Looking for tips to access the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Illinois Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.
We understand.
The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming.
Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help.
You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.
Why did we create the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?
Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling.
Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.
Who’s in charge of Illinois Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is in charge of the state’s unemployment insurance program.
The IDES administers state unemployment benefits, operates the Illinois Job Bank, and publishes labor market data.
IDES manages the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which collects around $2 billion in employer taxes each year and distributes about $2 billion to unemployed claimants.
Employers and job seekers in Illinois can use IDES’ employment services.
Illinois Unemployment Contact (IDES Contact Info)
| What You need | Who you should call | Phone Number/Contact |
| Unemployment insurance or ILogin questions | Claimant Services Center | (800) 244-5631 |
| Fraud and identity theft (you can also report fraud online) | Benefit Payment Control | (800) 814-0513 |
| Employer-related or MyTax Illinois questions | Employer Services Center | (800) 247-4984 |
| Finding a job or using your llinoisJobLink.com account | IllinoisJobLink.com Help Desk | (877) 342-7533 |
| Scheduling an in-person or phone appointment | Appointment Scheduling Hotline | (217) 558-0401 |
By appointment only, limited in-person services are available in local IDES workforce offices. Appointments can also be made over the phone.
You must call the Scheduling Hotline at (217) 558-0401 to make an appointment.
Unemployment Insurance
For questions about unemployment insurance (UI) claims, certification and payment, ILogin, appeals, and more: Phone Number: (800) 244-5631
Labor Market Information
Questions about career information, program surveys, or labor market information can be submitted to DES.LMI@illinois.gov.
IllinoisJobLink.com Help Desk (for job seekers)
For support with login information (username and password), error messages, or navigating your job search:
Phone Number: (877) 342-7533
Certification
IDES offers two ways to certify for unemployment benefits:
- Online (preferred)
- Tele-Serve
- Phone Number: (312) 338-4337
- Hours: 3:00AM – 7:30PM, Monday – Friday
KeyBank Customer Service
For reporting lost, stolen, or damaged debit cards:
Phone Number: (866) 295-2955
Legal Services Program
If your Social Security number ends in 0 through 4:
- In-State: (800) 884-6591
- Out-of-State: (847) 991-9240
If your Social Security number ends in 5 through 9:
- In-State: (888) 430-1776
- Out-of-State: (847) 251-1776
Benefit Collections Unit
Phone Number: (800) 245-9762
- When prompted, press 2 for employers
Fraud and Identity Theft
For reporting fraud and identity theft:
- Phone Number: (800) 814-0513
- Fax Number: (312) 793-2356
- Report Fraud Online
New Hire Unit
Phone Number: (888) 776-7708
Benefit Accuracy Measurement Unit
Phone Number: (800) 572-4215
24-Hour Tax Withholding Fax Line
To change your withholding status on your current claim, please complete the TAX-2 form, then sign and fax to the number listed below:
Fax Number: (630) 495-8199
How To Qualify for Illinois Unemployment Benefits
Unemployed workers who meet the following qualifying requirements may be eligible for UI benefits under Illinois law:
- You are jobless due to no fault of your own.
- As required by Illinois law, you paid a minimum level of pay during the review period.
- You are willing, available, and able to work, as indicated by your Illinois Department of Employment Services registration.
How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Illinois?
- Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
- Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
- Duration of Benefits: 26 weeks
- Weekly Payment: Min $51 to Max $669
- Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $17,342
How Do I Apply for Illinois Unemployment Benefits?
It’s critical to file your initial claim for unemployment benefits as soon as possible after losing your job or having your working hours drastically curtailed.
Online or at an IDES office is the most convenient way to file your UI benefits claim. If you’re not sure if you fulfill the eligibility conditions, call IDES Claimant Services at 800-244-5631 to talk with a representative.
With the exception of 8-10 p.m. daily, you can file an online unemployment claim at any time.
Please note that registration with the Illinois Employment Service system at illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov is required as part of the initial claim procedure. You can also register in person at an IDES office.
How do I Manage My Illinois Unemployment Benefits
Your bi-weekly certification is an important part of managing your unemployment benefits. Certifying is a procedure you’ll go through for the first time two weeks after filing your claim. You must confirm that you are available and actively seeking job in order to continue receiving unemployment benefits.
In addition, any income received during the two-week benefit period must be reported.
You will be asked basic information regarding your job position during the process. The best way to do it is online. Monday through Friday, from 3 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., you can submit weekly certification online.
You can also use Tele-Serve to file your unemployment claim over the phone.
How Do I Appeal an Illinois Unemployment Decision?
If you don’t agree with a decision made on your claim, you can file an appeal. You will receive an official notification of your decision, which will include the procedures you must follow to request an appeal, including the mailing address and fax number to send your written request.
You must file an appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision notification, according to Illinois law.
How Do I Report an Illinois Unemployment Fraud?
Unemployment fraud, including identity theft, is a serious crime that jeopardizes Illinois’ unemployment insurance program’s integrity and diverts resources away from Illinois employees who need them. Illinois is asking for your assistance in identifying bogus claims.
Unemployment fraud is taken seriously in Illinois, whether it involves submitting false information, taking another’s identity, or failing to disclose income. If you suspect someone of fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits, you are strongly encouraged to file a report.
How Do I Talk to a Person in Illinois Unemployment Customer Service?
Steps:
- Dial 1-800-244-5631
- Press 1 (for English)
- Stay on the line
- The automated phone system will connect you to a live customer service agent from IDES
IDES Voice Main Menu
- Press 1 to hear a message regarding the federal stimulus package.
- Press 2 to hear a message regarding the day of the week on which you should file your claim.
To certify for benefits or to inquire about the status of your unemployment insurance claim:
- Visit www.ides.illinois.gov
- Or call 1-312-338-4337 (These services are available from 5am to 7.30pm Monday-Friday)
Illinois Unemployment Claims Customer Service Representatives Hours
- Live Illinois Unemployment Claims customer service is available from 8:30am to 5pm Monday-Friday,
- Saturday-Sunday closed.
Illinois Unemployment Claims Support Phone Numbers
- Illinois Unemployment Claims Support Phone Number: 1-800-244-5631. Live Illinois Unemployment Claims customer service is available from 8:30am to 5pm Monday-Friday, Saturday-Sunday closed.
- Individuals who have been scheduled for an Appeal hearing: 1-800-244-5631.
- Help desk for login information (username and password), error messages, or navigating your job search: 1-877-342-7533.
- KeyBank Customer Service: 1-866-295-2955.
Illinois Unemployment Claims Web Links
IDES support email
To contact with customer support via e-mail use the following IDES contact form.
Illinois Unemployment Claims Live Chat Support
Live chat customer service is not available from Illinois Unemployment Claims. To contact a live customer service representative you need to dial 1-800-244-5631 and follow instructions above.
Illinois Unemployment Claims Help Page
You can find more information at Illinois Unemployment Claims FAQ page.
What if I quit?
In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.
If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes a good cause, and you can make your case for receiving benefits.
You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because policies and terms differ from state to state.
Similar Content
- Colorado Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
- Connecticut Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
- Delaware Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
- Florida Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
- Georgia Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
Illinois Unemployment Phone Number and 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 |
Final Thoughts
We hope the above info has been helpful to you.
We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.
- Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled.
- Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
- Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself.
- 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay,
- 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits,
- 3) Ask about outplacement resources,
- 4) Request a reference letter from your employer
- Review your financial positions, obligations.
- Make a weekly or monthly budget.
- Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.
- Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
- Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
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