect. They have moved to a new location. What is the new address? Also are they open now? I have tried to go to this employment office several times and it has been closed.

    • Gina,

      Thank you for the note. We will have it validated. Please visit the official Unemployment Office’s website for accurate locations.

  8. I have been tryng to certify for 2 pay periods now and no success I have called every number listed leaving voicemails I even add myself in the call back que I have not received a call back I’m under so much stress because my bills are piling up and no one talk to. whenever I certify for benefits its telling me to call 800-244-5631 but ofcourse I cant speak to no one I have called over 100x in the past month.

    • I got a callback today (Friday) from a message I left on Tuesday morning. The caller was unable to help. Spent two hours going in circles and then informed me that I would get a call-back in an hour. No call-back yet. Two hours or more have gone by. I am patiently waiting. I need login access to submit my unemployment claims. The new login situation has presented a challenge for the unemployed as well as for staff supporting the system. Hopefully it will be fixed soon and we start receiving our dues.

        • Jeff has more excuses then a kindergartner. The system is broke literally and monetarily. Our government has failed miserably. I called the benefits hotline and got redirected to a medical call out device company (life alert) . That has nothing to do with my current situation nor anyone else here

      • Hi MY ONLINE UNEMPLOYMENT ACCOUNT IS AND ITS BEEN LOCKED SINCE MARCH 31,2021 I CANT CERTIFY NO BENEFITS ON MY DEBIT CARD.I HAVENT HAD A payment. Since December 6, 2020 bills piled up to the limit I m about to be evicted HELP PLEASE

        • The “revised” website is a piece of GARBAGE. Can’t log on and if you do, you’re staring at a blank page that only says your login was successful. NO FUNCTIONALITY AVAILABLE.

        • Sam,
          This is a serious problem. None of these numbers work. Filing a claim on the IDES site does not work. I called and followed the directions and NO CALLBACK. I suggest you hire more people or fire the ones who cant efficiently do their job. This is pathetic that a government office cant get it together and help people that need money to eat and survive. This is unacceptable, How do you people sleep at night knowing people can not contact ANYONE at your office. Through phone and computer.
          Instead of giving people the run around give us a working number so we can get our unemployment SECURITY. The IDES has a glitch too unbelievable….. This is not acceptable. I think the news stations should do a story about the incompetence of IDES.

    • Patrice,

      I can understand your situation. There will be a delay considering the number of applications that are being processed. Please continue chasing the office/check your status online at regular intervals until payments normalize.

  9. I recently moved to CA after working my entire life in IL. Finding work out here has been difficult so I filed for UI with CA-EDD as instructed. I received a letter today from IL-IDES telling me I’ve been approved but my benefits will deposited into an account they say is mine but I do not recognize and cannot access. I have unable to reach a live human being in either state to help rectify the situation as they’re NOT taking calls and there are NO local offices open. Any suggestions?

    • Brian,

      I can understand your situation. Please try checking the claim status online or call the Unemployment Office.

      • I tried to change my mailing address and they suspended my payment told me I had to call in every time I try to call in it goes all the way through to the end and then it says there is a problem with your call back it has been two weeks since I first called still no call back I am getting very worried because my rent is due

        • They just did me the same way I tried to change my address and all I did was ask said I need to change my address My payment was due today for my unemployment and all of a sudden it’s suspended and they told me to call that number and I called the number and they said they put me on up Call back yesterday and I’ve been waiting and waiting for a call back and never received one and then I try to get they said you can’t make more than one call back schedule so I don’t know what to do I promise this new like I Lord that I would give her the rest of my money today now my stuff is suspended and it’s it’s so me and stuff because all I did was a damn adjust change really what do I do

        • Nicole,

          Please consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity if safe and feasible (you might be required to book an appointment prior on the website).

        • I got a letter after I certified that something was wrong. But I can’t reach anyone. I left my number but no one calls back. Also where is my 1099g form?

        • I’m having the same issue. I changed my address and now I’m not getting my payments. This is so frustrating!

  10. I moved to California after having worked in Illinois all my life. I have been unable to secure employment here and so filed for UI benefits through CA-EDD. I received a letter from Illinois saying I was approved for benefits but my funds are going be deposited into an account that I do not recognize and therefore cannot access. I have been unable to get in touch with a live human being in either state to try and rectify this issue and all offices are closed. Any suggestions?

      • I have been trying to apply for my unemployment for the last two weeks and call the number giving to get my username so I can reset my password but no one has called me back and instead of letting us reset it online we have to call to get our user name because I do not know my claimant ID. I have been off work a month and I have bills to pay, rent to pay and kids to provide for. This is horrible and needs to be fixed immediately. I need to get some type of income in my home due to right now it is hard to get a job with this pandemic.

        • Roseanna,

          It looks like there will be no response anytime soon. Please consider the option of visiting the nearest Unemployment Office if feasible.

