Illinois Department of Employment Security Customer Service Issues

I accidentally submitted a claim right before my 26th week ended, not realizing I didn't need to do that. I misinterpreted the instructions on the IDES website and filed for an additional 13 weeks. Now, I received an email clarifying that I just needed to file my certification. Unfortunately, I am using voice-to-text due to carpal tunnel, so please forgive the grammar. Can you please check my payment history to ensure everything is fine, and my additional 13 weeks are added without any issues? I'm worried. Should I have filed a 26-week claim due to Covid-19? If not, I need this resolved quickly. Please provide a number for immediate assistance.

I submitted my application for Unemployment Insurance on April 18, [redacted] and received a confirmation with my claimant number. I have some questions and would appreciate speaking to a person instead of an automated system: 1) I recently got a Kay2Benefits Debit Card, does this mean I am eligible for benefits? 2) Can you confirm if my UI Certification for the State of Illinois (pertaining to the Coronavirus PUA/Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) was processed correctly recently? 3) How can I find out if I do not qualify for benefits? 4) If I am eligible for financial aid, how much am I entitled to receive? 5) What is the duration of the benefits I may qualify for? 6) What are the specific criteria for receiving these benefits? 7) Despite my email registration, I have not received any emails from IDES, why is that? 8) Where can I reach a live representative at IDES to get answers to my inquiries?

I submitted my benefits application a month ago. Despite trying to file on my claimant days, the website wasn't cooperating. I haven't received any benefits yet, but I did get a statement confirming my eligibility. I've double-checked the bank details provided. Unfortunately, I can't reach anyone to explain why I'm not receiving payments. It's crucial I speak to someone soon as my children and I are facing homelessness. I've been sending 1-2 emails daily without any response. Assistance is greatly needed in this urgent matter.

I recently received notice of an interview two days after it was scheduled, causing me to miss it unknowingly as I typically do not answer unfamiliar calls. I have submitted a form and sent an email to schedule another interview with IDES, but have yet to receive a response. I have been unemployed for 6 weeks due to COVID-19 and have not received any unemployment benefits. I am eager to receive a new interview date and will make myself available for any inquiries. Despite my efforts, reaching IDES by phone has proven challenging. As I am set to return to work on May 5, [redacted], I am unable to report this information. Thank you for your assistance.

Hello, I submitted a claim on March 10th and was approved for benefits. I received information about my weekly income until next year and the days I need to call. However, when I attempt to certify online, I am unable to proceed and I keep getting directed to call the [redacted] number. I have tried multiple times on my assigned day and on others but with no success. Every time I call the [redacted] number, I am prompted to contact the [redacted] teleserve service number instead. While trying to certify through teleserve, the process hung up after the last question without confirming success. On my second attempt, I couldn't even get to the certification questions; instead, I was instructed to call the [redacted] number. It's extremely frustrating how such simple tasks have become so complicated, and I'm worried about missing out on payments due to these issues.

I received unemployment benefits from IDES. I recently moved due to the end of my lease. In my May 5th certification, I updated my address with IDES and confirmed the change. However, my payment is now suspended, and Teleserve provides no explanation. I moved within the same county, just 15 minutes away from my previous address. I feel penalized for following their instructions. I have tried calling, but I cannot reach anyone as the line instructs to call back later.

I received a letter with incorrect information regarding a petition that was not mine but addressed to me, with my claimant ID and bank account details. The dates provided do not match my birth date. I attempted to reach out using the contact numbers given, [redacted] and [redacted], but both were unresponsive. The first number rings 10 times then says it cannot be reached as dialed, while the second gives a busy tone upon calling. I have been trying to resolve this for days as advised in the letter. Are there alternative ways to correct this?

I am Yolanda Thurm. I received a letter regarding a mismatch in information for my retirement pay. I have been trying to contact IDES throughout the week but have not received a response to the messages I left. I am receiving $[redacted].35 monthly but cannot recall the details my granddaughter used in the paperwork. I hope to resolve this issue promptly. Thank you.

I am struggling to reach anyone at IDES after countless attempts last week. I have not received any of my unemployment benefits since March, which is putting a strain on my family. Conflicting information from IDES representatives has left me confused about how to file and certify properly. I work as a freelance musician and audio engineer, and the cancellation of our upcoming tours due to the pandemic has worsened the situation. Despite applying for benefits and certifying on time, I have yet to receive any payments. Communication from IDES has been lacking, with delayed mail and conflicting instructions over the phone. I am documenting all my attempts and challenges faced in receiving benefits. I am pleading for help to quickly resolve this issue, as my family has been without my income for over two months. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

I am an independent contractor freelancer in Illinois. I initially applied for regular unemployment insurance but got denied. I then applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) on 5/11/20. I received a letter from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) also dated 5/11/20 stating that my maximum benefit balance was 0 due to exhausting my regular UI benefits. Over the weekend, I checked my PUA status and it prompted me to certify for the past 7 weeks of being underemployed. Yesterday, it indicated that I am eligible for $[redacted] per week with a status of "weekly." However, I am unsure about the information under "Pending Eligibility Issue Details" as it does not specify the actual issue or what needs to be addressed.

I have been attempting to contact IDES to withdraw my UI claim as my employer continued to pay me despite initial concerns about income loss due to COVID-19. Despite multiple efforts through phone calls, online inquiries, and texts, I have been unable to reach anyone at IDES. I received approval for UI in May and have been trying to inform IDES to cancel my claim as I have been receiving pay from my employer. How can I effectively withdraw my unemployment application since I am unable to get in touch with IDES? Is there an alternative way to contact a unemployment counselor, perhaps through email?

