Are you recently unemployed or furloughed, or just have some extra time on your hands, because of Covid-19?

Check out these resources related to self-improvement, career development and unemployment applications. Do you know of other resources not listed here? Send them to us!

Step by step : Applying for the State of Illinois Unemployment

Top 10 Things You Should Know About Unemployment Insurance

• Use Illinois Job Link To Search For A Job.
Illinois JobLink is IDES’ online database that helps connect job seekers to employers in Illinois and throughout the country.
Please note: if you file an Unemployment Insurance claim on or after July 17, 2016 and you are subject to the registration requirement, you must complete your registration immediately through www.IllinoisJobLink.com. Your Unemployment Insurance benefits will not be paid until your registration is complete.

• Accurately Report the Reason You Are Unemployed.
Accurately report your reason for separation from your job when you initially file your claim for benefits.

• Report Any Wages You Are Earning.
You must report your gross wages for each week you work. Report all earnings, including part-time or temporary work.

• Be Available for Work.
In order to collect benefits, you must continually certify that you are able, available and willing to accept suitable work.

• Actively Search for Work.
You must search for work each week or benefits may be denied.

• Develop & Document an Effective Work Search Plan.
An organized and documented job search improves your chances of employment. All claimants are required by law to document work search activities.

• Do Not Pay An Agent To File Your Claim.
The use of paid third-parties to file your claim and/or communicate with IDES is very risky and discouraged. Do not share your personal information with anyone.

• Do Not Commit Fraud.
Follow the rules to prevent yourself from committing fraud. Failure to follow legal requirements has serious consequences.

• Know Your Responsibilities and Ask for Help.
If you have questions, please visit an IDES office or call (800) 244-5631

• Don't Delay - As soon As You Begin Working Again, Report Your Return to Work.
Notify IDES as soon as you begin working. Avoid committing fraud; do not wait until you receive your first paycheck.

Step 1

You need to create an account on

https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/aboutides/Pages/10%20Things%20You%20Should%20Know.aspx

Step 2

You will need to also create a resume on the following to get approved

https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/ada/r/

Step 3

Also - you may be interviewed as well as need to send additional documents for unemployment. This process takes 4 weeks to see first paycheck

Step 4

Must be done every other week based on your last name. Sometimes its Thursday/Friday or Monday/Tuesday depending on your status. But this is like your time sheet to confirm you did look for a job and still unemployed.

Certify for Benefits using UI Mobile

Claimants can still go to www.ides.illinois.gov to file or call Teleserve (312-338-4337) (The phone is impossible to reach as of now)