Illinois - My Unemployment Benefits are Expired? (collect, extension, file)

[chicago6772]

Hope someone can help me, I'm very confused.

I was getting $556 a week since January 1, 18 weeks now.

I assumed this was for 26 weeks, however when I first applied I got a letter that said the max was $10,010 (didn't notice at the time), which I have now surpassed.

Is this correct? You get 26 weeks or $10,010, whichever is less? I will have exhausted the $10,010 by week ending 5/8/2010 (18 weeks).

If so, what is my next step? Do I get automatically moved to a new tier of benefits? Or am I done until Congress passes more legislation?

I will call IDES tomorrow to try to get more info, but would appreciate it if someone can fill me in.

Thank you!

[wannabee]

26 weeks is the maximum for State Benefits. If your benefits ended/exhausted already, you would just move on to Tier I at the same weekly benefit rate. Divide your award amount by your weekly benefit amount and it comes to 18 weeks. Tier I has a maximum of 20 weeks and it is prorated according to the amount of weeks paid by the State. For you this means Tier II will only last 13-14 weeks.

[firemonkey53]

After Tier II, then what?

[Jasmine728]

I thought the Tiers were only available if you filed your claim before a certain date. I didnt file until the last week of December 2009 and thought I wasnt eligible for the Tiers unless they extended the dates?

[wannabee]

Currently,

A
If you are receiving STATE benefits (UP TO 26 weeks - but it can be less - your mileage may vary) you must EXHAUST those benefits by 5/22/10 (which was last Saturday). Tier I would have begun on 5/23.
Otherwise you will collect your State benefits until they are exhausted. See "C".

B
If you are in the Federal EUC TIER system already, you must EXHAUST your current TIER by 5/29/10 (tomorrow). The next Tier will begin 5/30. Otherwise you will collect your current Tier until it is exhausted. See "C".

C
Check to see if your State offers EB (Extended Benefits) after all State and Federal benefits have been exhausted.

If A or B or C do not apply, you are probably a 99er and therefore SOL.

[JANDJANDS]

Originally Posted by chicago6772

Hope someone can help me, I'm very confused.

I was getting $556 a week since January 1, 18 weeks now.

I assumed this was for 26 weeks, however when I first applied I got a letter that said the max was $10,010 (didn't notice at the time), which I have now surpassed.

Is this correct? You get 26 weeks or $10,010, whichever is less? I will have exhausted the $10,010 by week ending 5/8/2010 (18 weeks).

If so, what is my next step? Do I get automatically moved to a new tier of benefits? Or am I done until Congress passes more legislation?

I will call IDES tomorrow to try to get more info, but would appreciate it if someone can fill me in.

Thank you!

You will automatically receive extensions available to you. I am off work longer then you, so not sure how many tiers you are able to get.

Please let me know what you found out when you called IDES

thanks,
JANDJANDS

[JANDJANDS]

After certifying for benefits this week, I was told I have under my two week amount left. I called yesterday and the check was sent and I was told I exhausted my benefits but that Illinois had emergency state benefits available.

I have a number to call the office, however; the lines were busy so will try later.

How long have you been off?

thanks, please inform me of what you might find out.

Jandjands

[AM1211]

How do you get a hold of anyone? My office is in Burbank - I have tried for 2 days to get someone to answer the phone and they keep putting me into the general menu.

[nodonnell25]

Originally Posted by AM1211

How do you get a hold of anyone? My office is in Burbank - I have tried for 2 days to get someone to answer the phone and they keep putting me into the general menu.

Haha... No, you have to go in if your office is Burbank. They dont answer phone calls. Even when you go in you would be lucky to get your questions get answered.

Anyway, so is there no way of knowing if/when extended benefits will be resumed? I dont understand how people are going through 5 teirs. (99 wks) Yet, I am cut off at 26 wks. I am glad I finally got a job and start monday two weeks after my cut off. My rent is going to be late but at least it will be paid.