IDES asks 1099 workers to apply for Unemployment, vital first step prior to Monday’s portal launch

Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is asking 1099 workers who have lost work due to COVID-19 to apply for unemployment this week.

Though the claims will be denied, it’s a vital first step towards receiving access to the new PUA Portal launching next Monday, May 11^th. Once claimants receive an eligibility determination of $0, they must appeal that decition by providing verification of wages earned, or submit a claim for the PUA benefits, beginning Monday when the Portal opens online.

State of Illinois officials say the claims will be backdated to as early as Feb 2^nd 2020 and pay out as long as the pandemic unemployment lasts due to COVID-19, or December 26^th 2020.