Disaster Unemployment Assistance Application Deadline Extended for Counties Impacted by Severe Storms and Flooding in July

Applications Accepted Through December 13 to Eligible Workers

Contact: Rebeca Cisco  |  217-524-1219  |  PDF Version

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) application deadline for eligible individuals in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties who were impacted by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding in July has been extended through December 13, 2024.  This extension provides additional time for impacted individuals to apply for these benefits.

DUA benefits were originally made accessible to impacted individuals as a result of a major disaster declaration issued by President Biden on September 20, 2024.  DUA benefits are federally funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Claimants are eligible to receive up to 35 weeks of DUA benefits as long as their unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster.  Eligibility for DUA benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis.  Applications for DUA benefits must be filed by December 13, 2024.

To file a DUA benefits claim, individuals are encouraged to:

• Contact the IDES call center appointment line at: 217.558.0401.  Identify you are calling about the Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties – DUA Benefits.  Schedule an appointment at a local IDES office to submit an application.
• You can also schedule an in-person appointment to file a DUA benefits claim at a local office by calling: 217.558.0401.

Claimants must first apply for and be found ineligible regular state unemployment insurance benefits before applying for DUA benefits.  IDES will work with individuals on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility and payment(s) of DUA benefits.

To be considered eligible for DUA benefits, individuals must:

• Be an unemployed or self-unemployed worker whose unemployment was caused as a direct result of the major disaster declared by the President.
• Be a U.S. national or qualified citizen.
• Not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits from any state.
• Have worked or were self-employed in or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties.
• Establish the work or self-employment no longer able to perform is the primary source of income.

Individuals who may also be eligible to apply for DUA benefits include those who:

• Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of a disaster.
• Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster.
• Became the sole earner or major support of a household because of the death of the head of the household.
• Cannot work or perform self-employment due to closure of a facility by the federal government.

About the Department of Employment Security

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides vital employment services to Illinois workers, jobseekers, and employers with resources including Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, and WorkShare IL, analyzes and disseminates actionable Labor Market Information, and administers the Unemployment Insurance Program.  To see the full range of services provided by IDES, and for the latest news concerning the department, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.