Progress Illinois

Great news. I was loosing sleep over this. No job and we all have kids to feed. Good luck people!

I just rec'd via mail a "Claimant Notice of Possible Ineligibility" for regarding the exhaustion of benefits. I also rec'd a 1-sheet on "Your Rights As A Claimant". What to do? Do I just hold tight? The IL Unemployment Dept is horribly organized (their website even worse). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My family is depending on those benefits.

I was so worried about this, I was afraid to find out, if Illinois would receive this option..
I so hope that our area offices, will get ti together, I agree w/previous posters, they are so
disorganized.

I just wish across the board they would continue these benefits and not make us jump through rings
to receive them.

We'll see

jay-

i am in the same boat. I have been out since early february. I just exhausted my regular benifts (26 weeks i think) and my last payment was for half my usual check. I know a guy who has been getting benefits for over a year and he told me he is getting extended. Hopefully you and I will. I went to the local office and asked, they said i should get a notification this week one way or the other. I think The first extension is automatic however. They told me no add'l filing was necessary. needless to say I am a bit anxious of the status. Generally if you need info you are better off just going into the office. The website and calling in are dead-ends. I will keep you updated.

Can anyone answer this: I currently have another four weeks coming from the Federal EUC then I've been told that I will get another 13 from State EB. With this additional seven weeks approved yesterday, is it wishful thinking that the seven will be added to the 13 totalling twenty weeks State EB?
Thanks in advance-

How is this good news for anyone now when this article says it's "scheduled to start in 2011"

Anon 12:37 -

Only the $15 allowance is scheduled to start in 2011. The other provisions, including the 7-week extension, are effective immediately.

I was on the extended benefits extension and my weekly benefit was based on my previous full time job. I became a substitue teacher and worked to supplement my income without going over half of my weekly benefit amount. After I made $1600 and over $440 outside my highest quarter using the alternate base period, I was alerted that I qualified for regular unemployment benefits, for 26 weeks. I was told that I must be taken off the extension and put on regular unemployment thus reducing my weekly benefit amount by $350.

I am currently receiving the extended benefits unemployment which runs out next week. Is this applicable to me??

I'm not understanding how some are still getting extensions. I've had the 20 weeks and I was told there was another 13 weeks, well some how I fall through the cracks, because my last call in on unemployment was the 4th and the extended benefits end on the 4th . I'm not eligilbe, thats just crazy.
I live in illinois and worked in iowa, so will the new Quinn bill help us that file in iowa??? Can anyone answer this?

Thanks

Thanks for the replies. The last letter I have said that I'm not eligibile for the extension. Like I said the 13 week one ran out july 4th, so because my last week to file was july 4th, I didnt receive the 13 weeks. I live in illinois, but worked and filed in iowa. Is this a federal extension, like the extra 25 a week, or do i have to wait until iowa unemployment rate is higher. Thanks for any help or answer.

From what I've read this is only an illinois extension.
I'm not sure how Iowa will ever get it unless it is federal.
Iowa rates show low, because when people like you and I run out, then the rates go down, showing we are no longer unemployed.

I hope things work out for both of us.

Hey does anyone know what steps I need to take next? I started receiving unemployment in Jan 09 and I have one remaining payment left on my 26weeks. Do I need to refile for unemployment? I just had my certifiying for benefits on Monday so I may be receiving something in the mail soon.....I hope!

My husband just recieved his last week of unemployment. When the extended unemployment compensation starts, will there be a waiting week?

I was apparently denied for this, because in the early part of '08 I lived/worked in Wisconsin.

I don't even know what I'm going to do now. I'm at the end of my rope.

Is there a 3rd extension coming? Obama is scheduled to be in MI today (7/14) and acknowledged the highest unemployment in 26 years ... is the additional 7 weeks the end ...?????

This is insane that the Illinois Department of "Employment Security" cannot answer simple inquiries like: what benefits am I entitled to receive?

And people, when these extended benefits run out many, if not most of us, will not have jobs. Or jobs that we can live on. What then?

People need to get organized to fight for the unemployed/underemployed. We need to start working for our interests.

I still don't understad what benefits I should get. I am still on tier 2 (20 week) benefits, and need to know if I will get another extesion. People are talking about "33 weeks" plus 13 weeks. All i see in the law is: tier 2 = 20 weeks, tier 3 = 7 weeks That's 27 weeks.

I never received any letter of eligibility and I don't eve know what the criteria are to receive benefits.

We should march down to our state representatives office and demand answers!

LET'S GET AN EMAIL LIST GOING. Write me at hwait2002@yahoo.com and I'll go with you.

