Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for individuals in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties. This follows a major disaster declaration issued by President Biden on September 20, 2024, due to severe storms and flooding that occurred in July. The DUA benefits are funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"IDES is grateful that federal disaster relief, including the availability of DUA benefits, has been authorized for individuals impacted by the severe storms and flooding during the summer," stated IDES Director Ray Marchiori. "The Department is ready to provide assistance to those affected and bring relief to the area’s residents."

Applications for DUA benefits are now being accepted from individuals whose employment or self-employment was disrupted due to the flooding. Claimants may receive up to 35 weeks of DUA benefits if their unemployment continues as a result of the disaster. Eligibility will be assessed weekly, and applications must be submitted by November 19, 2024.

To apply for DUA benefits, individuals should contact the IDES call center appointment line at 217.558.0401 or schedule an in-person appointment at a local office using the same number.

Applicants must first be deemed ineligible for regular state unemployment insurance before applying for DUA benefits. IDES will assess eligibility and payments on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility criteria include being an unemployed worker whose job loss directly resulted from the declared disaster, being a U.S. national or qualified citizen, not qualifying for regular unemployment insurance from any state, having worked or planned to work in one of the affected counties, and establishing that their primary source of income can no longer be performed.

Additional eligible applicants include those unable to work due to physical damage or destruction at their place of employment caused by the disaster; those injured as a direct result; those who became sole earners following a death in their household; or those unable to work due to federal government facility closures.

IDES offers essential employment services across Illinois with resources like Job Fairs and IllinoisJobLink.com while analyzing labor market information and managing unemployment insurance programs. For more details on services provided by IDES or latest updates concerning them visit IDES.Illinois.gov.