How Much Unemployment Pays in Illinois
How Illinois calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: Your weekly benefit is 47% of your average weekly wage in the two highest-paid quarters of your base period, plus a dependent allowance if you have a non-working spouse or dependent child. IDES, Table 1 of Weekly Benefit Amounts (applies to benefit years beginning on or after 1/1/2026)
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit is 47% of your average weekly wage in the two highest-paid quarters of your base period, plus a dependent allowance if you have a non-working spouse or dependent child. For benefit years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, the maximum is $628 for an individual, $748 with a non-working spouse, and $859 with a dependent child; the minimum is $51. The U.S. Department of Labor's July 2026 summary of state laws lists Illinois at $51-$77 minimum and $628-$859 maximum. |
|---|---|
| How many weeks | Up to 26 full weeks in a one-year benefit year; total benefits are 26 times your weekly benefit amount plus any dependent allowance. |
| Waiting week | Yes. You must serve one unpaid waiting week, usually the first week for which you claim. |
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 Being Fired in Illinois
- Unemployment After Quitting in Illinois
- How to File for Unemployment in Illinois
- All Illinois unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in Illinois?
Your weekly benefit is 47% of your average weekly wage in the two highest-paid quarters of your base period, plus a dependent allowance if you have a non-working spouse or dependent child. For benefit years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, the maximum is $628 for an individual, $748 with a non-working spouse, and $859 with a dependent child; the minimum is $51.
How long can you get unemployment in Illinois?
Up to 26 full weeks in a one-year benefit year; total benefits are 26 times your weekly benefit amount plus any dependent allowance.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Illinois?
Yes. You must serve one unpaid waiting week, usually the first week for which you claim.
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.