Correction:

Looking at the preceding material on extensions, I see it specifies 13 weeks tier 2 extension and 7 weeks TUR trigger extension. That's 26 + 13 + 7 = 46 weeks, well short of one year.

Can we get some facts going here. CAn we get the actual RULES on eligibility and filing requirements?

Are people going to get screwed because they "failed" to meet some obscure, stupid procedure THAT NOBODY TOLD THEM ABOUT?

Let's get a goddamn backbone.

Hi everyone, I pray that the EB Benefits will extended for everyone, II am also on the EB which will exhaust sept , I pray that we all get job Love and peace to everyone.

I have recieved what I believe to be my last check today. It was for half of what I usually get. It was also my last check on my first 6 months. It is saying not to call that it will automatically start again. Wouldnt it automatically start and be rolled into my old one so IV got a full check this week? What should I expect to happen? How long should I wait to see if it was approved for renewal?

I'm on EB but I agree with previous poster.....we need to ORGANIZE if this country can't produce enough jobs....EB needs to be extended until it CAN. We paid for this INSURANCE...it is not public aid. Also, we can't ALL be construction workers (infrastructure bills), although I fully support these initiatives. ENOUGH pampering the wealthy and white collar welfare to defense workers. CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSMEN FREQUENTLY!!!

Okay, anybody still here?

This link is a 50-state map from CNN (June 25, 2009) showing how many benefit weeks in each state. Says Illinois Gets 72. THAT WAS BEFORE quinn signed the 7-week TUC extension. Is anybody here getting 72 weeks? My 26 plus 20 males 46 weeks. WTF?

http://money.cnn.com/news/storysupplement/economy/unemployment_benefits/...

Where can we find an authority that will give the real FACTS on benefits and eligibility. This business of waiting around for a letter, no answers at local office and teleserve bullshit is designed to keep us ignorant and scared. What about appeal rights? What about filing requirements?

We need answers.

Thanks for this info, I was totally lost before reading this. It's not a 100% answer but at least it points me in the right direction. Thanks guys!

I recently ran out of my regular (26 weeks) benefits and received a letter saying I was ineligable for the 33 week TEUC due to my total base period wages not equaling 1.5 times my highest quarter. This is crazy since if that work had been shifted even a month I would be eligable. Other states seem to have a choice between this, 20 weeks of work, or earnings equal to or greater than 40 times the weekly benefit amount. It would seem Illinois is trying to pinch every penny it can in NOT helping those of us out of work.

I called IDES to inquire and was further told that I did not qualify for the (now 20 weeks worth of) state extended benefits either since you need to qualify for TEUC to next qualify for the extended benefits. Is this true? It seems like bull to me and nowhere on the Illinois website does it say that EB eligibility is dependent on eligibility to TEUC.

Can anyone help?

Hi, everyone, and I'm sorry that I've not been able to help answer the latest questions since my last posting. But, some good news: Congressman Sandy Levin D-Michigan and Senator Debbie Stabenaw (sp?) D-Michigan have simultaneously placed bills in the US Senate and House calling for an additional 13 week extension of Federal Benefits in states which have unemployment of 9% or higher. Google "H.R. 3404" and look for Thomas Register or Four Pillars. This happened only Thursday/Friday of this week. The Bill(s) have at least 27 co-sponsors and the White House has said they would support the legislation.

http://www.house.gov/mcdermott/July%2030%202009%20ui%20extension%20bill....

Here's the Bill.

will california get a 4th unemployment extension?

HI, I really need help, I received my last check last week for one week only, I am now done with my 26 weeks. It states on your claim form do not call your local office the 20 week extension will automatically be started for you. ON Saturday I received a statement stating I was not eligible for the extension because I did not make enough money but, it states to call in this am to teleserve. I did that. I called my local office and the guy was an idiot so I went down there. I was told I was not going to get the extension because I did not make enough money and I was handed an appeal form. I have no idea what to do now. This does not make any sense and I know people who made a lot less than I did and they have been getting this for over a year now.

Can someone please help me and tell me what to do???? I did call teleserve today and claim my weeks of unemployment but where do I go from here.

I am at stake of loosing everything, just like everyone else and I am scared how and I going to feed my family.

Please any help will do. Thank you

Thank you I just called that number and I have exhausted it. Teleserve states I have no benefits coming. When I went to unemployment today I have money there but the lady said that I did not make enough times the 1.5 percent. So My question is what do I do now. She game me an appeal form but can you appeal for extended benefits. I am lost with all of this. I tell you what though this is a crock of crap with the state of Illinois it really is. I have worked for 20 years and in 2007 and 2008, I did not work that much becuse of medical problems but they are telling me I can't get my money back.

