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IDES offices will be closed Thursday, July 4 for the federal holiday, but you can still certify and apply for benefits and access other online resources!  Please note that benefit payments may take longer to process during this time.  Offices will reopen for regular business hours on Friday, July 5.

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UI Eligibility

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Monetary (earnings) eligibility: You must have earned enough money in the past 18 months for Illinois to establish a weekly benefit amount. This can be ​determined at the time of filing.
  2. Acceptable reason of separation: No-fault circumstance that leads to the termination of employment, such as a layoff or discharge.

If it is found that you do not have an acceptable reason of separation:

  1. An interview is scheduled with an IDES adjudicator. This interview usually takes place 2 weeks from the day you filed your claim.  At this time, you will be able to present information as why you feel you have an acceptable reason of separation.
  2. The adjudicator makes eligibility decision once they have gathered all facts.  This fact finding process may involve calling the employer, witness and/or research.

If your claim is denied, please refer to the Appeals​ process for your next step.