2026 · Illinois
Illinois unemployment benefits
Illinois pays up to $628 a week for up to 26 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#22 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Illinois's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $51 - $628 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (26 fixed; augmented max $748 w/ nonworking spouse, $859 w/ dependent child) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | two high quarters |
| Taxed by Illinois? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Illinois
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $577 a week (within Illinois's $51-$628 range). Over 26 weeks that's up to $15,002 in total. Illinois has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Illinois against its neighbors
Across the border in Kentucky, the weekly cap is $746, $118 a week more than Illinois's $628. That gap doesn't mean you can shop for a better rate: benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, not where you live now.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: Indiana , Iowa , Kentucky , Missouri , Wisconsin .
Questions about Illinois unemployment
How much does Illinois pay in unemployment?
Between $51 and $628 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (two high quarters). The $628 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#22 of 51).
How long does Illinois unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeks26 fixed; augmented max $748 w/ nonworking spouse, $859 w/ dependent child. At the $628 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $16,328. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Illinois sizes the check off two high quarters but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Illinois unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Illinois also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Illinois unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Illinois's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Illinois severance page.
File with Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). This is an estimate, Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) determines your actual benefit.
Your Illinois layoff toolkit
- Illinois severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Illinois paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Illinois 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Illinois's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.