Fed: Illinois unemployment rate 2nd-highest in nation

By Justin Carlson

12/23/2022

Analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia indicates Illinois lost jobs during Q2 rather than gaining, as previously reported. It may still be losing jobs. Illinois ranked No. 2 for highest unemployment in November.

TAGS: IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, jobs, unemployment

Illinois adds 31,200 jobs in July, still missing 88,600 from pandemic

By Bryce Hill

08/19/2022

Illinois’ employment recovery continued in July, but the state is still missing nearly 1 in 9 jobs lost during the pandemic.

TAGS: economic recovery, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security

Pritzker administration failed to report unemployment fraud data

By Dylan Sharkey

08/16/2022

A U.S. Department of Labor report stated Illinois failed to report theft of pandemic relief money as required. Illinois lost over half of pandemic unemployment funds to fraud.

TAGS: fraud, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, JB Pritzker

Audit reveals Illinois lost nearly $2 billion to COVID-19 unemployment fraud

By Patrick Andriesen

06/17/2022

A state audit found the Illinois Department of Employment Security lost to fraud more than half of the $3.6 billion in federal COVID-19 dollars earmarked for out-of-work Illinoisans. The full scope of the unemployment fraud remains unknown.

TAGS: COVID-19, fraud, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security

IDES report detailing scope of Illinois unemployment fraud remains unpublished one year later

By Patrick Andriesen

02/14/2022

Nearly a year after Illinois lawmakers requested a comprehensive audit of state unemployment fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, IDES, the state agency in charge of issuing assistance, remains unable to tabulate how much money was lost to scammers.

TAGS: fraud, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security

Illinois ending debit card payments for unemployment benefits

By Patrick Andriesen

12/06/2021

Illinois is ending its debit card option and going to paper checks for unemployment benefits, unless recipients arrange for direct deposit. The state has yet to address a $5.8 billion deficit in the unemployment fund.

TAGS: IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, unemployment

Remaining Illinois unemployment offices reopen by appointment

By Patrick Andriesen

09/22/2021

More than 18 months after Illinois Department of Employment Security offices closed their doors to Illinoisans, all state job centers have reopened for in-person assistance. Job seekers need an appointment, though.

TAGS: COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security

Some Illinois unemployment offices reopen by appointment only

By Patrick Andriesen

09/16/2021

Nearly a year and a half after IDES closed job centers statewide, the unemployment agency began reopening offices for in-person assistance. So far 13 offices have reopened, with only one in Chicago.

TAGS: COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security

Everything you need to know about Illinois unemployment

By Brad Weisenstein

09/13/2021

The Illinois Department of Employment Security was ill-prepared to handle record numbers of unemployed workers when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, was slow to distribute federal help, exposed Illinoisans' private information, then lefts thousands on hold awaiting answers. Here's the latest.

TAGS: IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, JB Pritzker, jobs, labor, taxes, unemployment

State unemployment fraud could cost Illinoisans more than $1 billion

By Patrick Andriesen

07/28/2021

A recent report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security revealed the state lost at least $14.8 million to fraudsters during the pandemic. But experts warn the full extent of state fraud could be closer to $1 billion.

TAGS: fraud, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security