Benefit Year Ending

If you applied for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits last year, you may be nearing your benefit year ending (BYE) date. Here’s what that means for you.

Is my benefit year ending? Why?

When you first apply for unemployment insurance, you begin a new benefit year.

A benefit year lasts exactly 52 weeks from when you first filed.

Once this benefit year ends, a new eligible claim needs to be established to continue receiving benefits. This will be done for you.

How do I find my benefit year ending (BYE) date?

Your BYE date is located on your initial UI Finding letter (see example below). Your benefit year lasts exactly 52 weeks from the date when you first filed for UI benefits.

My benefit year is ending, but I still qualify for benefits. What do I do?

Continue certifying as normal.

Depending on when you worked and how much you earned since you first applied for benefits last year, you may qualify for an entirely new claim. IDES will review your claim and send you a letter.

If you haven’t returned to work since you first filed for benefits last year, then you are not eligible to collect unless you requalify for benefits.

Do I need to call to start a new benefit year?

There’s no need to call IDES if your benefit year is ending. If there are any questions when we review your claim, we will either call you or send you a letter with instructions. Otherwise, all you need to do is to keep certifying as you normally do.

Do I need to file a new claim?

No, you don’t need to file a new claim. Once IDES reviews your case, if you are eligible for a new claim we’ll set up your new benefit year through what’s called a Transitional Claim. All you need to do is to keep certifying as normal.

Important Terms and Abbreviations:

• UI - Unemployment Insurance program
• BYE - Benefit Year Ending (ends exactly one year after individuals first apply for UI benefits)
  
• IDES - Illinois Department of Employment Security