IDES is your direct link to Illinois workforce services: job placement and referrals, unemployment insurance, employment and training programs, career and labor market information, payroll tax filing, and more!

The Employment Situation:  August 2008

Washington, DC (9/5) – The national unemployment rate rose from 5.7 to 6.1 percent in August, and nonfarm payroll employment continued to trend down (-84,000), the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. In August, employment fell in manufacturing and employment services, while mining and health care continued to add jobs. >> more

Also available: Statement by BLS Commissioner

Apply for Unemployment Insurance Online

Fast, easy, and no lines. Illinois now offers improved and expanded internet filing for most unemployment claims.  >> Start your application.

Beginning July 31, 2008, IDES will begin paying UI benefits by Debit Card on new benefit year claims unless the Direct Deposit option is chosen. >> click for more details

How are unemployment benefits claimed?  What is "certification"?

Information on Emergency Unemployment Insurance Benefits

News & Announcements

US Postal Service Delay in Delivery of September 3 Unemployment Checks

Chicago (9/11) – Maureen O’Donnell, Director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, today expressed her concern and outlined two options for clients who have not received their September 3 unemployment checks due to a US Postal Service error. >> more

View locations and dates of IDES' 3rd Annual Statewide Veterans' Job Fair '08 here

Metro Area Unemployment Rates Increase Over the Year Throughout Illinois

Chicago (8/21) – All twelve metropolitan areas in Illinois posted over-the-year unemployment rate increases, according to data released by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and IDES. Seven metropolitan areas recorded their highest unemployment rates on record for the month of July. >> more

Also available: Calendar Dates for Unemployment Data Releases | Map of Illinois Counties

Jobs Decrease and Unemployment Increases During July in Illinois and the Nation

Chicago (8/14) – Reflecting national economic trends, the seasonally adjusted Illinois unemployment rate was 7.3% in July, up 0.5 points from June, according to data released by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and IDES. The unemployment rate is the highest since September 1993 (7.5%) and represents the third consecutive over-the-month increase, a surge of 1.9 points since April. >> more

Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Workers Affected by Severe Storms in Four More Counties

Springfield (7/8) – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced that residents of four more counties who became unemployed due to severe storms and flooding beginning June 1, 2008, might be eligible for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The assistance is available as part of the federal disaster declaration that was secured by the Governor after the storms. There are now 18 Illinois counties covered by DUA, up from 14 last week.

>> Governor's News Release | Initial Announcement | Disaster Declaration | Mississippi Floods: Disaster Assessment for Illinois Labor Markets

Mississippi Floods: Disaster Assessment for Illinois Labor Markets

Springfield – To provide some empirical basis for disaster assessment of Illinois labor markets, this information was generated from the Local Employment Dynamics program, a joint IDES/Census national statistical program. >> Get the assessment

Women and Minorities in the Illinois Labor Force

Chicago – In response to the Progress of Women and Minorities in the Workforce Act (PA 87-0405), the annual update to the employment progress of women and minorities in the Illinois workforce has been reported. This report tracks the status of women and minorities in the state’s labor force based on the most currently available data. >> Read the entire report here.

Report to the General Assembly on Bilingual Staff

Chicago – As the demand for additional bilingual frontline staff or other language needs increases across the State of Illinois, IDES is prepared to meet the standard for ensuring effective delivery of essential services. IDES has submitted its report on bilingual frontline staff in the department to the General Assembly. >> Get the full report here.