Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for eligible individuals in Cook County affected by flooding in September. This follows a major disaster declaration issued by President Biden on November 20, 2023. The DUA benefits are funded federally 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 earlier this fall," stated IDES Acting 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 those whose employment or self-employment was disrupted due to the flooding. Eligible claimants can receive up to 35 weeks of DUA benefits as long as their unemployment remains linked to the disaster. Applications must be submitted by December 27, 2023.

To apply for DUA benefits, individuals should contact the IDES call center appointment line at 217.558.0401, specify they are calling about Cook County Flood – DUA Benefits, and schedule an appointment at one of the American Job Centers in Lawrence, Pilsen, or Woodlawn.

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 or self-employed worker whose job loss was directly caused by 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 Cook County, and proving that their primary income source is no longer viable due to the disaster.

Other potentially eligible individuals include those unable to work due to physical damage or destruction at their place of employment caused by the disaster; those who cannot work because of an injury resulting from it; those who became sole earners due to a household head's death; and those unable to work because a facility was closed by federal authorities.

IDES offers essential employment services across Illinois with resources like Job Fairs and IllinoisJobLink.com. It also provides labor market information analysis and administers unemployment insurance programs. For more details on IDES services and updates, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.