10 Things You Should Know

Read this page for important information to help process your claim without delay, then follow the link below to file a claim.

10 things you should know before you apply for benefits:

Failure to provide all the requested information means your claim will have to be manually reviewed and corrected by IDES staff. If IDES is unable to make the corrections, prior to when you certify (request payment), your benefits will be delayed or the amount you receive will be less than it should be.

1. Accurately report the reason you are unemployed
   Accurately report your reason for separation from your job when you initially file your claim for benefits.

2. Report any wages earned and list all your employers from the last 18 months.
   You must report your gross wages for each week you work. Report all earnings, including part-time or temporary work. You must report all employers you worked for in the last 18 months. If an employer name is unfamiliar, please review your check stub or W2 to confirm the employer name reported on your claim application before reporting you did not work for that employer. If you worked in another state, make sure you tell us what state you worked in.

3. Be available for work
   You must be available for work each week or benefits may be denied. See FAQs to understand what this means to you.

4. Actively search for work
   You must search for work each week or benefits may be denied. See FAQs to understand what this means to you.

5. Develop and document an effective work search plan
   An organized and documented job search improves your chances of employment. All claimants are required by law to document work search activities.

6. Use IllinoisJobLink.com to search for a job
   IllinoisJobLink.com is IDES's online database that helps connect job seekers to employers in Illinois.

7. Do not pay an agent to file your claim
   The use of paid third-parties to file your claim and/or communicate with IDES is very risky and discouraged. Do not share your personal information with anyone.
   

8. Do not commit fraud
   Follow the rules to prevent yourself from committing fraud. Failure to follow legal requirements has serious consequences.

9. Know your responsibilities and ask for help
   If you have questions, please call (800) 244-5631. To quickly find answers to your unemployment insurance questions, visit Frequently Asked Questions.

10. Don't delay: as soon as you begin working again, report your return to work.
    Notify IDES as soon as you begin working. Avoid committing fraud; do not wait until you receive your first paycheck.

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.​

By clicking the File an Unemployment Insurance Claim button below, you will be taken to the Illinois Benefits Information System (IBIS) system, where you can set up an account to apply for and manage your claim.