Question

Ugh super embarrassing to post. I know it was asked before - but has anyone had luck getting a representative at the unemployment office in the phone recently? I've called over 100x the past two days. I havent received benefits since mid april and it will not allow me to certify. Says to call the office but I cant get anyone. Ive tried calling outside busy hours, memorized the prompts, etc. Just says they are experiencing high call volumes and hangs up. My work was the first to close and will be the last to reopen. I'm officially desperate and freaking out. Any advice is appreciated.  

Answer 1

I'm sorry I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to say that you don't need to be embarrassed. I mean, you feel how you feel, so I don't mean to dismiss or diminish your feelings. I just mean to say that there is zero judgment coming from this little corner of the world - good for you for fighting for yourself and sending you lots of positive energy for what I'm sure is an incredibly stressful time.  

Answer 2

I saw someone post on here about having more luck with the Springfield number.  

Answer 3

No advice but just popping in to say don’t be embarrassed to post! It’s a crazy time - wishing you luck!  

Answer 4

Do not be embarrassed! We had to file too.  

Answer 5

We were able to get through yesterday for my husband around 2:30pm, after about 60 calls and 1hr 20min hold time. We just called back to back to back until the prompts eventually change and they put you on hold.  

Answer 6

I sent you a pm

Answer 7

Try this number - it’s the joliet office. 815-740-3089 Leave a message and they are great about calling back. I was about to just call it quits trying to get this resolved, after spending countless times calling the 800 number and then called this. It was resolved by end of day!  

Comments

Yes do this

Answer 8

You should have gotten an email first that directs you to certify on a particular day. Then you should have received a letter in the mail called UI finding that tells you the exact day of the week to certify on. It will be every other week on that date.  

Comments

Yes it was all working fine for a whole month, then when I went to certify the next week - it said you cannot certify at this time and to call the office. I am so confused by it!  

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@deliberation80388 certification can happen on days that are not your assigned day online Thursdays and Fridays- definitely try again Thursday. There have been glitches.  

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@deliberation80388 did you try certifying online? It starts at 3am and it helps to go online early. I go online around 7 and go directly to IDES website, choose from drop down box. file certification, put in password. Works everytime but you must do it very EARLY in the morning like 7am or earlier.  

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@blackboard yes, everything was working normal for at least 3 weeks before I went to certify one day on my designated day, and it said to call the office. I've tried to do it online daily. So strange!  

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@deliberation80388 what time do you try?  

Answer 9

I’ve heard a few people having success with writing actual letters requesting a call? I have no address or anything- just heard it worked!  

Answer 10

I have had to file as well. I have gotten someone a few times. I had to do it the first time I filed. Then again two weeks ago. I try to call after 2 just because it seems like less calls then. Try a Thursday due to your last name is easier to get through

Answer 11

You may need to submit for PUA  
https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/page....aspx

Answer 12

I’ve only had luck calling around 1 pm. It’s been a month and I can’t seem to work out the issues with mine either ☹️

Answer 13

I called late afternoon- i was finally put on hold for about 2 hours but around 6:307:00 it put me into a queue for a call back the following morning- they called me by 10:00

Answer 14

Thank you everyone for sharing your advice, experiences and kind words. What crazy times these are! Back to the phone to make some more calls for me - thank you again!