What Resources Are Available for Unemployed Workers?
There are a number of programs available to assist Illinois workers. Most of the programs are concentrated in the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). IDES is the key state agency for employment services, unemployment assistance, workforce development, and labor market information. One of the first and oldest to come to mind is the Unemployment Insurance program, a state/federal partnership administered by IDES. This program provides weekly cash benefits to workers involuntarily out of a job. Eligible unemployed workers can receive benefits based on their previous wages for up to 26 weeks (see Focus on Revenue). IDES also administers programs for dislocated workers. The rubric under which this assistance is provided is called “Rapid Response.” The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) requires employers to provide notification to workers 60 days in advance when faced with a plant closing or mass layoff. IDES can then step in to help the workers
