How to File for Unemployment Benefits in Illinois (2025 Guide)

If you’re unemployed in Illinois, you can apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits through the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Here’s how to get started, certify for payments, and find support.

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📝 How to File a Claim

1. Online (Recommended)
Visit the official IDES website:
👉 ides.illinois.gov/unemployment

2. By Phone
Call the IDES Claimant Services Center:
📞 (800) 244-5631

3. In-Person (Appointment Required)
If you can’t file online or by phone, schedule an appointment to file in person:
📞 (217) 558-0401

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📅 Certifying for Benefits

After your initial claim is filed, you must regularly “certify” to confirm your continued eligibility for payments.

Online Certification
✅ Best option: ides.illinois.gov/certify
🕒 Hours: 3:00 AM – 7:30 PM, on your assigned certification day (including holidays)

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

Missed Your Day?
No problem. You can certify on Thursday or Friday as a makeup day.

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📌 What You’ll Need to File

Before you begin, have the following ready:

• Social Security Number and your name as shown on your card
• State ID or Driver’s License
• Alien Registration info (if not a U.S. citizen)
• Names, dates, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers from the past 18 months
• Reasons for separation from each employer
• Dependent info (spouse/child’s SSN and birthdate, if applicable)

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💳 How You’ll Get Paid

After successful certification:

• You’ll receive payment in 2–3 business days
• Payment is made via debit card or direct deposit
• You can enroll in direct deposit at any time via your IDES account

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🆘 Rapid Response Services for Layoffs

If you’ve been affected by a mass layoff or business closure, Illinois offers help:

• Job search and retraining support
• On-site help from Illinois workNet
  More info:
  🔗 Rapid Response Services

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📞 Key Contacts

Department	Phone Number
Claimant Services	(800) 244-5631
IllinoisJobLink Help Desk	(877) 342-7533
Fraud & Identity Theft	(800) 814-0513
Employer Services	(800) 247-4984

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🔗 Useful Links

• 💼 Apply for UI Benefits: ides.illinois.gov/unemployment
• ✅ Certify for Benefits: ides.illinois.gov/certify
• 🔍 Job Search: IllinoisJobLink.com