Question

I recently applied for unemployment and just processed my first certification today. I was laid off due to COVID 19. Does anyone know if I need to apply separately for the additional $600 or do I receive that automatically? I've tried calling and they are not taking calls right now. Thank you in advance.  

Answer 1

You receive it automatically.  

Answer 2

No, you will get it along with unemployment.  

Answer 3

I don't believe it's on the first check, but will get added eventually. No additional steps needed other than applying  

Answer 4

I got it with my first check automatically.  

Answer 5

I was denied should I reapply

Comments

@decretal were you denied via mail? For the additional $600 or all unemployment?  

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@via216 all employment . I lost my job cause of this virus  

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@via216 by mail  

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What was the reason for denial? Also, you should appeal it

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I agree with @totaquine8471.  

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@via216 they said I enough work for long there that’s why . and I can’t understand the process of unemployment. I just reapplied . see what happens

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@decretal oh, I understand now. Can you give them the name of the company you worked for before that one?  

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@via216 I don’t think so  

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@decretal check with your employer HR. I think they can help you navigate eligibility / if there’s a glitch in you getting denied when you shouldnt to correct it.  

Answer 6

I received it on my first check. You get it additionally to what IDES has allocated to you.  

Answer 7

You get the $600 automatically. If you certified today then tomorrow log into your account online, search under payments and you'll see the total that you're getting.  

Comments

@pharyngo54 I understand. It is very scary and frustrating. I hope you get someone on the phone. Keep calling

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@totaquine8471 thank you

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@pharyngo54 you're welcome

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@totaquine8471 I just called Teleserve to check status on my certification and it said it was suspended to call ides what does this mean? I tried calling and it’s just a busy signal

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@pharyngo54 you will definitely need to keep calling until you reach someone. You will not get any benefits until you get this cleared up. It basically means you were denied benefits for some reason

Answer 8

Is that true even if it doesn’t show on my UI finding letter. I received it today and certified today

Comments

@pharyngo54 so u r saying u received it

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No I was asking! They said it’s automatic but it didn’t show on my letter and I don’t know when I’ll get my payment or if there holding the first week like before

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@pharyngo54 it wasn’t on my letter either but you’ll get the $600

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@viafore thank you! Did they hold back a week or did u get your 2 weeks benefits and the 600

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@pharyngo54 actually my case got all screwed up because I was in this holding pattern with the state to identify I am who I say I am but I don’t believe I got any payment for the first week.  

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@viafore thanks

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@pharyngo54 good luck!  

Answer 9

How long does it take to get a letter to certify? My son applied a week ago. Also, will unemployment be backdated he last worked March 21st. He didn't know he should have applied.  

Comments

@heteronomy your welcome! Not sure if will work for you but I hope  

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@pharyngo54 he got through and found out his certification date.  

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@heteronomy yeah! I’m happy I could help

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@heteronomy I got my debit card In the mail too. Does that mean I was accepted?  

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@breeches7338 no that does not mean you were accepted. That's normal procedure for them to send the debit card when someone applies for unemployment

Answer 10

I have a question my unemployment ended several months ago BUT I received the PEUC letter that I was approved and said my certification date starts 4/15/20 but the letter was mailed 4/24/20. I tried to call and certify on my date and it said to call unemployment dept. which I can’t because they aren’t answering.  

Comments

@sundried My understanding is that if you miss your certification day you can certify on either a Thursday or a Friday.  

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@via216, it didn’t work ‍♀️ because they mailed it passed certification date.  

Answer 11

No. When you get your first check it will be for 1200. 00

Comments

@earplug huh  

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@decretal If today was your day to call or do it on line to claim your benefits you should have your money in the bank by Thursday. That’s if you have direct deposit. Until July 25 your check will be 1200. 00 for the two week period.  

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@earplug I got ya . bit I was denied the benefits

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@decretal Denied? I thought Pritzker said from the beginning no one would be turned down!  

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@earplug shi* mines denied

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@decretal Maybe try calling at 6am

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@earplug I was thinking the same . will try

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@decretal A friend said that’s what they did and got to talk to someone!  

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@earplug ty I will call them first thing in the morning  

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@earplug he Never said no one would be denied. That's not realistic. Anyone who qualifies and meets the requirements for approval will be approved. Good luck @decretal. I know it's frustrating but I'll be praying that it all goes well and in your favor. Keep trying!  

Answer 12

I have a question, I went to just register for unemployment the first screen where you just put your name, your social security number, birthdate, Etc. and it said that I was not able to certify online that I have to call. Did anybody else get that message?  

Comments

@troth you have to file a claim first then they send you a letter which tells you what day you need to certify.  

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@via216 right so when I was filing the claim the very first screen that you just enter your name your social security number your birthday as soon as I hit continue it came up with the message saying that I'm not eligible to file online to call.  

Answer 13

Ladies - we have a local representative, her name is Stephanie Kifowit  She has been on the Oswego Chamber Page and posted she is willing to assist citizens as a representative to get thru the crazy hold times at IDES. She has asked that you contact her office with your information and she will present as a united front. It may be worth a shot. I hope this will help some of you.  
http://www.ildistrict84.com/

Answer 14

@via216 did you check today under payments to see if your money is pending?  

Comments

Hi @totaquine8471, Yes, my payment shows pending and it includes the additional PUA amount.  

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@via216 yayyy! I'm glad it all worked out

Answer 15

Has anyone on here been able to talk to a live person I have called like 200 times when I don’t get a busy signal I get the normal auto prompts but they say call back at another time! I called and checked my certification after getting the approval letter and it said my certification I did on Monday was suspended

Comments

@pharyngo54 I've heard that faxing them a letter is a great idea. They'll call you within 2 days. I haven't tried it tho

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@totaquine8471 I called the lady from the link someone posted yesterday from our state reps office and she gave my info to their IDES liaison and there suppose to call me back but it will take 14 days

Answer 16

Does anyone know if unemployment can be back dated. I have long story. But to make it short I have been laid off due to equipment not working since October. I honestly didn’t know I could even file since we are a small company and I worked two days a week. Well I just recently applied because a few others did and was accepted. Just wondering if I can get any kind of back pay, because more than likely I will go back to work again in June with everything is lifted and my husband took a pay cut as well so we have been even lower on income lately. Feeling stressed.