I am trying to reach out for assistance with my employment situation at Hallmark Cards. I was instructed to check work emails on company phones regarding work continuation or furlough due to COVID-19. I received communication on 4/10/20. I had some confusion during my initial phone certification as I initially stated I didn't work, but later realized I had a few small paychecks for checking work phones twice. There was a request for us to return to work before Illinois officially reopened, and I initially declined as I thought I was not refusing work, just not volunteering. An IDES representative contacted me regarding my work weeks and said they would follow up, but I have been facing difficulties certifying online since 4/27/20. Due to being homebound, I am unable to receive calls on my house phone. I have made detailed notes of all my attempts to resolve this. I am eager to speak with a representative. My case number is #[redacted].

I was laid off on May 1st, completed my certification on May 18th, but unfortunately did not receive any benefits. I have tried calling IDES numerous times with no success. Recently, I received a letter requesting me to contact IDES regarding a discrepancy, but I am unable to get through on the provided number. Upon reviewing my initial certification, I realized I answered a question incorrectly about receiving or applying for retirement or disability pension alongside Social Security. I mistakenly answered yes, but the correct response should have been NO since I am not receiving these benefits. I have corrected this error on the certification I submitted today, June 1st. I am reaching out for assistance as I am in urgent need of these benefits. I hope to hear back from you soon. Thank you, M.A. ID: [redacted]

I require assistance getting in touch with a representative as I have not received any unemployment benefits since filing around March 30, [redacted]. Despite numerous letters stating I am ineligible or have exhausted benefits, I have never actually received any payments. I have consistently certified for benefits, but I am now unable to certify for regular unemployment and attempted a PUA claim which advised I had benefits to request. I followed the link provided to certify for PUA benefits but have still not received any payments, except for my stimulus check. I am struggling to reach a live person via phone.

I encountered difficulties verifying my email address within the 96-hour timeframe, resulting in no access to the ILJ system. Despite attempts to log in and alter my username/password, I'm unable due to the unverified email. My IDES homepage displays "pending" and "pending issues," while elsewhere it shows "active" and "adjudication," with no messages in my IDES inbox or email. Feeling desperate as my family relies on me, I seek prompt resolution. Have I provided adequate information for my claim processing? How can I address the email and ILJ account issues? Conflicting instructions on registering with ILJ confound me as a self-employed individual. I am willing to share screenshots to clarify matters. Thank you for guiding me through these challenges. Stay safe, Heather W.

I have been unable to certify for unemployment throughout September. On 09/14/[redacted], I faced an error message during online certification which prevented me from completing the process. When I tried to report the issue by calling 1-[redacted], I encountered an all circuits busy message. Upon my next certification attempt on 09/28/[redacted], I received a message directing me to contact the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) at the same number. Despite leaving a callback number, I have not received any response. When I attempted phone certification, I was informed that my PIN was not used within the required timeframe and was prompted to contact IDES at 1-[redacted] to reset the PIN. Upon calling again, I was unable to leave a callback number as my information was already in the system. As a result, I have been left without benefits for a month without any means of reaching a representative.

It's frustrating not being able to speak to a real person to solve problems. I haven't received my payment for last week, and I really need it since I lost my job. I provided a callback number a week ago, but no one has reached out. I've only been on unemployment for a month, and I'm already facing issues. It's disheartening not being able to find help or someone to talk to. Waiting around is draining me financially and emotionally, making me worry about losing everything. It's tough feeling like I'm not important and my struggles don't matter.

I have provided my past employer information, but it doesn't show up in the system. When I try to call for assistance, the office is closed, and the machine indicates there's a problem with my call back. I'm unable to speak with anyone or reattempt the call due to this issue. I feel frustrated as my employer details seem lost, and there isn't a clear solution for the callback problem. I'm concerned about filing my claim for the new month as my information is missing. I feel stuck and uncertain of how to proceed. My contact number is [redacted], and my name is Jesse Gibbs.

I am writing to inquire about the denial of unemployment benefits for my son, Chris Boyle. He was terminated from his job for taking three days off, despite having four weeks of vacation time. The investigation sided with the employer's claim that he couldn't take time off. Chris was fired in early November, and after appealing the decision, we have yet to receive a response after three weeks. Additionally, there seems to be a case of fraudulent unemployment claim in my name, Jim Boyle, as I have been employed at the same company for 30 years without any lay-offs. I recently received a debit card in the mail indicating otherwise. It is concerning that fraudulent claims are being processed swiftly while legitimate cases are left in limbo. I hope to receive a resolution soon. Thank you. - Jim Boyle from Amboy, Illinois

I have been trying to file for unemployment for 11 months now. I received only one check, and every time I speak to someone, they struggle to figure out my claim. They mention that it's a mess and promise to call me back, but I never receive those callbacks. I leave my number for a callback, but even when they call back, they still can't resolve my claim. I am on the verge of losing my home, car, and everything else. I filed my claim on 5/3/[redacted] after always being employed, but the pandemic has complicated everything. It's frustrating to see people who have barely worked getting significant sums, while I have only received one payment in almost a year. Please, I need urgent help to sort out my claim. My family and I are struggling emotionally and mentally, and I really don't want us to end up on the streets. Please, I beg for assistance.