IDES report detailing scope of Illinois unemployment fraud remains unpublished one year later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

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

Illinois unemployment accounts repeatedly hijacked by thieves

By Patrick Andriesen

08/06/2021

Unemployment benefits are being stolen by thieves who redirect the funds. Repeat victims say the problem is within Illinois Department of Employment Security computers, but the state won’t release data to pinpoint the problem.

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

Illinois unemployment benefits stolen as state fails to implement basic security

08/21/2020

The Illinois Department of Employment Security troubles included scores of unemployed unable to get benefits, nearly 32,500 Social Security numbers exposed and now benefits theft. A simple fix used by many online retailers could have prevented the thefts.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, JB Pritzker, recession

Illinois still logs nearly 38,000 unemployment claims as Pritzker replaces employment chief

07/16/2020

The Illinois Department of Employment Security has been under fire throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as millions waited for unemployment relief.

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

Illinois unemployment requests top 200K as state tells independent contractors, freelancers not to apply

By Brad Weisenstein

04/09/2020

Unemployment is hitting record levels in Illinois with weeks to go until the COVID-19 stay-at-home order expires. Federal action made self-employed workers eligible, but Illinois could be months away from handling their claims.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, JB Pritzker, unemployment

Illinois sees worst month for manufacturing jobs since 2009

By Austin Berg

09/15/2017

The state’s August jobs numbers were poor across the board, but especially sobering for manufacturing.

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

Illinois’ jobs growth worse than every neighboring state

By Austin Berg, Kevin Angell

07/28/2017

Illinois’ jobs growth over the past year was 40 percent slower than the national average, and lagged even further behind the average of neighboring states.

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

Illinois loses nearly 9,000 jobs on net in March; unemployment rate drops

By Michael Lucci

04/21/2017

Illinois lost jobs across several industries including construction, manufacturing, and professional and business services. The only employment category to see significant growth was leisure and hospitality.

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

IDES

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

Some Illinois unemployment offices reopen by appointment only

Illinois unemployment accounts repeatedly hijacked by thieves

State unemployment fraud could cost Illinoisans more than $1 billion

Illinois unemployment benefits stolen as state fails to implement basic security

Illinois still logs nearly 38,000 unemployment claims as Pritzker replaces employment chief

Illinois unemployment requests top 200K as state tells independent contractors, freelancers not to apply

Illinois sees worst month for manufacturing jobs since 2009

Illinois’ jobs growth worse than every neighboring state

Illinois loses nearly 9,000 jobs on net in March; unemployment rate drops

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students