Overview

To assist unemployed workers and to help stabilize a dynamic economy, IDES administers the state's Unemployment Insurance (UI) system.

Using the Tele-Serve system

From 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m, Monday through Friday, including many holidays, the IDES Tele-Serve system is a fast, safe, reliable touch-tone service that enables you to certify or claim weeks of unemployment insurance benefits over the telephone after you file for benefits.

What if the number is busy?  Call volume is particularly high early in the morning (especially Mondays). If the number is busy, WAIT, and try calling again later in the morning or in the afternoon.  Certifying early on your scheduled call date doesn't make payments come any faster.

Note: Before any benefits can be paid on a new claim, you must serve a non-paid "waiting week".  Electronic payments made to eligible individuals are generally available within 2-3 business days of certification.

Extended Unemployment Insurance Benefits (EUC 08)

What do I need to do to file for the Extension? When your regular benefits run out, an extended benefits claim (EUC) will automatically be established in most cases. Once this claim is established, you will receive a "findings" letter indicating your eligibility for the extension. In some situations where your benefit year is ending, you will receive a notice to report to your local office to determine your entitlement to Extended Benefits.  >> more

What Every Worker Should Know About Unemployment Insurance: English | en Español

Frequently asked questions by individuals:

• Benefit payments - how much, when, who is eligible?

• How are unemployment insurance (UI) claims filed?   |  Can I file an application online?

• How will I actually receive payments from IDES if I am eligible for benefits?
  (note: significant changes took effect 7/31/08)?

• How are debit cards used?

• What are the advantages of direct deposit?

• How are benefits claimed? What is certification?

• Common problems

• The appeals process | Watch a video of the appeals process

Weekly Benefit Amounts (WBA)

• Amounts in this table are based on provisions in effect in 2009, and apply only to benefit years beginning on or after 01/04/2009

• For the previous 2008 benefit year, please get this table

• More information on how benefits are determined, base periods, tax withholding, and special types of claims

UI Services by Telephone

To certify for (or "claim weeks" of) for unemployment benefits over the phone, using a service called TeleServe, or to find the location and phone number of the nearest IDES office:

• call 888-337-7234,
• using your touch-tone phone, press 1 to continue in English, or wait for next option,
• at the next selection, press 5-1-2,
• enter your 5 digit zip code.

Regular office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

Updating Your Address

Claimants who need to update a mailing address must contact the local office where their claim was filed for more information and assistance.

Looking for a Job? Check out the current list of Illinois Job Fairs

Maybe there's one near you. The IDES Employment Service offers this service and is working continually to improve it. We welcome your comments or suggestions in making "Job Fairs and Special Events" a better site for job seekers.  >> more

Get a list of job seeker workshops in Illinois

Usually held at a local IDES office, conducted by staff with information ranging from "how to do an interview, how to prepare a resume, how to look for jobs on the internet" etc ... - no employers, just practical tips for job seekers.

IDES Publications for Individuals:

What Every Worker Should Know About Unemployment Insurance: English | en Español

Benefit Rights Information: A Few Simple Rules to Avoid Claim Processing Delays

TeleServe: certify for unemployment insurance benefits (claim weeks of unemployment) over the telephone after filing for benefits

Work Search Records: instructions for recording work search activities and maintaining eligibility for benefits