REALTORS® Can Now File Unemployment Through IDES

Illinois REALTORS® have released guidance on filing for unemployment in Illinois. Here’s what you need to know.
April 22, 2020: Illinois REALTORS® is fielding many questions about completing the online state form, and without express guidance from IDES, we don’t have those specific answers. However, you should file on the “regular” state form so that you can be denied. Once denied, as an independent contractor/self-employed person, you will be ready to file for the new PUA benefits when IDES opens that process. The IDES site has added a virtual assistant chatbox that could help applicants.
April 16, 2020: IDES recently announced that independent contractors and self-employed persons should begin applying for unemployment benefits now (after originally advising those in these categories to stand down). We are still unsure when the claim will be processed but the guidance does encourage all to apply who think they might qualify.  Learn more in the IDES CARES Act Unemployment Benefits Expansion Package FAQ (pdf).
For more information, visit the financial assistance section of our COVID-19 page or visit the Illinois REALTORS® COVID-19 site.