The unemployment line moves online as many workers find themselves without jobs as businesses close due to the coronavirus.
The unemployment line moves online as many workers find themselves without jobs as businesses close due to the coronavirus.
Shut down of all non-essential businesses is forcing workers across the nation to look for assistance through unemployment benefits.
In a USA Today report, Goldman Sachs estimates that more than 2.25 million Americans will have filed for unemployment in the last week alone according to KHQA.
In Illinois, an individual laid off because of coronavirus is eligible for unemployment benefits if they are able and available for work and actively seeking work. Claimants are encouraged to apply online at ides.illinois.gov or call 1-800-244-5631.
To apply for benefits, applicants need their Social Security number and name as it appears on the Social Security card and a driver's license or state identification card. If claiming a spouse or child as a dependent, the Social Security umber, date of birth and legal name as appears on the Social Security card of these individuals is needed as well. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will also need your alien registration information, KHQA reported.
The benefit amount received is based on recent income. The maximum amount is $484 per week. Those with qualifying dependents receive additional benefits. Benefits are paid for up to 26 weeks.
To receive unemployment benefits it is required that the individual make a good faith effort at seeking work. Those temporarily laid off due to coronavirus will be considered "actively seeking work" if they are prepared to return to work as soon as the employer reopens. An individual who leaves work voluntarily is typically not eligible for unemployment benefits. Individuals who have left work because they have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are caring for someone with that diagnosis or are staying home with children who are too young to stay on their own may qualify for unemployment benefits given they meet the rest of the requirements--being able and available for work, registering with the state employment service and actively seeking work.
It is important to apply for unemployment benefits in the state where you are employed. This may not necessarily be the state in which you reside. Unemployment information for the tri-states can be found:
Illinois - Click here
Iowa - Click here
Missouri - Click here
Alerts Sign-up