Business & Work

If the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) denies you unemployment benefits, you can appeal this decision. 

After you apply for unemployment benefits, you will get a letter from IDES saying if you have been approved or denied. You must appeal within the legal time limit, which is usually within 30 days after the letter is mailed to you. Make sure you do not miss the time you are given to appeal. Late appeals will not be considered. 

Even if you are initially approved for benefits, your former employer also has a right to appeal the decision within 30 days. You should wait for 30 days until you rely on this decision being final. You will still receive benefits in this 30-day period.

The denial letter you receive will explain how to appeal an unemployment benefits decision. Do not wait until the last week to submit your appeal in case your letter is not delivered. This way, you will have time to send or hand-deliver another one. Learn more about appealing an unemployment denial.  

You should consult an attorney to discuss your appeal and decide whether you want to hire a lawyer. Learn more about getting help from a lawyer in your unemployment case, including information about free legal services available through IDES.  

If there is an appeal, you will have a hearing with a Referee.