How do I file for unemployment benefits in Illinois?

Q: How do I file for unemployment benefits in Illinois?

Illinois unemployment is administered by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) under 820 ILCS 405 . 1. How and When to File - File online at ides.illinois.gov , in person at an IDES office, or by phone. - File the first week of unemployment — benefits start the Sunday of the filing week. - Illinois does not impose a waiting week for most claimants since 2020. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $51 to $578 per week for an individual claimant (2025). - Plus dependent allowance : up to $245/week for a non-working spouse or up to $338/week for dependent children — bringing the total possible WBA over $900/week. - Calculated as 47% of average weekly wage in the two highest quarters. - Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits. 3. Eligibility Requirements (820 ILCS 405/500) - At least $1,600 in total base-period wages . - At least $440 in wages outside your highest-paid quarter . - Lost job through no fault of your own — not fired for misconduct (§ 602) or voluntary quit without good cause (§ 601). - Be physically able, available, and actively seeking work (§ 500(C)). 4. Work Search Requirement - Must conduct an active work search — generally 2-3 employer contacts per week . - Must register on Illinois JobLink within 5 business days. - Keep a written log; IDES audits randomly. 5. Certifying for Benefits - Certify every 2 weeks through Tele-Serve or online. - Earnings up to 50% of your WBA are disregarded. 6. Appeals - File appeal within 30 days of the determination notice. - Hearings are conducted by IDES Referees. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Illinois unemployment is administered by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) under 820 ILCS 405.

1. How and When to File

File online at ides.illinois.gov, in person at an IDES office, or by phone.

File the first week of unemployment — benefits start the Sunday of the filing week.

Illinois does not impose a waiting week for most claimants since 2020.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $51 to $578 per week for an individual claimant (2025).

Plus dependent allowance: up to $245/week for a non-working spouse or up to $338/week for dependent children — bringing the total possible WBA over $900/week.

Calculated as 47% of average weekly wage in the two highest quarters.

Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits.

3. Eligibility Requirements (820 ILCS 405/500)

At least $1,600 in total base-period wages.

At least $440 in wages outside your highest-paid quarter.

Lost job through no fault of your own — not fired for misconduct (§ 602) or voluntary quit without good cause (§ 601).

Be physically able, available, and actively seeking work (§ 500(C)).

4. Work Search Requirement

Must conduct an active work search — generally 2-3 employer contacts per week.

Must register on Illinois JobLink within 5 business days.

Keep a written log; IDES audits randomly.

5. Certifying for Benefits

Certify every 2 weeks through Tele-Serve or online.

Earnings up to 50% of your WBA are disregarded.

6. Appeals

File appeal within 30 days of the determination notice.

Hearings are conducted by IDES Referees.

This is legal information, not legal advice.