Note that the federal government has passed a law extending unemployment benefits to individuals who do not normally qualify, such as the self-employed and freelancers. For example, if you drive for Uber or Lyft or run your own small business, you will likely qualify. This expansion is not fully implemented yet, and more information will be posted when the program is available.

To learn more about unemployment compensation, visit the Department of Employment Security’s website. It is experiencing heavier than usual traffic right now, so if it’s down when you try to visit, check back later. The state is taking steps to increase the website’s bandwidth, and we need your patience in this unprecedented time.

IDES is now implementing a new alphabetized schedule to help reduce wait times for claims filed both online and over the phone. The day or time of day you call will not affect whether you receive benefits or your benefit amount. The schedules are as follows:

Online Filing Schedule

• People with last names A-M are asked to file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays or Thursdays.
• People with last names N-Z are asked to file claims on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Saturdays are available for those who are unable to file during their allotted time.

Call Center Filing Schedule

• People with last names A-M are asked to file claims on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• People with last names N-Z are asked to file claims on Mondays and Wednesdays between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. will be reserved for those who are unable to file during their allotted time.

You can file your unemployment insurance claim online here. To file your claim over the phone, you can call 1-800-244-5631.

Please make sure you have all the necessary documentation available before placing a call.

Nicor Gas offers grants as a part of their charitable giving. They focus on basic human needs and energy assistance, community enrichment, diversity, education and environmental stewardship. For more information visit their website at:  https://www.nicorgas.com/company/about-us/philanthropy/charitable-giving.html.

Applications must include:

• A brief background of the organization (two pages or less) and its Board membership list.
• The organization's mission statement.
• A legible and most recent copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt letter.
• A clear statement of the project for which funds are needed.
• The amount the organization requests for the project.
• Sources of other support for the project and current financial statement of the organization.

CHICAGO – Protecting vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joins the Illinois Department of Human Services in announcing a $1.2 million plan to increase the capacity of its current statewide network of services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

“Escaping a dangerous and frightening situation at home is never easy, and our current circumstances make it even harder,” Lightford said. “It is so important that Governor Pritzker and IDHS are expanding services to make sure there is a safety net for survivors.”

The plan expands the role of the Domestic Violence Helpline by creating a one-stop access point for shelter needs. Survivors may call the Helpline directly at 1-877-TO END DV (1-877-863-6338 voice or 1-877-863-6339 TTY) and be connected to shelter through existing Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention shelter services or to emergency shelter through available hotels and motels. Survivors may also contact their local domestic violence programs for shelter assistance.

Join Illinoisians across the state in uniting to combat COVID-19. All In Illinois is a commitment to our friends, neighbors, elderly and healthcare professionals to stay inside and keep each other safe.

Learn more about what you can do to join us in being All in for Illinois: https://www.enjoyillinois.com/allinillinois