You’re unemployed through no fault of your own. Typically, this means you were laid off for economic reasons. You weren’t fired and you didn’t quit. However, you might qualify if you quit because of sexual harassment, domestic violence, or another reason. You were paid at least $1,600 in wages in your base year. Generally, you should check your pay for the past five quarters and count only the wages paid during the first four of those quarters. Quarters are January 1-March 31, April 1-June 30, July 1-September 30, and October 1-December 31. You were paid wages in more than one quarter. At least $440 must have been paid in a different quarter.

Your Social Security Number. Your driver’s license or state ID. The contact information for job you’ve worked for the past 18 months, as well as dates of employment and the reasons for separation. Your wage records, such as W-2 or pay stubs. Any amount you earned during the week you are filing for benefits. Your Alien Registration Number, if you aren’t a citizen.

Hearing impaired applicants should call 866-322-8357.

You can find your nearest IDES office here: http://www. ides. illinois. gov/Pages/Office_Locator. aspx. Enter your zip code.

Debit card is the default option, which you’ll receive unless you select direct deposit. The card will be mailed to you, and benefits will be loaded after two business days. Call KeyBank Customer Service at 866-295-2955 if you lose your card.

You may also register at an IDES office, if that’s easier for you. [7] X Research source

You’ll have to interview if your employer protests your application for unemployment benefits, e. g. , you quit because of harassment.

Your certification date. The wages each employer paid you over the past year, broken out by quarter. The dates your benefits begin and end. How much you qualify for in weekly benefits. Your maximum benefit balance.

To certify online, visit this website: https://ides. illinois. gov/unemployment/certify. html. Click on “Certify for Benefits” and sign in using your username and password. Certification is available Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 7:30 pm. To reach Tele-Serve, call 312-338-4337.

Keep detailed records of where you apply and the dates. Not everyone is required to submit this information, but you want it handy in case you do.