More than 500 thousand Illinoisans have filed a claim for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some are finding it difficult.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security closed all public offices leaving call centers and on-line as the only options for those wanting to file for unemployment.
IDES has taken steps to increase the capacity of both to handle the claims process.
Representative Terri Bryant says her office has been flooded with phones calls from people who have not been able to complete their claim for unemployment.
“Frustration is thick, people are very angry.”
Bryant says with the Governor’s “Stay at Home” order preventing people from working, they’re starting to get worried. She understands why.
“We cannot keep saying to people, we don’t know how long this is going to last and then tell them we can’t get you any money either, people have to buy groceries, they have to pay rent, they got to pay their car payment.”
Bryant says the IDES staff are doing their best to keep up with demand. But more resources are needed.
“You have to give your people the tools that they need to get the job done and the tools are not there for them, those need to be provided so that the people of Illinois’ issues can be taken care of or put them back to work.”
Governor JB Pritzker stated he will do everything in his power to get residents the support they need.
If want more information on The State of Illinois Coronavirus(COVID-19) Response Website click here.
For more information on filiing for unemployment click here.
