SPECIAL REPORT: Unemployment Filing Guidance
As record numbers of individuals are seeking unemployment benefits as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (“IDES”) has implemented new practices and procedures for applying for unemployment benefits. This special report provides an update to the unemployment benefit issues initially discussed in our March 31, 2020 Special Report on City of Chicago Resources.
Qualifying for Unemployment Benefits
An individual that is temporarily laid off because of COVID-19 could qualify for unemployment benefits as long as they are able, available for and are actively seeking work. Individuals do not need to register with the employment service under the emergency rules adopted by the IDES. Individuals are considered to be actively seeking work if they are prepared to return to their job as soon as the employer reopens for business.
Individuals will be considered to be unemployed through no fault of their own if they are confined at home because of a COVID-19 diagnosis or because they must stay home to take care of a spouse, child, or parent diagnosed with COVID-19 or because of a government-imposed or government-recommended quarantine. Notwithstanding, individuals must still meet all other eligibility requirements in order to qualify for unemployment benefits. Individuals must be able and available for work, registered with the state employment service and actively seeking work from the confines of their home. Individuals would be considered able and available for work if there was some work that they could perform from home and there is a labor market for that work.
Since all schools in Illinois are temporarily closed in response to the COVID-19 crisis, an individual who had to leave their job to care for their child could be considered as unemployed through no fault of his or her own. These individuals must also meet all other eligibility requirements stated above.
Filing for Unemployment Benefits
Individuals may apply for unemployment benefits online or by telephone. Due to the high volume of applicants, individuals with last names beginning with letters A-M are asked to file their claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays, and individuals with last names beginning with letters N-Z are asked to file their claims on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. Saturdays are available to for anyone that could not file during their allotted window.
For applying by telephone, individuals with last names beginning with letters A-M will be asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30am – 6pm, and individuals with last names beginning with letters N-Z will be asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 7:30am – 6pm. Fridays between 7:30am – 6pm are for anyone that could not file during their allotted window.
Information Needed to File Application
Individuals applying for unemployment benefits must provide the following information
Social Security Number and Name as it appears on your Social Security card;
Driver License / State ID;
Name, Social Security Number, and Date of Birth for your spouse and child if claiming they are being claimed;
Name, mailing address, phone number, employment dates, and separation reason for all the employers you worked for in the last 18 months;
Wage records (W-2 form or paystubs, etc.) may be necessary;
Gross wages earned this week if the individual worked since Sunday;
If applicable, pension payment records (does not include Social Security);
For non-citizens, Alien Registration Information;
For recently separated veterans, the Member 4 Copy of the DD form 214 / 215; and
For civilian employees of the federal government, Standard Form 8 and Personnel Action Form 50.
Federal Stimulus Package Unemployment Benefits
After the federal stimulus package is implemented in Illinois, individuals receiving unemployment benefits will begin receiving an additional $600 in weekly benefits above the typical amount through July 31, 2020. The federal stimulus will not apply retroactively to past benefits received. Individuals may also be eligible for additional weeks of unemployment benefits above the 26 weeks provided under regular unemployment rules. Individuals will automatically receive these benefits if they qualify.
Individuals with Exhausted Benefits
Individuals that have already received the full 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits may be eligible for additional benefits under the federal stimulus package. Illinois is still in the process of finalizing the process to continue benefits under the stimulus package if you have exhausted or are close to exhausting your benefits.
Self-employed workers, freelancers, and independent contractors
Self-employed workers, freelancers, and independent contractors are not subject to unemployment taxes, and have not eligible for unemployment benefits under the standard unemployment rules. The federal stimulus package creates a temporary new program for these types of workers that have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19. IDES is still finalizing the procedures for workers, freelancers, and independent contractors to apply for benefits under the federal stimulus package, and are being asked not to apply at this time.
CONTACT:
Andrew J. Annes, Esquire
aannes@satclaw.com
mobile: (312) 246-3110
John W. Campbell, Jr., Esquire
jcampbell@satclaw.com
mobile: (312) 391-3126