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Teleserve

TELE-SERVE

Call Tele-Serve: (312) 338-4337
Available: Monday through Friday
3:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
TTY: (800) 662-3943
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

Certify for Unemployment Benefits by Phone

Once you file for unemployment insurance, you must then “certify” to your eligibility for benefits. The best way to certify for benefits is the internet. You can certify for benefits online at ides.illinois.gov/certify.

With Tele-Serve, you can:

  • Certify for unemployment insurance benefits
  • Check the status of your unemployment insurance claim
  • Request federal income tax form 1099-G
  • Obtain other IDES information

Important:  If you do not certify, you will not receive your unemployment insurance benefits.

Three Steps to Use Tele-Serve

  1. File for unemployment benefits over the phone or online at ides.illinois.gov.
  2. IDES will mail you a UI Finding letter with your assigned certification day. If you do not receive this information within two weeks from the date you filed your claim, contact Claimant Services. 
  3. Call Tele-Serve on your scheduled certification day every two weeks.
    • The first time you call, you will create a personal identification number (PIN). Save this PIN. You will need it every time you call.
    • Enter your PIN and answer the automated questions using a touch-tone phone.

When you call, have the following information available:

  • Your Social Security number and PIN
  •  Any gross wages you earned (before taxes and holiday pay) during this certification period
  • Paper and pencil to record any information given to you during your call 

If you cannot certify via telephone because you do not speak or read either English or Spanish, or you do not have access to a touch-tone phone, contact Claimant Services within one week after filing your claim to arrange for special accommodations. 

After certifying, please allow for 8 days before receiving your benefits via paper check, or 2-3 days for direct deposit.

If You Miss your Call Day

If you miss your regular call day (Monday,Tuesday or Wednesday), you may still call on Thursday or Friday of that same week. You may also call on your regular call day in the following week (or Thursday or Friday of that week). Payment of benefits will be based on certifying for benefits in a timely manner and meeting the eligibility requirements of the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Act.

Keep your PIN!

  • Write down and keep your PIN. You will need it every time you call in. Your PIN is valid for your entire benefit year.
  • The PIN Maintenance option on Tele-Serve allows you to change your PIN if you feel it is no longer secure.
  • If you forget your PIN, contact Claimant Services to have your PIN reset.

Note: Your PIN has the same legal effect as your signature has on a paper document. DO NOT give your PIN to anyone. If you believe someone knows your PIN or if you forget your PIN, call Claimant Services immediately. The existing PIN will be reset so that you can establish a new PIN by phone. Do not reveal your PIN to anyone. IDES personnel do not have access to your PIN; they can only reset it. It is your responsibility to ensure that your PIN is not misused. 

Quick Guide
Menu Options
(312) 338-4337 

Press 1 - To claim weeks of unemployment

Press 2 - To reopen your claim 

Press 3 - Check the status of your claim (also benefits reported to the IRS)

Press 4 - Establish or change your PIN

Press 5 - IDES general information

Certification Questions

  • Have you received or will you receive holiday pay during the period of Sunday [week 1 beginning date] through Saturday [week 2 ending date]? (Have holiday pay amount available.)
  • Did you work during the period of Sunday [week 1 beginning date] through Saturday [week 2 ending date]? (Have earnings before taxes available.)
  • Has your dependency status changed during this certification period? 
  • Were you able and available to work each week? 
  • Did you actively look for work for the week of Sunday [week 1 beginning date] through Saturday [week 2 ending date]? 
  • Did you attend school or receive training? 
  • Do you have a current workers’ compensation claim or do you expect to receive workers’ compensation for a temporary disability? 
  • Has your phone number changed? 
  • Has your mailing address or name changed? (Note: Extended Benefit claimants will be asked additional questions.)

If you earned more than your weekly benefit amount in any week you must reopen your claim. Tele-Serve will reopen your claim automatically if you meet certain requirements.

Address and Name Changes

  • Postal service will not forward IDES mail. 
  • Call IDES Claimant Services during business hours. 
  • Tele-Serve will tell you the number to call.

Important!

  • Do not hang up until Tele-Serve tells you your claim has been accepted.
  • Guard your PIN. You are responsible for all activity on your claim.
  • Record your work search efforts each week on the form provided by IDES.