To apply for unemployment in Illinois in 2025, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility:
- Must have earned enough wages in the last 18 months.
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own (e.g., laid off, hours cut).
- Be physically able and available to work.
- Actively seek work each week.
- Gather Required Information:
- Social Security Number.
- Last employer’s name, address, and phone number.
- Dates of your employment and reason for separation.
- Banking info for direct deposit (optional).
- File Your Claim Online:
- Go to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) website at IDES.Illinois.gov.
- Click “File an Unemployment Claim” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- You will be guided through the application with prompts.
- Register with Illinois Employment Service:
- You must register on IllinoisJobLink.com as part of the application process.
- Create an Online Account:
- Create an ILogin account if you don’t already have one for managing your claim.
- Certify for Benefits Every Two Weeks:
- Confirm your continued eligibility by answering questions about your work and job search.
- Certification can be done online via your IDES account or by phone.
- Choose Payment Method:
- Direct deposit is preferred since debit cards are no longer issued.
- Report Any Changes:
- Inform IDES immediately of any changes in employment status or eligibility to avoid penalties.
For assistance, you can call IDES at 800-244-5631. This process ensures proper filing and timely receipt of unemployment benefits in Illinois.
