In the first week that you are laid off work you should file for benefits. It is best to do it right away either online or at your local IDES center. The Illinois Department of Employment Security is geared to provide assistance when you are unemployed and you can clear up any doubts you may have about eligibility as quickly as possible. At the same time you can register for job placement right there at the IDES office or online at Illinois Skills Match. When you make your claim be ready to supply the information that they will need to process your claim.

If you are put off work for a week or longer you are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits and your employer will make sure that you receive information about the steps you will have to take to take advantage of the program. In Illinois the unemployment insurance is administered by IDES which is The Illinois Department of Employment Security. There are of course legal requirements to be met for you to receive benefits provided for by your employers who pay taxes on your behalf while you are working for them. These benefits are not financed by deductions from your earnings.