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Illinois Department of Employment Security Offices Closed May 28 to Observe Memorial Day


Customers Should Certify; Services Available on Internet

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–May 24, 2012.  The offices of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) will be closed on Monday, May 28, in observance of Memorial Day. All services will be available on the website. Claimants scheduled to certify for benefits should do so. Regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. will resume Tuesday, May 29.

Although IDES offices will be closed, services will remain available online at www.ides.illinois.gov. Individuals will be able to file for first-time unemployment benefits, certify for benefits which is necessary to receive payment, and switch that method of payment to direct deposit. Because May 28 is a federal banking holiday, the availability of some benefit payments might be delayed. The IDES does not determine federal banking holidays.

IDES customers also can use the website to manage their benefit payments. For benefit payments, the Department encourages direct deposit. Direct deposit is a simple, smart and secure way to receive benefits. A debit card also is available. There are no fees associated with a debit card at point-of-service counters that accept MasterCard, such as grocery stores, drug stores and convenience stores. Cash is available after qualifying purchases. Fees likely will be assessed with out-of-network ATM machines.

As the economy improves, the IDES encourages businesses and individuals to use Illinois JobLink, also known as IJL. Illinois JobLink, www.illinoisjoblink.com, is an Internet-based system that allows businesses to post job ads at no cost. Employers can create want-ads that require specific skills or search resumes using keywords such as salary, educational attainment and location. Individuals can create multiple resumes using keywords to emphasize skills that target specific jobs in different industries. The cross-matching approach increases success and reduces costs for both parties.

IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development. It does so through nearly 45 offices across the state, including the Illinois workNet Centers.

Source: illinois.gov



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