The standard duration of unemployment benefits in Illinois is 26 weeks, but this can be extended during periods of high unemployment.
Claimants can receive extended benefits, which provide the same amount of benefits as the standard 26-week program.
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Certification is required to receive unemployment benefits, and claimants must certify online or by phone every two weeks.
Claimants must also register with IllinoisJobLink.com to receive benefits.
Unemployment benefits are paid via direct deposit or paper check.
Claimants can enroll in direct deposit when filing their claim.
The maximum individual weekly unemployment benefit is currently $484.00.
Federal relief may provide an additional $300 benefit per week, which does not require a separate application.
To be eligible for Illinois unemployment benefits, claimants must have earned at least $1,600 during their "base period", which is the four calendar quarters before filing a claim.
Claimants must be unemployed through no fault of their own, be available, and actively looking for work to receive benefits.
Claimants can appeal if their claim for unemployment benefits is denied.
Claimants who exhaust their 26 weeks of regular benefits can file a claim for extended benefits during periods of high unemployment.