Unemployment After Being Fired in Illinois
Whether you can collect unemployment in Illinois after being fired, what counts as misconduct, and how to appeal a denial.
Short answer: You are disqualified if you were discharged for misconduct connected with your work. You stay ineligible until you find another job, earn at least your weekly benefit amount in each of four calendar weeks, and then lose that job through no fault of your own. Illinois Department of Employment Security, Unemployment Insurance Benefits Handbook, Disqualifications
| If you were fired | You are disqualified if you were discharged for misconduct connected with your work. You stay ineligible until you find another job, earn at least your weekly benefit amount in each of four calendar weeks, and then lose that job through no fault of your own. If you were discharged for a felony or theft connected with your work, you may be denied all benefits based on wages paid up to the discharge. |
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| Appealing a denial | You must file your appeal within 30 days after the denial letter was mailed to you. An Administrative Law Judge (referee) holds a hearing. If the referee rules against you, you can appeal to the Board of Review within 30 days, and then to Circuit Court. Continue to certify every two weeks while your appeal is pending if you remain unemployed. |
Where to get help in Illinois
More Illinois unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Illinois Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Illinois
- Unemployment After Quitting in Illinois
- How Much Unemployment Pays in Illinois
- How to File for Unemployment in Illinois
- All Illinois unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
Can you get unemployment if you were fired in Illinois?
You are disqualified if you were discharged for misconduct connected with your work. You stay ineligible until you find another job, earn at least your weekly benefit amount in each of four calendar weeks, and then lose that job through no fault of your own. If you were discharged for a felony or theft connected with your work, you may be denied all benefits based on wages paid up to the discharge.
How do I appeal an unemployment denial in Illinois?
You must file your appeal within 30 days after the denial letter was mailed to you. An Administrative Law Judge (referee) holds a hearing. If the referee rules against you, you can appeal to the Board of Review within 30 days, and then to Circuit Court. Continue to certify every two weeks while your appeal is pending if you remain unemployed.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.