More than 1M Illinois unemployment claims during COVID-19 pandemic

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has been busy since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

IDES says it has now processed 1,006,925 initial unemployment claims from March 1 through May 2.

That's 12 times the number of claims processed over the same period last year.

Initial claims have slightly declined over the last two weeks, but IDES believes they may see an increase when the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program becomes available on Monday, May 11.

Those seeking to apply for the PUA program must first apply for regular unemployment insurance before applying for benefits under PUA.

If a claimant receives an eligibility determination of $0, that can be appealed by providing verification of wages earned or by submitting a claim for PUA benefits.

Receiving a denial for regular unemployment benefits is a mandatory first step in determining eligibility for PUA.

Those with questions or in need of assistance with unemployment benefits at this time are encouraged to visit IDES.Illinois.gov.

Statement from Todd Maisch, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce:

“The Illinois Chamber supports the administration’s efforts to develop a reopening roadmap for our economy. Unfortunately, today’s news that more than 1 million Illinoisans are out of work since March 1, reaffirms the inadequacy of its plan. We face unprecedented job losses and government fiscal implosion. Illinois cannot afford to outsource the future of our economy to a handful of epidemiologists without considering the financial future of families. Government leaders must be able to address the public health crisis and the economic crisis at the same time. Otherwise it is failing us.

"We know there has been outspoken support for a regional approach to the opening of the state’s economy. This is a well-intended response to the fact that COVID-19 crisis has impacted some communities much more than others. However, the Chamber believes the regional approach is misguided. Undisclosed epidemiological standards applied to arbitrary geographical boundaries should not keep people from earning a living. We believe that statewide reopening safety protocols for all places of business are necessary and equitable.

"All places of business that can reopen and rehire safely should be allowed to do so as soon as possible. The statewide protocols should apply as equally to an employer on the west side of Chicago as they should to an employer in DuPage or Effingham Counties. All businesses in Illinois that can reopen responsibly should be able to do so as soon as practical, because employers in every part of the state deserve the same opportunity to reopen and rehire.”