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Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment Benefits

The U.S. Department of Labor has launched an interactive online tool to assist workers in determining paid sick leave or extended family and medical leave eligibility pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The online resource guides workers through a series of questions designed to determine the FFCRA's applicability to their employer. If certain provisions of the FFCRA do apply, the resource provides workers with additional information and access to frequently asked questions.

Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19. IDES recently adopted emergency rules to try to make the unemployment insurance system as responsive to the current situation as possible. If you live in Illinois yourunemplyment benefits are adminstered by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. In order to protect everyone through social distancing, IDES offices are closed to the public until further notice. See links below for how to file for, or questions about unemployment insurance.

To get certified for Unemployment Benefits click HERE.

Information about additional New Federally Funded Benefits during the Covid-19 Pandemic is HERE and HERE

Americans now eligible for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid due to job loss or reduction in income are also eligible for the FCC's Lifeline program click HERE

The FCC's Lifeline program is the primary federal program charged with helping low-income families obtain broadband and telephone services

To contact IDES (Illinois Department of Employment Security) click HERE.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about your unemployment insurance are HERE

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for Individuals and Employers from the Illinois Department of Employment Security are HERE

Under new guidance, federal law now permits significant flexibility for states to amend their laws to provide UI benefits in multiple scenarios related to COVID-19. For example, federal law allows states to pay benefits where: (1) An employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19, preventing employees from coming to work; (2) An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over; and (3) An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member. In addition, federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.

Expanded Emergency Illinois Workers Compensation rule is HERE