Does Illinois Have Extended Unemployment Benefits?

Everything You Need to Know About Extended Benefits (EB) in Illinois—Eligibility, Current Status, and What to Do When Your Regular Unemployment Runs Out

If you’re receiving unemployment benefits in Illinois and are approaching the end of your regular 26 weeks of payments, you may be wondering: “Does Illinois have extended unemployment benefits?” The answer is yes—but with an important caveat. Illinois does have an Extended Benefits (EB) program, but it is not always active. EB is a permanent federal-state program that automatically turns “on” only when Illinois’ unemployment rate meets specific federal thresholds. When EB is triggered on, eligible claimants can receive up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits after exhausting their regular state unemployment insurance.

Extended Benefits is not a separate program you “apply for”—it activates automatically based on economic indicators, and eligible claimants are notified by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) when it becomes available. As of the latest U.S. Department of Labor EB trigger data, Extended Benefits were not triggered “on” in Illinois. This status can change weekly as new unemployment data is published.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly how Extended Benefits work in Illinois, how to check current EB status, who qualifies when it’s active, what to do if your benefits run out, and the most common scenarios people confuse with “extended benefits.” For a full overview of Illinois unemployment insurance—including how to apply, eligibility, payment schedules, and common issues—visit our complete Illinois unemployment guide.

1. Quick Answer: Is Illinois EB Active Right Now?

No, Extended Benefits (EB) are not currently active in Illinois currently. According to the most recent U.S. Department of Labor EB trigger data, Illinois was not triggered “on” for Extended Benefits.

EB is trigger-based, meaning it activates automatically when a state’s unemployment rate meets specific federal thresholds defined by federal law. When those thresholds are met, EB turns “on” for the entire state, and eligible claimants who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits are automatically enrolled. Conversely, when the state’s unemployment rate improves and no longer meets the thresholds, EB triggers “off” and stops for new exhaustees (though those already receiving EB may continue until their EB weeks are exhausted or the EB period ends).

Because EB status can change weekly as new unemployment data is released, it’s essential to check official sources regularly. If Illinois’ unemployment rate rises significantly in the future, EB could trigger “on” at any time. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information about all unemployment extensions nationwide, including when federal emergency programs may become available, see our Unemployment Benefits Extension 2026 guide.

2. What Are Extended Benefits (EB) and How Do They Work?

Extended Benefits (EB) is a permanent federal-state unemployment insurance program established in 1970 under federal law. EB is designed to provide additional weeks of unemployment compensation to workers who have exhausted their regular state unemployment benefits during periods of high unemployment. Unlike temporary federal emergency programs (such as those enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic), EB is always “on the books”—it simply activates automatically when a state meets specific economic triggers.

EB Isn’t a New Program You “Apply For”

One of the most common points of confusion about Extended Benefits is that you do not file a separate application for EB. There is no “EB claim” to file. Instead, when EB is triggered “on” in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) automatically reviews the eligibility of claimants who have exhausted their regular unemployment insurance benefits. If you meet EB eligibility requirements at the time EB is active, you will be automatically enrolled and notified by IDES.

All you need to do is continue certifying for benefits every two weeks on your assigned certification day (and make-up days if you miss it) as you normally would. IDES will handle the transition from regular UI to EB benefits automatically. You will receive a notice (by mail, email, or through your IDES claimant portal) informing you that you are receiving EB and explaining any additional requirements or changes to your certification process.

