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:
- As of December 27, 2021, IDES has stopped sending payments via KeyBank debit cards to unemployment insurance claimants.
- 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:
Note: PUA, PEUC, and EB expired in September 2021. Read about the expired federal programs or refer to the FAQs for more info.
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:
- Has it been one year since you first filed for benefits? Learn about what happens if your benefit year is ending.
- Learn more about the consequences of fraud.
- View other common mistakes made by UI claimants.
- Learn more about your UI Finding letter.
- Find out about additional services, such as child care, housing, or food assistance.
- Need support with health insurance? Visit Get Covered Illinois.
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.