IDES extends unemployment benefits

[ABC NEWS]

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is extending the state’s unemployment benefits.

Typically unemployed residents seeking benefits are allowed to get unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks.

That was extended to an additional 13 weeks.

Now, residents will get an additional seven weeks, for a total of 20 weeks of extended benefits (EB).

IDES says Illinois law provides for 20 weeks of EB during times of “high unemployment,” instead of the 13 weeks of EB made available since May.

Once unemployed residents have exhausted the regular 26 weeks of state unemployment benefits and the 13 weeks of federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits, they can get an additional 20 weeks.

WICS/WRSP