What Are Types of Unemployment You Can File in Illinois?
Understanding the different types of unemployment benefits available in Illinois is crucial for anyone who has lost their job. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a worker laid off due to economic downturn, or someone affected by a natural disaster, knowing which unemployment benefits you can file can make a significant difference in your financial stability. Let’s delve into the various types of unemployment benefits you can apply for in Illinois.
1. Regular Unemployment Benefits
Regular unemployment benefits are the most common type of unemployment assistance available in Illinois. These benefits are designed to provide financial support to individuals who have lost their job through no fault of their own. To qualify, you must meet certain criteria, such as having earned a minimum amount of wages in the base period and being actively seeking employment.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points regarding regular unemployment benefits:
| Eligibility Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| Base Period | The first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters. You must have earned at least $1,600 in one of these quarters. |
| Weekly Benefit Amount | Based on your average weekly wage during the base period, with a maximum of $479 per week. |
| Duration of Benefits | Up to 26 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate in your area. |
2. Extended Benefits
Extended benefits are available to individuals who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits and still need financial assistance. These benefits are funded by the federal government and are available when the unemployment rate in Illinois is above a certain threshold.
Here are some important details about extended benefits:
| Eligibility Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | Illinois must have an unemployment rate above 6% for at least 12 consecutive weeks. |
| Weekly Benefit Amount | Based on your average weekly wage during the base period, with a maximum of $479 per week. |
| Duration of Benefits | Up to 13 additional weeks, depending on the unemployment rate in your area. |
3. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
Disaster unemployment assistance is available to individuals who have lost their jobs or are unable to work due to a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado, or flood. This program is administered by the federal government and is available to both residents and non-residents affected by the disaster.
Here are the key points regarding DUA:
| Eligibility Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| Disaster Declaration | The disaster must be declared by the President of the United States. |
| Unemployment or Inability to Work | The individual must be unemployed or unable to work due to the disaster. |
| Weekly Benefit Amount | Based on the individual’s average weekly wage, with a maximum of $479 per week. |
| Duration of Benefits | Up to 26 weeks, depending on the disaster’s impact. |
4. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
Pandemic unemployment assistance is a federal program designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unemployed or unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is available to individuals who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits, such as self-employed individuals, gig workers, and those who have exhausted their benefits.
Here are the key points regarding PUA:
