How to File for Unemployment: Illinois Makes Sweeping Changes Amid Surge in Claims

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The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced a sweeping set of initiatives designed to accommodate the record-breaking number of unemployment claims filed during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the most significant of the changes, officials announced Thursday that those individuals filing unemployment benefit claims will need to adhere to an alphabetized schedule in order to help deal with the massive increase in filed claims.

For Online Filing:

Those individuals seeking to file online can use the IDES website.

-Those Illinois residents whose last names begin with the letters A-M will be asked to file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

-Those residents whose last names begin with the letters N-Z will be asked to file claims on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

-Saturdays will be available to anyone, according to the state.

For those using the call center:

Residents can access the call center at either 800-244-5631 or 866-488-4016 (TTY)

-Those residents with last names beginning with letters A-M will be asked to call Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

-Those with last names beginning with letters N-Z will be asked to call Mondays and Wednesdays between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

-Fridays between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. will be available to anyone to accommodate those unable to call earlier in the week.