  11. I really don’t understand what is going on with receiving UI benefits. I applied 4/28/20 and spoke to an Administrative Judge who approve my benefits on 5/7/2020 (according to the received letter), but here it is 6/4/2020 and I haven’t received NOTHING. So my questions are: How am I suppose to survive without monies and How long does one wait after being approved for benefits????? Also I tried to call for more than 2 hours and was not successful. This is ridiculous…

    • Michael,

      I can understand your situation. Please wait for an update from the office. There will be thousands of applications for the office to be processed. Make sure to check the status at regular intervals.

  12. I just found out from Social Security website that my employer has not reported my wages for the last 3 years. So I do not qualify for benefits.
    I mailed an appeal of the finding along with my w-2’s and a copy of each paycheck she gave me to the Springfield office.

    I am unemployed right now and I have been off work for over 2 months now. I need to straighten this out; but I can’t reach a single human being. There is nowhere on the website that I can fix this. This is causing a hardship.

    • Rachel,

      I can understand your situation. Please wait for an update from the office. There will be thousands of applications for the office to be processed. Make sure to check the status at regular intervals.

  13. I work for a non profit business in Illinois we had to close due to this corena virus I worked there for 7 years can I draw unemployment . I filed and they show my amount is 000 am I still able to collect with what the government is offering

    • Robin,

      We understand this might be a difficult time for you. We’re anticipating a shortage of staff across unemployment offices due to the massive surge in UI applications considering the pandemic. We advise against calling or visiting the office, as you may not get a response instantly.

      Your state may have activated “Extended Benefits (EB)” authorized by the federal government. We recommend you apply for UI benefits online. For more information, please visit your state’s official Unemployment website.

  14. Every single phone line is busy. I cannot get ahold of anyone for the past week and I emailed a few days ago with no response. I cannot log into my IllinoisJobLink account and my unemployment will not go through and tomorrow it says I am ineligible if I don’t sign up for JobLink by 5pm tomorrow. I am really hoping I can get through and talk to someone today.

    • Ryan,

      We understand this might be a difficult time for you. We’re anticipating a shortage of staff across unemployment offices due to the massive surge in UI applications considering the pandemic. We advise against calling or visiting the office, as you may not get a response instantly.

      Your state may have activated “Extended Benefits (EB)” authorized by the federal government. We recommend you apply for UI benefits online. For more information, please visit your state’s official Unemployment website.

  15. I keep getting a busy signal and the other phone numbers provided do not work. Is this the case for anyone else?

  16. For people that have lost their jobs due to COVID19 or its impact, we’re offering free career coaching services to get people back on their feet. Can we help your office handle the large volume I’m sure you’re dealing with?

    People can visit alvcoaching.com/job-search-starter/ to book a free session. Please let anyone who needs our help know that we’re here for them!

  17. I was in a car accident Dec 2, 2019, I went on STD leave and my company was great about it but sadly im still not released to go back to work and my STD (short term disability) is up today March 3rd 2020. I was let go because they could not keep my position open any longer. I believe im qualified for LTD but not sure until they review my case. Would I qualify for unemployment if I don’t qualify for LTD? I see my Neurologist March 5th about what my possible return to work date will be. I should inform you that I have only been in the current position for 6 months prior to my car accident, I did collect unemployment for a very brief time a couple months about 20 years ago when I worked at a seasonal job.

    • Shawna,

      We hope you get well soon. I suggest you call the Unemployment Office to inquire about your eligibility.

  18. Was involuntarily placed on an unpaid leave of absence, I did not resign/quit nor was I fired. Do I qualify for unemployment? If so, what items do I need to bring with me when I file?

    • Maggie,

      You should be able to claim with basic documents. I suggest you get started with the process. The documentation part will follow.

    • Terry,

      You can simply stop claiming your weekly benefit/call the Unemployment Office to inform the authorities about the change in employment status.

  19. Hello, Is there a place to find what constitutes as national holiday(s) for UI benefits certification process? The office is closed and I don’t want to miss holiday pay or mistakenly report holiday pay. Anyone/anywhere I can find this information on a list to be used for the to certify for the certification process?

    P.S. if certify w/o national holiday information will UI benefits automatically be added to next benefits or will I lose out?

    Thanks.

    • Angela,

      Please call the Unemployment Office since UI benefits are generally not extended to claimants who lose their job due to voluntary reasons.

  20. Is an employer able to change a full time position to a part time position and with no notice after 3 years of service?

    • Sue,

      I am not sure of a definite answer to your question. Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for details.

    • Keisha,

      You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  21. Can I Get Unemployment If I Quit My Job?
    My father is terminally ill and is the caregiver to my mother, if I quit my job in order to take care of both of them since I’m the only child is that considered good cause? since there is no other care provider.

    • Dave,

      Unfortunately, personal reasons are generally not considered. You may consider calling the Unemployment Office in your state for further guidance.

  22. My UI funds went into an account that I no longer have the info for as I dont have the card nor the info on the account to gain access to find out if the funds are their or not! My question is What do I have to do to get the deposited Funds Into the correct account if i dont have the info anymore to the old account?

    • Adam,

      Please call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided. With your SS or other personal info, they should be able to pull out your records.

