Go to the Illinois Department of Employment Security website
Create or sign in to your account
Start a new unemployment claim
Enter your personal information
Provide your Social Security number
Enter your employment history for the last 18 months
Include your last employer’s name, address, and phone number
State the reason you are unemployed
Submit any required documents if requested
Review and submit your claim
File weekly or biweekly certifications as instructed
Keep records of your job search activities
Respond promptly to any requests from IDES