This state is a joke

Thank you for your help!!!!!!!!

If anyone else can tell me what to do with the appeal thing I would appreciate it

what happens after the 7 week extension is done??? i have one more check and thats it. will there be anymore benefits???

Why doesn't Obama do something? He's supposed to be a liberal, a Democrat, supposed to care about the poor and the working class. Where is he? Why doesn't he help?

I have a question? I just exhusted my first 26 weeks of bennies. My last check was for one week. Some meathead at my local office told me that since I certifed for two weeks and only recived one week of pay to first wait and see when I get a letter of elibility for the EUC08. He then said for me to certify for benefits again the following monday(1 week later not 2) and the EUC would pick up both weeks and I would start certifying every other week after that. Does this sound right? I'm pretty sure I qualify for the extension I have done the math and my total base wages are much higher than the (1.5X's my highest quarter) so does anyone see any potential hang ups for me?

I have a concern I hope somebody can help me with.. I am nearing the end of my benefit year on August 26th, and am currently on the extended benefits. I have several more weeks of extended benefits left, however when I called the local office to see what would happen when my benefit year expires, they informed me that I would be taken off the extended benefits and placed on a new claim, which would be about $300 a week less than what I am getting on the extension because I have worked several part time jobs since I was laid off. The main problem with that which I'm facing is, I am currenlty working parttime now, and my earnings are very small but I won't be able to collect on the new claim anyway because I exceed well over half the amount (only $70 a wk)! The person I spoke with at the unemployment office told me that if I would of never worked at all since I was laid off from my regular job, then I would still be eligible to collect the same amount on the extension, but since I did work and had earnings at the little part time odd jobs, I am no longer eligible and am forced to collect way less on a new claim instead! I feel as though I am being punished for working, and it just doesn't make sense! I was thinking that I may try and file an appeal....does anyone have any ideas or insight on this? Any help much appreciated!

Hi, everyone. I've got a simular question to the previous poster of 8/14 @ 19:22. My benefit year expires on 8/28 of this year-NOT FAR OFF! I still have over $4,000.00 in my EUC 08 Tier 2 account but, question is, how does someone get a new, or, perhaps, extend the current benefit year? Teleserve has the option to "Reopen Your Claim effective XX/XX/XX." Is that the route to go or should I go to the Lawerence Office? Any solid advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Got my certification letter saying my benefits will be exhausted and gave me a web site to go to for assistance once my 7 weeks are up. What happens after the 7 weeks are done?? who helps pay my bills and buy diapers for my kids?? I have been on theh unemployment since dec 2008 so im down to my last check sept 2. will the state or the federal gov extend again?? i followed all the rules my inbox is soooo full of applications but no interviews. its getting frustrating. i contacted my state rep and senator but neither of them have responded. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is a one-week waiting period for Tier I benefits. When that 20 weeks ends, and it goes into the 13 weeks of Tier II, is there another one-week waiting period for Tier II? Or are they considered a "package deal" as part of EUC, with just the initial waiting period?

Thank you.

Thank you Jennifer - and Bryan with his question.

That is where I am at. I didn't even receive a full 'one week' of benefits, but my regular benefits have been exhausted.

What Jennifer explained, as well as Bryan, is what I was told when I called my local office. The woman I spoke with also said to give them a call tomorrow, as they can not see if I am eligible yet (she said it appeared as I would be) as the EUC approval shows up 3-4 days after you last certified - which for me was Tuesday the 18th.

I then will be certifying again, next Tuesday - a week from last certification.

How absolutely nerve wracking, though. I hope mine (and everyone's) goes as smoothly as Jennifer's.

Good thoughts for all of us in this boat.

I just rec'd via mail a "Claimant Notice of Possible Ineligibility" for regarding the exhaustion of benefits. I also rec'd a 1-sheet on "Your Rights As A Claimant". I saw previous Q&A about receiving only the one week and just calling teleserve the next week instead of wait 2 like the statement says. Having a heart attack! Any idea what this Possible Inelgibility is for. 1.5 x quarter would NOT be my issue. I hope this is complete disorganization and if I call next Monday to certify, I will start my Tier 1 20 weeks. Please, anyone's advice so I can sleep at least 5 minutes tonight. Thanks

Any Word on bill H.R.3404 and how the process will pan out for those in Illinois getting ready to exhaust the EB program?

H.R. 3404 - Representative Jim McDermott, Washington, introduced legislation, H.R. 3404, which would an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits for workers in states where the overall unemployment rate on a three-month rolling average is at or above 9%

Might anyone have an answer to my question? Thanks!

