Unemployment Benefits Estimator — Illinois

Unemployment Benefits Estimator in Illinois

Illinois pays 47% of your average weekly wage across your two highest base-period quarters, then adds one dependent allowance on top: 9% of that average for a non-working spouse or 17.3% for a dependent child. Only one allowance is paid, never both, and the child allowance is always the larger — which is how the maximum rises from $628 to $859. Duration is uniform: 26 weekly payments plus any allowance, with no earnings-based trimming. One unpaid waiting week applies. Note that the current figures govern claims filed on or after January 1, 2026; a claim opened before that keeps the rate it was set at. Illinois SNAP uses broad-based categorical eligibility at 200% FPL. Apply at https://ides.illinois.gov/

Unemployment Benefits in Illinois: Weekly Amounts and How Long They Last

Illinois pays a weekly unemployment benefit of between $51 and $628. Those are the statutory floor and ceiling, not an estimate of what you personally would receive: your weekly benefit amount is calculated from the wages in your base period, and the maximum is reached only if those wages were high enough. Illinois computes it this way — 47% of the claimant's average weekly wage in the two highest quarters of the base period. A dependent allowance is added on top: 9% of that average for a non-working spouse, or 17.3% for a dependent child. Only one allowance is paid, never both, and the child allowance always pays more.

These amounts apply to claims filed on or after January 1, 2026. Illinois did not apply them retroactively to claims that were already open. If your claim began before January 1, 2026, it keeps the weekly benefit amount that was in force on the day you filed, for the life of that claim — so do not assume the figures above describe a claim you already have. Your monetary determination letter shows the rate your claim was actually set at.

• Weekly benefit range: $51 to $628
• Maximum with a dependents' allowance: $859 — payable only to a claimant already at the top rate who claims the full number of dependents Illinois allows
• Weeks payable: 26 weeks
• Waiting week: yes — the first otherwise-payable week is unpaid, and you generally still have to file a weekly claim for it
• In effect since: January 1, 2026

How Illinois decides how many weeks you get: Uniform duration. Total benefits payable in a benefit year equal 26 x the weekly benefit amount plus the dependent allowance, if any.

Source and date: these Illinois figures were verified on August 2, 2026 against Illinois Department of Employment Security, Table 1 of Weekly Benefit Amounts (form CLI110L / BEN 548, rev. 11/2025), and are the amounts that agency shows as in effect since January 1, 2026. Benefit amounts and durations change — many states re-index once a year, and some change duration as the state unemployment rate moves — so check the agency link before relying on a figure. Only your monetary determination letter states your own weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks you can actually be paid.

SNAP Benefits in Illinois

Illinois uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), with a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of 4 in Illinois is $975. You can apply online at https://abe.illinois.gov/ or by calling 1-800-843-6154.

Medicaid in Illinois

Illinois has expanded Medicaid under the ACA (Illinois Medicaid). Adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) are eligible. Apply at https://www2.illinois.gov/hfs.

Illinois Wage Information

The minimum wage in Illinois is $15/hour ($9/hour for tipped workers). The median household income is $76,708. Illinois has a state income tax with a top rate of 4.95%.

Tenant Rights in Illinois

Illinois requires landlords to give 5 days notice for nonpayment of rent before filing for eviction. The typical eviction process takes approximately 30 days. Free legal aid is available at https://illinoislegalaid.org.

Rent in Illinois

The median rent in Illinois is approximately $1,671/month for a 1-bedroom and $1,886/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Illinois does not have rent control.

Important Notes for Illinois Residents

The data shown above is based on publicly available information and is updated regularly. Benefit amounts, eligibility rules, and legal requirements can change. Always verify current information with your local Illinois agencies before making important decisions. This calculator provides estimates — not guaranteed outcomes.