The Illinois Department of Employment Security has extended the Disaster Unemployment Assistance application deadline to December 13, 2024, for residents of Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties affected by the July severe weather events. Eligible individuals impacted by storms, tornadoes, and flooding can apply for up to 35 weeks of benefits.
To file a DUA benefits claim, individuals are encouraged to:
- Contact the IDES call center appointment line at: 217.558.0401. Identify you are calling about the Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties – DUA Benefits. Schedule an appointment at a local IDES office to submit an application.
- You can also schedule an in-person appointment to file a DUA benefits claim at a local office by calling: 217.558.0401.
Claimants must first apply for and be found ineligible regular state unemployment insurance benefits before applying for DUA benefits. IDES will work with individuals on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility and payment(s) of DUA benefits.
To be considered eligible for DUA benefits, individuals must:
- Be an unemployed or self-unemployed worker whose unemployment was caused as a direct result of the major disaster declared by the President.
- Be a U.S. national or qualified citizen.
- Not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits from any state.
- Have worked or were self-employed in or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties.
- Establish the work or self-employment no longer able to perform is the primary source of income.
Individuals who may also be eligible to apply for DUA benefits include those who:
- Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of a disaster.
- Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster.
- Became the sole earner or major support of a household because of the death of the head of the household.
- Cannot work or perform self-employment due to closure of a facility by the federal government.