  23. I worked in one state then transferred with the company to another state am I eligible? I also took a pay cut of 2$ an hour.
    Question 2- I’ve gotten paid more since filing in 2013 wht has my base amount not changed

    • Darlene,

      You can be eligible to claim partial unemployment benefits if the hours were reduced. Please contact the Unemployment Office for further discussion.

  24. Trying to get a hold of you guys and can not talk to anyone, a recording. Trying to reach Kathy, since Fri 1/5 to talk to her, left me a message to contact her by Mon 1/8 no later than 3pm, the number she gave me states not in service

    • Carol,

      Please note this is a private forum and we do not have access to your claim file. Please call the Unemployment Office for an update.

  25. What is considered a voluntary reason? I am in fear of loosing my job. My manager is always telling me that I make too many mistakes. I am not doing this on purpose. If I am fired, for my mistakes, would I still be eligible?

    • Michelle,

      This might be considered voluntary since it’s related to your performance. Under such circumstances, you may not be eligible to receive UI benefits.

  26. Hello I have a question I work for an agency and sometimes theres work and sometimes not. And I am pregnet i has apply online for jobs and I havent found One. If I apply for unemployment Will I get apreved because I rally need to get an income now that Im pregnat.

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  27. All I need is a phone number to talk to someone about getting a W2 copy for taxes. Finding a phone number to ask a Human for this is like finding a needle in a haystack. Communication is the worlds’ biggest problem and this is a prime example. Give us a phone number to call that works!

  28. I’ve been working for 19 years and was laid off. I exhausted my first quarter of unemployment last year. I’ve put in for jobs online and been waiting for them to call or email me to come in and start working again. I know I’ve had unemployment benefits for other quarters. How do I get started on a different quarter to help with my financial bills. Is that possible?

    • Unfortunately, UI is a one-time affair and not revolving in nature.

      Please call the Claims Center to inquire about the availability of state-sponsored benefits.

  29. My boss cursed at me on a regular basis and was not paying into Social Security and the IRS even informed me that I don’t have an employer. I was the last employee left in 3 locations. He informed me if I didn’t walk away peacefully that I would be fired. He is now paying everyone as Independent Contractors when it is very clear that they are all employees.

    • Independent contractors do not qualify for unemployment insurance. Please call the Unemployment Office for further details.

  30. How can I pay the lien in amount of 1894.00 and obtain a release.

    File # 1603239043
    Reference: 66873098131

    Lacy & Associates LLC
    Attn. Michael Lacy
    Two Mid America Plaza, Suite 800
    Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
    lacy@lacyassociates.com
    Direct Line: 630-873-3484
    Fax: 630-214-0369

    This electronic mail message contains information that (a) is or may be LEGALLY PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY IN NATURE, OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, and (b) is intended only for the use of the addressee(s) named herein. If you are not the intended recipient, an addressee, or the person responsible for delivering this to an addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, using, copying, or distributing any part of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this electronic mail message in error, please contact us immediately and take the steps necessary to delete the message completely from your computer system.

  31. I was on my job for 2yrs and I was a great worker. But the managers was very disrespectful and out of line so I quit. I want to know if I qualify for unemployment.

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  32. If your employer doesn’t deny unemployment and they have paid into it for 5 years for you then should the applicant get unemployment regardless if they were fired or laid off?

  33. I live in Illinois, but work remotely for a company in Texas, and have for the past few years. Do I file for unemployment in Texas or Illinois?

    • Please consider filing from the state where your employment is based since the employer would have remitted the relevant taxes there.

  34. I am a Chicago Public School teacher. We no longer receive money over the summer since CPS has stopped taking money from our checks throughout the school year for this to happen. If I am not working for the months of July and August, can I apply for unemployment benefits since my hours have been reduced to 0 during those months?

    • Seasonal jobs such as schooling are generally not eligible due to their obvious nature of work.

      Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state.

  35. If i file for unemployment online, is there an option for me to add my childsupport payments to be deducted from my unemployment checks? Thanks In Advance

  36. I received Ill. unemployment in 2009 and 2010. I need paperwork for Jackson Hewlett to do my taxes for that year.

  37. I need to change my pin number and its telling me to call 800-244-5631 and its busy. Been trying to call since 830 help me

    • Please see if you’re able to find option to change the PIN on the department’s official website.

      Otherwise, please try calling them during off peak hours during the day.

  38. Where do I go online to file for Illinois Unemployment Benefits? There seems to be more than one entity you can go through when I Google it, and I want to make sure I’m applying at the right place.

  39. I apply for Unemployment and I made an error where they asked me If I had any changes and I said yes because my son turn 18 in August but he is still in High school and they told me that is not a change for the Unemployment not paid me the money for my son; I had call 3 times and they said they are going to corrected and they have not done so, please can you help me, thank so much.

    • We are not associated with the labor authorities in your state.

      Please keep trying the phone during off peak hours.

  40. my question is I have been on line applying for jobs but has yet to find one and during this time I have exhausted all my unemployment funds for the first quarter, and I want to know what I have to do to continue my unemployment for a second term until I can find employment.

  41. Is there a certain time frame you have to file a claim after your last day of employment? For instance, if my last day is Aug. 31, to I have to apply within so many days?

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