What Changes When EB Turns ON

When Extended Benefits is triggered “on” in Illinois, several things change for eligible claimants:

• Additional weeks available: If you have exhausted your regular 26 weeks of Illinois unemployment insurance, you can receive up to 13 additional weeks of EB (assuming you meet all eligibility requirements).
• Same weekly benefit amount: Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) under EB is the same as your regular UI weekly benefit amount. EB does not increase or decrease your weekly payment—it simply extends the number of weeks you can receive benefits.
• Stricter eligibility requirements: During an EB period, federal law requires states to apply more stringent eligibility rules. For example, you may be required to accept a wider range of “suitable work” (such as jobs at lower wages or in different occupations) than you would under regular UI. Refusing suitable work during an EB period can disqualify you from receiving EB.
• Enhanced work-search requirements: Illinois may require you to conduct more job search activities per two-week certification period while receiving EB, such as applying to more jobs, attending job fairs, or participating in reemployment services. These requirements will be communicated by IDES when EB is activated.
• Automatic enrollment and notification: If EB is triggered on while you are still within your benefit year and you have exhausted your regular UI, IDES will automatically enroll you and send you a notice explaining your EB eligibility, the number of EB weeks available, and any new requirements.

EB is funded jointly by the federal government (50%) and the state (50%) under normal circumstances. However, during certain federal emergency periods (such as during the COVID-19 pandemic), Congress has authorized 100% federal funding of EB to relieve state budgets.

For detailed federal EB program information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Extended Benefits page.

3. How to Check If Illinois EB Is ON or OFF

Because Extended Benefits status can change weekly based on new unemployment data, it’s important to know how to check whether EB is currently active in Illinois. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to verify current EB status:

Checklist: How to Check Illinois EB Status

1. Check Illinois IDES website for EB updates and announcements: The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) typically posts announcements on their homepage or in the “News” or “Claimant Resources” sections when Extended Benefits are triggered on or off. Visit IDES.illinois.gov and look for any bulletins or announcements about EB.
2. Check the U.S. Department of Labor EB Trigger Data: The DOL publishes weekly Extended Benefits Trigger Data that lists all states and whether they are currently triggered “on” or “off” for EB. This is the official federal source for EB status nationwide. The trigger data is updated weekly. Look for Illinois in the table to see its current EB status.
3. Check your IDES claimant portal for messages: If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits or have recently exhausted your benefits, log in to your IDES claimant account at IDES.illinois.gov and check for any messages or notices about EB. If EB is triggered on and you are eligible, IDES will send you a notification through your account.
4. Contact IDES directly if you’re unsure: If you cannot find clear information online, call the IDES claimant services line at 800-244-5631 (Claimant Services) or visit your nearest IDES office. Be prepared to provide your Social Security number and claimant ID.

Important: EB status can change quickly. A state can trigger “on” for EB one week and trigger “off” a few weeks or months later if unemployment rates improve. Always verify current status using the official sources listed above before making assumptions about your eligibility or benefit duration.

4. Who Can Qualify for EB in Illinois (Common Eligibility Factors)

To qualify for Extended Benefits in Illinois (when EB is triggered “on”), you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

1. Exhausted Regular UI Weeks

You must have received and exhausted all weeks of regular unemployment compensation available to you under your current Illinois unemployment claim. In Illinois, this is typically 26 weeks of regular UI benefits. “Exhausted” means you have used up all payable weeks under your current claim, not just that your benefit year has ended.

2. Still Unemployed and Actively Seeking Work

You must still be totally or partially unemployed, able and available to work, and actively seeking employment. Illinois requires claimants to register with IllinoisJobLink.com and conduct work-search activities as required by IDES. During an EB period, these requirements may be more stringent (for example, you may need to apply to more jobs per two-week certification period or accept a wider range of suitable work).

3. Work Search Requirements Met

You must comply with all Illinois work-search requirements, which typically include registering with IllinoisJobLink.com, maintaining an updated resume, and completing the work-search activities required by IDES (such as applying to jobs, attending job fairs, or participating in reemployment services). Failure to meet work-search requirements can result in disqualification from regular UI and EB.

4. No Disqualifying Issues

You must not have any disqualifying separations or issues on your claim. Common disqualifications include voluntary quit without good cause, discharge for misconduct, refusal of suitable work, or fraud. If you were disqualified from regular UI for any of these reasons, you will also be disqualified from EB.

