+4 votes
by (230 points)
Does anyone have experience or information regarding "suspended unemployment benefits"? Do you know if there is any way to speak to someone at IDES? Any help, information, or suggestions would be appreciated! I have not received a letter of explanation but finally got through on the automated phone service and it simply said benefits were suspended (with no reason). I had successfully filed for initial benefits in March and did receive my pay for the 1st two weeks. When I did my 1st recertification, none of my information changed but I did not get paid. I'm a substitute teacher for Dist. 204 and typically work 5 days a week at NVHS. I do qualify for benefits through the school district. I get a small retirement through TRS (but no Social Security) and I am wondering if this is why? It shouldn't be according to the IDES handbook. This was reported on my initial application that was approved. This has been really frustrating! Thanks for any information you may have!  
Does anyone have experience or information regarding "suspended unemployment benefits"?

4 Answers

+6 votes
by (2.9k points)
 
Best answer
You may need to refile and start certification all over if you can't get through to a love person. Just a thought.  
+4 votes
by (12.2k points)
We just applied on April 21 and have to certify for the first time on May 12 and have not received anything. My friend who had been getting it since her husband was laid off in March is still getting it so I dont know why yours would stop? Omg i hope we get ours.  
by (2.9k points)
@iso525 shouldn't be a problem as long as you answer questions correctly when you certify. Any misstep and it won't be approved. Also make sure you have it as direct deposit to make it easier to track if you haven't. And if you get a weird error try again at a different time of day. (Early and later seem to work better since I got some weird scrambled screen midday last time).  
by (12.2k points)
@bisset so stressful. I was annoyed because we applied on March 21 when he was laid off, but the letter we got said we applied on March 27 which wasnt the case. And then we have a week waiting period i guess. So by the time we get anything it will be about a month.  
by (2.9k points)
@iso525  the whole thing is a mess
+2 votes
by (2.9k points)
Did you keep certifying biweekly or did you miss or mix up an answer when recertifying?  
by (230 points)
I have attempted to re-certify bi-weekly twice now on my assigned day. Never got my benefits. Finally got thru on the phone automated service (only for my 2nd two-week period) & it said "benefits suspended". I rechecked my answers & they all match my original info. The only unusual issue I have is that I do receive a very small Teacher Retirement pension- but I also put that in the original info & it was approved (as it should be! ) Other substitute teacher who get Social Security instead do not have to report that to unemployment. It is so confusing & no one to talk to :(
by (2.9k points)
@blood75 yea. So weird. Not sure then.  
+4 votes
by (2k points)
When I go to my payment history I see Status: voided. What is this? I am in the same boat with you. I see what I should be paid and I have received nothing.  
by (230 points)
B. K. Jakosz Casazza so sorry! tried to call the automated number all day and can’t get through. So fristrating!  
by (2k points)
@blood75 -I keep calling and get hung up on. Let’s home they get this sorted out, good luck!  
by (230 points)
B. K. Jakosz Casazza same to you! I got through on the automated 312-338-4337 number at 6 am this morning (opens at 5am) and was able to unfortunately confirm that my benefits are suspended again. Makes no sense. the 800 number is not open until 8:30 am and I hope there is someone to speak to. I'm pretty sure mine are denied because of how I am answering the retirement question but I want to be honest & it is unclear. (My employer is not paying my (super small) retirement. ) GOOD LUCK to you as well!  
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