Illinois unemployment eligibility is based on a few variables. These items include the amount of wages earned in the quarters leading up to the job separation, the reason for departure from the job, and a continued job search. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is responsible for managing applications and processing unemployment in the state. The following is a guide to understanding the eligibility requirements to receive unemployment benefits in Illinois.
Review of Wages for Illinois Unemployment Compensation
Illinois unemployment benefits are calculated based on wages earned during a base period. The base period consists of the first for of the last five completed quarters. A single quarter consists of a three month time period. In order to qualify, $1,600 or more must be earned outside of the highest quarter in the base period. People who do not qualify due to insufficient wages earned may qualify for the use of an alternate base period. The Illinois Department of Employment Security can provide additional information for the procedure to handle this situation.
The second wage-related requirement to collect unemployment benefits in Illinois is that an insured employer must earn the wages. An insured employer is one who paid unemployment insurance to the State of Illinois as required by law.
Be aware that the wage requirements and other wage-related eligibility requirements could be changed by the State of Illinois. Always check the IDES website for the most current information on wage eligibility for an Illinois unemployment compensation claim.
Investigation of Job Departure Reasons for Illinois Unemployment Insurance
The IDES investigates the reason for job separation as part of the claim approval process. In general, as long as the employee was laid off or left with good cause, the claim will be approved. If the claimant quit the job (separated voluntarily), or was dismissed for misconduct, it generally disqualified the person from receiving Illinois unemployment benefits. Be aware that there are situations, evaluated on a case-by case basis, where the claimant was found eligible for benefit payments because they quit for good cause. The IDES will review all cases to make a determination on whether the job departure reasons deem the claimant eligible for payment.
In the event that the initial claim is denied, the claimant can file an appeal of the decision. In order to appeal a claim, the applicant must file an appeal with their local IDES office within 30 days of the mailing date on the denial letter. The Board of Review, who will make a determination on the case, considers all appeals filed with the IDES. For more information on the appeals process, please refer to the IDES website.
Proof of Job Search to Maintain Illinois Unemployment Eligibility
To maintain eligibility for Illinois unemployment compensation, all claimants must conduct an ongoing job search, and continue to search for work as long as they receive benefits. It is important to keep records of each place at which work was applied. Specifically, be sure to record the name of the company, date applied, position applied for, and method of contact.
In addition, unemployment benefit recipients bust be available for work each day of the normal workweek for which payment is received. Being available for work means being free to accept any suitable position that may be offered. For instance, being on vacation, home ill, or home in order to take care of family members does not constitute being available for work. In addition to being available and ready for work, the claimant must accept any reasonable job offers made.
Every other week the claimant must submit a claim certification online or by phone. Once the initial claim is approved, the claimant will be provided with the day of the week on which they must certify for benefits. For more information on how to apply for Illinois unemployment compensation and how to perform bi-weekly claim certification, refer to the Illinois Unemployment Benefits Application Process.
Sources:
Illinois Department of Employment Security (accessed 8/26/2010)
Illinois Department of Employment Security: Unemployment Insurance Benefits Handbook (accessed 8/26/2010)
Cheri Pearson - Cheri Pearson is a seasoned freelance journalist who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of ...