5. Meets EB-Specific Eligibility Rules When Active

When EB is triggered “on,” federal law requires states to apply additional eligibility rules. For example:

• Suitable work definition is broader: Under EB, you may be required to accept work that pays lower wages or is outside your usual occupation. The definition of “suitable work” is more expansive than under regular UI. Refusing a job offer that would be considered suitable under EB rules can disqualify you from receiving EB.
• Base-period wage requirements: Some states have higher earnings thresholds for EB eligibility than for regular UI. Illinois typically requires claimants to have earned at least $1,600 during the base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before filing) and at least $440 outside the highest-earning quarter. Confirm these amounts in your Monetary Determination notice from IDES or review the IDES Benefits Handbook.
• Availability for full-time work: During an EB period, you may be required to be available for full-time work, even if you were previously eligible for regular UI while seeking only part-time work.

For more information about Illinois unemployment eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and how to apply, visit our comprehensive Illinois unemployment guide.

5. What to Do If Your Illinois Unemployment Is Running Out

If you are nearing the end of your regular 26 weeks of Illinois unemployment benefits and Extended Benefits are not currently active, here is a step-by-step checklist of what to do. For more detailed information about Illinois unemployment—including how to file a new claim, resolve common issues, and understand your eligibility—see our complete Illinois unemployment guide.

Step-by-Step Checklist: What to Do When Your Benefits Are Running Out

1. Confirm how many weeks you have paid and your exhaustion date: Log in to your IDES claimant account at IDES.illinois.gov and review your claim summary. Look for information about your total weeks paid, remaining balance, and Benefit Year End (BYE) date. Your BYE is 52 weeks from the date you originally filed your claim. Even if you have a remaining balance, you cannot continue receiving benefits after your BYE unless you file a new claim.
2. Keep certifying for benefits if you are still allowed: Continue certifying for benefits every two weeks on your assigned certification day (and make-up days if you miss it), even if you are close to exhausting your weeks or reaching your BYE. Do not assume your benefits will automatically stop—always certify unless IDES instructs you otherwise.
3. Check for any notices, holds, or pending issues on your claim: Review your IDES claimant account and check for any messages, notices, or issues that may be holding up your benefits. Common issues include identity verification holds, separation issues (quit vs. layoff), or work-search compliance problems. Respond to any requests for information immediately to avoid payment delays.
4. Confirm whether Extended Benefits (EB) are triggered “on” in Illinois: Check the DOL EB Trigger Data and IDES website to see if EB is currently active. If EB is triggered on and you meet eligibility requirements, IDES will automatically enroll you and notify you when you exhaust your regular UI weeks.
5. If your Benefit Year End (BYE) has passed, check if you must file a new claim: Once your benefit year ends (52 weeks after you originally filed), you cannot continue receiving benefits under your old claim, even if you have a remaining balance. You must file a new unemployment claim if you meet the following conditions: (1) You are still unemployed or working reduced hours, (2) You have earned sufficient wages since filing your original claim (typically at least $1,600 in your new base period, with at least $440 outside your highest-earning quarter—confirm these amounts in your Monetary Determination or with IDES), and (3) You have a qualifying separation (layoff, reduction in hours, or other non-disqualifying reason). To file a new claim, log in to your IDES account and select “File My Unemployment Claim” under the “Individual Home” menu. For more information, visit the IDES Benefit Year Ending page.
6. If you are denied or disqualified, review the reason and file an appeal if necessary: If IDES denies your claim, disqualifies you from benefits, or determines you are not eligible for a new claim after your benefit year ends, carefully review the determination notice sent to you. You have the right to appeal most IDES decisions. Appeals must typically be filed within 30 days of the date the determination was mailed. For detailed instructions on how to appeal an Illinois unemployment denial, visit our Unemployment Appeal guide.

6. Most Common Scenarios People Confuse with “Extended Benefits”

Many Illinois unemployment claimants search for “extended benefits” when they are actually experiencing a different situation. Here are the most common scenarios people confuse with Extended Benefits, along with explanations and next steps for each:

Scenario 1: You Exhausted All Payable Weeks (But BYE Hasn’t Ended)

What’s happening: You have received all 26 weeks of regular Illinois unemployment benefits available under your current claim, but your Benefit Year End (BYE) date has not yet arrived. Your certification page may show $0 balance or “exhausted,” and you are wondering if you qualify for “extended benefits.”

