Extended Unemployment Benefits

The state of Illinois has an unemployment rate of 10.3% as of June, 2009. That is a rate of about one out of every ten people! If you’re someone who’s been collecting unemployment benefits and are worried about your benefits coming to an end, take heart. There are some Illinois unemployment extension programs available for your benefit.

First, federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) gives you up to 33 weeks of additional benefits after you’ve used up all your regular Illinois unemployment benefits. These additional weeks of benefits are courtesy of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (otherwise known as the economic stimulus bill). You don’t have to do anything special to take advantage of these extra benefits, you are enrolled automatically as soon as you are eligible. In addition to getting more weeks of benefits, you will still receive the federal additional compensation, which adds $25 to your weekly benefit amount.

After you’ve used all your EUC, you are eligible for extended benefits from the state of Illinois. The program provides up to 20 more weeks of Illinois unemployment insurance benefits. There is nothing special you need to do to sign up. You can get general information about extended benefits by calling the hotline at 1-800-244-5631.
When you are taking advantage of Extended Benefits, there are stricter requirements for looking for work than with other types of Illinois unemployment benefits. You must document your search on an EB Work Search Form. If you don’t meet the requirements, your benefits will be terminated indefinitely. Each time to certify for benefits, you will receive a new EB Work Search form.

Go online to www.ides.state.il.us and visit the Illinois Department of Employment Security website. You will find more information about the extension of unemployment benefits and can review it at your convenience.

As you can see, both the federal government and the state of Illinois understand that the economy has taken its toll on everyone. They are available to provide you whatever assistance they can. All you need to do is continue certifying for weekly benefits and continue meeting the eligibility requirements. Illinois unemployment benefits are designed to help provide you some measure of relief in these tough times. Be sure to take advantage of them.