Sorry...the question about whether there's also a one-week waiting period for Tier II....or just Tier I?

Check out our new unemployment insurance open thread here

http://progressillinois.com/2009/8/26/unemployment-insurance-open-thread

I was supposed to get a direct deposit for my IDES check on Thursday. It's Saturday and no check. Is anyone else having this problem? Bah!

I received a letter saying I had gotten a 13 week extension (whew!) to my benefits, but my benefit year ends shortly. I am a little confused about this and the way the State of Ilinois works- can anyone tell me if that means my unemployment benefit will expire shortly regardless at the end of my 'benefit year', even though the extension money was placed in my account.

Will I have to go in and refile to get reapproved for unemployment for the rest of the extension I supposedly recieved, and/or possibly get a different amount or even be refused?
Searching all over the web but can't find an answer................Thanks much.

NEVER TAKE A JOB! Or earn any extra cash while collecting EBs. I have been warned of this by many people. The more complicated you make any paper work for the meatheads in the offices, the more likely you get screwed. You can't even educate yourself while collecting benefits! Well, that's not entirely true, but they make you do the truffle shuffle before allowing you to collect. I recently had my benefits withheld for previously stated reason. After 2 weeks, 3 trips to office and 10-12 phone calls trying to get eveything straighted out, I was told to call teleserve to see is benefit has been processed. Well my pin expired so I was told to call local office to set up new one. I called local office and on their answering service they told me to call a 1-888 number. "This is so much fun!" After about twenty attempts and only got busy signals I finally got a dial tone. I was a bit excited! Of course some of you probably already know where this leads.....after 12 mins. of holding I was sent to voice mail! WAA Waaaa! I was an advocate to socialized health care, but maybe we should fixed the programs we already have first. Terribly sorry for going of topic and ranting, but after reading everyones problems and concerns, including my own, I just about lost it!

Ok, I'm sure this has been answered but I'm still just so confused. I checked my mail today and got 2 letters from IDES,

The first letter states: A question regarding your eligibility for unemployment insurance has been raised for : Week(s) Ending 09-19-2009 Explanation: You Have exhausted your benefits under your present unemployment insurance program.

The 2nd letter is the normal Statement of Certifications, and it states: You have exhausted your entitlement to regular benefits. Iti is not necessary to report to you local office: A claime fore emergency unemployment compensation will be automatically established. Information regarding your eligibility will be mailed to you. Also it has the back page stating my next call-in day for October 05, 2009.

I guess my question would be, is the first letter "Confirming I'm Ineligible" or what. I don't understand why they just can't be straight forward about this situation. Suspense is only good for movies and books. Please help me understand, the situation I'm in and if i can rest easily or freak out. Thank you.

Your first letter is for using up the first 26 weeks. The second letter is telling you that you are on EUC. You are in fine shape , call teleserve on your assigned day and certify.
As they say, your check will be in the mail.

Hi everyone!

I just ended my benefit year with 9 weeks of EUC08 Tier II benefits in my account. As my benefit year ended, I was only paid one week & my account balance was changed to state that my benefit year has ended & tthere may be additional benefits availabe to contact the office. I did, the women had no useful info other than wait a couple more days for a new statement of benefits. I did, and received the new statement of benefits showing a weekly benefit drop of $300.00 this is huge! They are using only one quarter of my previous employer and a temp job I worked in the 3rd qtr. Can I appeal this? what do I do? $300 a week loss affects many aspects of my financial life! Has any one been successful appealing this or going to the office to plea their case? If I need to accept what is, I also need to get to that frame of mind & try to figure out my next step. Thanks so much for anyone's help!

MY benefit will end 12/13/09 , I was laid off back in 12/11/08 and extention was given to me after july
now until 12/13/-09 I still have not been able to find a job yet. >>>this is crazy!! I am like most of you out
there, will EU extent me after that? I look all around in and out of chicago and the suburs and I can tell you the Malls are empty. ( in dupage ill go to the mall near dupage airport off of North ave You will see hardly
any stores open or been shutdown.. thanks if any info will help.

I'm totally confused. Two weeks ago I received my EUC08 Tier 2 letter - I'm approved for another 13 weeks. This will take me through 12/19/09. My benefit year ends 10/25/09. From what I'm reading they reevaluate your earnings and reduce your benefits?!
What earnings - I've been unemployed for over a year. How can Illinois get away with that? The EUC08 is federal money!! Someone please explain this - I thought each tier both fed & state seamlessly rolls through the current 79 weeks available?
This makes me very nervous. I'm barely making ends meet now.
Thanks for your help.

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