Resources for the unemployed
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
Contact the Illinois Department of Employment Security to:
- file unemployment claims
- get unemployment insurance (temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own and who meet Illinois' eligibility requirements)
- certify for benefits
- look for work
- report fraud and ID theft related to IDES benefits
To ensure that all applicants can be served, please contact IDES online or by telephone on:
- Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday if your last name begins with A–M
- Monday, Wednesday, or Friday if your last name begins with N–Z
- Saturday if you are unable to contact/call IDES on your designated day
VISIT illinois.gov/ides
CALL 800-244-563 (7:30 AM–6 PM CT)
Get answers to frequently asked questions
Benefits.gov
This U.S. government resource compiles information for unemployment benefits available in each state. Learn what assistance you're eligible to receive:
VISIT the Benefit Finder (interactive tool)
Navigating job loss
From the Illinois Department of Economic Security (IDES)
