The Stay at Home order is necessary for public health, but it has interrupted daily life for many people. There are a variety of resources available to help manage the changes we need to make during the COVID-19 pandemic. The basics can be found below. For all other COVID-19 resources, please visit coronavirus.illinois.gov.
Unemployment Resources
Unemployment insurance provides temporary income maintenance to individuals who have been separated from employment through no fault of their own and who meet all eligibility requirements. To apply for unemployment insurance, click here and go to "File Your Claim" on the bottom of the page. You can also call the Illinois Department of Employment Security's hotline at 800-244-5631.
ONLINE CLAIMS
- Last names A-M will be asked to file their claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
- Last names N-Z will be asked to file their claims on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays.
- Saturdays will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.
PHONE CLAIMS
- Last names A-M will be asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30am – 6pm.
- Last names N-Z will be asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 7:30am – 6pm.
- Fridays (7:30am – 6pm) will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.
There is a record-breaking amount of claims being made during the COVID-19 pandemic, so please be patient as website and hotline technicians work to fix any outages.
THE CARES ACT
Congress recently passed the CARES Act to provide relief to working families during the COVID-19 crisis. Questions about the rebates you may receive can be answered here.
If your question is not on the FAQ sheet, please contact your Congressperson.
Contact Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
Business Resources
Illinois businesses can apply for economic assistance from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity here or by emailing
Illinois businesses can apply for economic assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration here.
Employee Resources
If you are unsure if your place of work is considered essential, click here or call the Department of Commerce and Economic Security at 800-252-2923.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. For more information, click here.
Child Care Resources
The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) has a searchable list of child care centers here.
Legal Help
The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation is offering free or low-cost legal assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic here.
Human Services
The Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Rehabilitative Services has launched a toll-free hotline to assist people with disabilities with living and working independently during the Stay at Home order. They can be reached at 877-581-3690.
Health Guidelines for Providers
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released guidelines to preventing the spread of COVID-19 for various service providers. If you do not see your service below, please contact IDPH here.
Guidelines for Faith-Based Organizations
Guidelines for Harm Reduction Providers
