Numbers and hours
Before you call
- Social Security number and name as it appears on the card; driver's license or state ID
- If you claim dependents: their name, SSN and date of birth
- Every employer in the last 18 months: name, mailing address, phone, dates and reason for separation; W-2s or pay stubs if asked
- Gross earnings for the current week; pension records (other than Social Security)
Full list and steps: Illinois unemployment documents. If you filed already, keep your claim number and any letters at hand.
Other ways to get help
IDES offices take walk-ins and appointments.
Job centers that help with unemployment
workNet Batavia
Batavia · 630-762-2120
Illinois workNet Center - American Job Center - Belleville
Belleville · 618-277-3090
Kankakee Workforce Services
Bradley · 815-802-8960
IDES American Job Center — Burbank
Burbank · 217-558-0401
The Job Center-Carlinville
Carlinville · 217-854-9642
Illinois workNet Center
Carmi · 618-382-8869
American Job Center - Champaign County Illinois workNet
Champaign · 217-531-8282
American Job Center at Daley College
Chicago · 773-884-7000
American Job Center at Truman College
Chicago · 773-831-5221
American Job Center at the King Center
Chicago · 773-538-5627
American Job Center in Pilsen
Chicago · 855-994-8300
CFL Workforce & Community Initiative (Chicago)
Chicago · 312-565-9431
Centers for New Horizons
Chicago · 773-373-5700
Central States SER
Chicago · 773-542-9030
Greater West Town Community Dev Project
Chicago · 312-432-1300
Questions
What is the phone number for Illinois unemployment?
1-800-244-5631.
What are the hours of the Illinois unemployment line?
The hours are not published in the sources we checked. Call during business hours.
Can I file for unemployment by phone in Illinois?
The sources we checked do not confirm phone filing; the website is the main way to file in Illinois.
What should I have ready before I call?
Your Social Security number, ID and the details of your recent employers. Illinois's full checklist is on the state unemployment page.
Sources
Claims phone: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claim website: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: ides.illinois.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
More: weekly claims, appeals, benefits by state.