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Certify for Benefits

What to Know Before Certifying

Regular Unemployment Benefits Timeline

  • The best way to complete your certification is online from 3:00am - 7:30pm on your designated certification day, including holidays.
  • Thursdays and Fridays are make-up days if you miss your certification day.
  • You may also certify by Tele-Serve at (312) 338-4337 (3:00am - 7:30pm, Monday - Friday).
  • For login help, visit the Password and Login Assistance page.

ILogin:

All new and existing claimants must create an ILogin account

Payment Methods:

  • All claimants are encouraged to select direct deposit as their payment method (see guide).
  • Claimants who don’t select direct deposit as their payment method will receive their benefits by paper check delivered by the United States Postal Service.
  • Visit ides.illinois.gov/payment for more information.

Certify Online Here:

Avoid Common Mistakes

Maintain your eligibility for current and future unemployment insurance benefits by learning about the following common mistakes. 

Examples of UI fraud include situations where an individual:

  • Returns to work but continues to collect UI benefits
  • Works at a part-time job but does not report their earnings to IDES, thereby collecting more benefits than are allowed
  • Works odd jobs while collecting UI benefits but does not report the earnings when certifying

Violators could face:

  • Large fines and penalties
  • Prison sentences
  • Offset against state and federal income tax returns
  • Loss of future UI benefits

References:

Note: Any information submitted by you to IDES may be verified through computer matching programs in order to determine your eligibility for Unemployment Insurance benefits.