How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?
File by Telephone: Use Tele-Serve's from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, Monday through Friday, including most holidays, Tele-Serve is a fast, reliable way to certify for unemployment benefits by telephone. It's also a convenient way to obtain current information about your benefits.

No more lost forms or delays when filing your bi-weekly certification, TeleServe allows you to reopen your claim by phone and informs you immediately if your certification is accepted. It allows you to obtain general information on Unemployment Insurance and Employment and Training Services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What number do I call?

• Statewide Tele-Serve number
  (including callers in the Chicago area) 888-337-7234
• TDD (Hearing Impaired)
  (Hours for TDD-only: 8:30 - 5:00 on regular business days) 800-662-3943
  

When you call, be sure to have your:

• social security number
• personal identification number (PIN)
• earnings before taxes
• statement of certification

Certification Questions You Will Be Asked

• Have you received or will you receive holiday pay?
• (Have holiday pay amount available)
• Did you work? (Have earnings before taxes available)
• Has your dependency status changed?
• Were you able to work and available for work?
• Did you actively look for work?
• Are you receiving or have you applied for a Social Security pension?
• Other than Social Security, are you receiving or have you applied for a retirement or disability pension?
• Are you attending school or receiving training?
• Have you claimed or will you receive workers' compensation for a temporary disability?
• Address and name changes:
  Has your phone number changed?
• Has your mailing address or name changed?

Call your Local Office during business hours to report address and name changes.the Postal Service will not forward IDES mail.

Tele-Serve will tell you the number to call or see the directory of local offices.

File an online claim