What to do:

• Check the DOL EB Trigger Data and IDES website to see if EB is currently triggered “on.” If EB is active and you meet eligibility requirements, IDES will automatically enroll you in EB and you will receive a notice.
• If EB is not active, you cannot receive any more benefits until your BYE ends unless you return to work and earn new qualifying wages that allow you to file a new claim.
• Continue certifying for benefits every two weeks on your assigned certification day if IDES allows you to do so. Do not assume your claim is closed—IDES will notify you if you are no longer eligible to certify.

Scenario 2: Payments Stopped But You Didn’t Exhaust All Weeks

What’s happening: Your unemployment payments stopped or your certification shows “pending” or “held,” but you still have weeks remaining on your claim balance and your BYE has not ended. This is not an Extended Benefits issue—it’s likely an eligibility or verification issue.

Common reasons:

• Pending adjudication on a separation issue (quit vs. layoff, misconduct, etc.)
• Identity verification hold (IDES may require you to verify your identity through ID.me or a similar service)
• Work-search compliance issue (you may not have reported enough job contacts or failed to meet other requirements)
• Failure to respond to a request for information or documentation

What to do:

• Log in to your IDES claimant account and check for any messages, notices, or action items. Respond immediately to any requests for information.
• Check your claim status page for any holds or issues. Look for keywords like “pending,” “adjudication,” “verification,” or “disqualification.”
• If you cannot determine the reason for the hold, call IDES at 800-244-5631 and ask for clarification. Be prepared to wait on hold—IDES phone lines are often busy.

Scenario 3: BYE Ended But You Still See a Balance

What’s happening: Your Benefit Year End (BYE) date has passed (meaning 52 weeks have elapsed since you originally filed your claim), but your IDES account still shows a remaining balance. You are wondering if you can still receive those remaining weeks.

Important: A remaining balance does not equal eligibility after your BYE has ended. Once your benefit year ends, your claim expires, and you cannot continue receiving benefits under that claim, even if you have a balance. This is a federal requirement for all unemployment insurance programs.

What to do:

• File a new unemployment claim if you are still unemployed or working reduced hours and you have earned sufficient wages since filing your original claim. To qualify for a new claim, you typically must have earned at least $1,600 in your new base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before filing your new claim), with at least $440 earned outside your highest-earning quarter. Confirm these amounts in your Monetary Determination or with IDES.
• Log in to your IDES account and select “File My Unemployment Claim” under the “Individual Home” menu. IDES will determine your eligibility based on your recent wages and job separation.
• If you do not have sufficient wages to qualify for a new claim, you will not be able to receive any additional unemployment benefits until you return to work and earn new qualifying wages. For more information, visit the IDES Benefit Year Ending page.

Scenario 4: Part-Time Work Changed Your Weekly Payments

What’s happening: You started working part-time or earning some wages, and now your weekly unemployment payment is lower than usual or $0 for certain weeks. This is not related to Extended Benefits—it’s simply how Illinois calculates partial unemployment benefits.

How it works: In Illinois, if you work part-time and earn wages during a two-week certification period, IDES will reduce your weekly benefit amount by half of your gross wages over $50 per week. For example, if your weekly benefit amount is $300 and you earn $150 in gross wages during a week, the payment calculation for that week is: wages over $50 = $100, half of that = $50, so your benefit payment = $250.

What to do:

• Always report all wages you earn during each certification period, even if you think you earned too much to qualify. IDES will calculate your benefit payment automatically.
• Continue certifying for benefits every two weeks, even if you expect your payment to be $0 for certain weeks. Certifying each period keeps your claim active and protects your eligibility.
• If you have questions about how part-time work affects your benefits, call IDES at 800-244-5631 or review the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Benefits Handbook.

7. Extended Benefits vs. Federal Emergency Programs

It’s important to understand the difference between Extended Benefits (EB) and federal emergency unemployment programs, as many people confuse the two.

Extended Benefits (EB): Permanent, Trigger-Based Program

• Permanent program: EB has been part of federal unemployment law since 1970. It is always “on the books” and activates automatically when a state’s unemployment rate meets federal thresholds.
• State-by-state trigger: EB is not nationwide—it activates only in states where unemployment is high enough to meet the trigger criteria. One state may have EB triggered “on” while neighboring states do not.
• Up to 13 additional weeks: When EB is active, eligible claimants can receive up to 13 additional weeks of benefits (or up to 20 weeks in states that have adopted optional “high unemployment period” provisions).
• Automatic enrollment: You do not apply for EB separately—IDES automatically enrolls eligible exhaustees when EB is triggered on.

Federal Emergency Programs: Temporary, Nationwide Extensions

• Temporary programs: Federal emergency unemployment programs are enacted by Congress during national economic crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the 2008 Great Recession). These programs are temporary and end on specific dates unless Congress extends them.
• Nationwide availability: When active, federal emergency programs typically apply to all states.
• Examples: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress created Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC, which added $300–$600 per week to all unemployment payments). These programs ended nationwide on September 6, 2021, and have not been renewed.
• Requires Congressional action: Federal emergency programs require Congress to pass new legislation. They are not automatic like EB.

Bottom line: As of this writing, no federal emergency unemployment extension programs are active. If no federal program is active and EB is not triggered on in Illinois, Extended Benefits is typically the only automatic extension available when Illinois’ unemployment rate rises high enough to meet the federal trigger thresholds. For nationwide information about current and potential unemployment extensions, see our comprehensive Unemployment Benefits Extension 2026 guide.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

9. Official Resources & Next Steps

Here are the most reliable official resources for Illinois unemployment benefits and Extended Benefits information:

Illinois Unemployment Resources

• Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES): Official state agency website for unemployment insurance, including how to file, certify, check claim status, and resolve issues.
• IDES Benefit Year Ending Information: What to do when your benefit year ends and how to file a new claim.
• Illinois Unemployment Insurance Benefits Handbook (PDF): Comprehensive handbook covering eligibility, filing, certification, work-search requirements, and common issues.
• IllinoisJobLink.com: Required job-search and registration portal for Illinois unemployment claimants.
• IDES Claimant Services: Call 800-244-5631 (English) for assistance with your claim. Phone lines are typically busiest Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.
• IDES Appeals Information: How to file an appeal if your claim is denied or disqualified.

Federal Extended Benefits Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor Extended Benefits Program: Official federal EB program overview, including how EB is triggered and eligibility requirements.
• DOL Extended Benefits Trigger Data: Updated weekly with the latest EB trigger status for all states. Check this page regularly to see if Illinois EB is triggered “on.”
• CareerOneStop — State Unemployment Agencies: Directory of all state unemployment agency websites and contact information.

Related Unemployment Guides on TheUnemployment.org

• Complete Illinois Unemployment Guide — How to apply, eligibility, payment schedules, and common issues
• Unemployment Benefits Extension 2026 — Nationwide EB status and federal unemployment extension information
• How to Appeal a Denied Unemployment Claim — Step-by-step appeal process and tips

Next Steps

1. Check your claim status: Log in to your IDES account to see your remaining balance, Benefit Year End date, and any pending issues or holds.
2. Monitor EB status: Check the DOL Trigger Data regularly to see if Illinois EB is triggered “on.”
3. Continue certifying: Keep certifying for benefits every two weeks on your assigned certification day (and make-up days if you miss it) unless IDES tells you otherwise.
4. Plan ahead: If you are nearing the end of your benefit year or exhausting your weeks, review the checklist in Section 5 to understand your options.
5. Stay informed: Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates. We update this guide as soon as new Illinois unemployment information or EB trigger changes are announced.