Those with questions or in need of assistance with unemployment benefits at this time are encouraged to visit Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) or questions regarding Unemployment Insurance should be directed to the Customer Service Center at 1- 800-244-5631.

See information about jobs with the Village of Skokie.

See information about the Chicago Cook County Workforce Partnership that combines federal and philanthropic resources to provide comprehensive workforce development services to employers and job seekers.

IDES News Release as of May 6th, 2020- Updated

IDES Instructs 1099 Workers to Apply for Regular Unemployment Benefits Before Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program Goes Live - PUA Portal to Launch on May 11, 2020

News release can be found here from IDES website: PDF Version

 From the Illinois Department of Employment Security Website: 

Contact: Rebecca Cisco | 217.524.1219 

5/6/20 – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) today released new instructions for 1099 workers who have lost work due to COVID-19. Workers who believe they may be eligible for new federal benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, must first apply for regular unemployment insurance before applying for benefits under PUA when a new application portal opens on May 11, 2020 via the IDES website.

If claimants receive an eligibility determination of $0, they can then appeal that decision by providing verification of wages earned, or they can submit a claim for PUA benefits. Claimants who have already applied for and been denied regular unemployment benefits can submit a claim through the new PUA portal when it opens. Receiving a denial for regular unemployment benefits is a mandatory first step in determining eligibility for PUA.

Filing for regular unemployment also provides claimants the opportunity to select how they want to receive benefits. Eligible claimants can choose between direct deposit or a debit card onto which their benefits will be loaded. Debit cards can take up to one to two weeks to receive in the mail while direct deposit payments take two to three days once a claimant completes their weekly certification for benefits.

PUA provides 100% federally-funded unemployment benefits for individuals who are unemployed for specified COVID-19-related reasons and are not eligible for the state’s regular unemployment insurance program, the extended benefit (EB) program under Illinois law, or the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program (PEUC), including independent contractors and sole-proprietors. Up to 39 weeks’ worth of benefits are potentially available under the program for COVID-19-related unemployment claims.

PUA claims will be backdated to the individuals’ first week of unemployment, but no earlier than February 2, 2020, and will continue for as long as the individual remains unemployed as a result of COVID-19, but no later than the week ending December 26, 2020. The program is similar to the federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance program which provides unemployment benefits in response to local disasters.

Those with questions or in need of assistance with unemployment benefits at this time are encouraged to visit the IDES website.

IDES News Release CARES Act Unemployment Benefits Expansion Package

April 15th, 2020 PDF Version

Message from IDES: "In Illinois, every individual who is unemployed or underemployed should file a claim for unemployment benefits, even if they believe they are not covered by the unemployment system. There are two reasons Illinoisans currently unemployed through no fault of their own should still file a claim for regular unemployment benefits with IDES, even if they have been told they’re not covered by the state’s regular unemployment insurance program - because they’re an independent contractor, part of the “gig economy,” or for some other reason.

 First, it’s possible that whoever told them they were not covered was wrong. Workers who are employees covered by the unemployment insurance system are sometimes told they’re not. Even if an individual’s employer does not consider the worker to be covered and doesn’t pay unemployment taxes on the individual’s wages, the individual can qualify for benefits if IDES determines he or she is covered under state law. An employer’s failure to contribute to the unemployment system will not impact a claimant’s eligibility for benefits. Although eligibility for benefits cannot be guaranteed, nothing prohibits people from filing a claim for regular benefits, as long as they truthfully complete the application. 

Second, the PUA program has been established for individuals who are unemployed for reasons attributable to COVID-19 and not covered by the state’s regular unemployment insurance program. To establish eligibility under the new program, the claimant will have to demonstrate he/she is not eligible under the regular program. Applying for and being denied benefits under the regular program can help establish eligibility under the new temporary program." 

Those with questions or in need of assistance with unemployment benefits at this time are encouraged to visit the IDES website or questions regarding Unemployment Insurance should be directed to the Customer Service Center at 1- 800-244-5631.

Now that you have filed your unemployment claim and have landed to your confirmation page, what are the next steps?

• Make sure to write down your confirmation number and your claimant ID. If you need to reach out to the unemployment office via phone, having both are handy to best find your claim. The effective date of your unemployment is also a good date to have in case IDES has to go back to your original claim date.
• Based on your answers, you may or may not have to register with Illinois Employment Service register requirement. If you are required to registered with the employment service, you will be prompted to complete your registration by going to www.illinoisjoblink.com . Even if you are not required, it is recommended to registered with IL job link and complete the registration to ease the process of your unemployment process and be connected with local employment offers.
• From IDES: IL Job Link will create a username and password already for you on the confirmation page (see #2). You will then be prompted to create a new password once you log in.

How do I complete the registration requirement?

To complete the registration requirement, you must go to www.IllinoisJobLink.com and log in to create or upload at least one resume by following steps 1-4. Learn how to Create/Upload a résumé in IllinoisJobLink.com by clicking here. (opens PowerPoint guide)

1. Click "Continue" in the orange block
2. Answer all questions on the "New résumé Page"
3. Create a résumé or upload your existing Microsoft Word résumé, and
4. Select "Occupation-Work Wanted"

How do I know my registration is complete?

Your registration will be considered complete when you create or upload at least one résumé. To verify your registration status, log in to www.IllinoisJobLink.com and you will see "UI Registered" in green on the left-hand side of the screen, as it appears here: 

Certification Requirements

Within 7-10 days of filing your claim and possible job registration, you will receive a UI finding in the mail. Example here. This UI will show your base period wages, weekly benefit amount (WBA) and your bi-weekly certification day. 

Online Certification

One way to certify for benefits is via the internet during the hours of Monday through Friday 3:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Click here to certify. Review the information on the page, including Common Mistakes Made by UI Claimants found here.  Click on Certify for Benefits for regular unemployment benefits. Click here for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Certification Online Portal. This will take you to the log in page to which portal pertains to you. 

Tele-Serve Phone Certification 

You may certify for benefits via Tele-Serve Phone Service. Tele-Serve also allows you to get information about your benefits whether you certify by Internet or by phone. Payment information will be available one business day after certifying. 

The first time you call, you will create a personal identification number (PIN). Write it down and keep it in a safe place. Set up you pin ASAP or before 30 days of receiving your UI Finding Letter. Do not share your PIN with anyone else. You’ll need it every time you call.

When you call, have the following information available:

1. Your Social Security number and your PIN
2. Any gross wages you earned (before taxes and other deductions) during the certification period
3. Paper and pencil to record any information given to you during your call. Press 1: To claim weeks of unemployment Press 2: To file an additional claim or to reopen a claim for unemployment insurance benefits Press 3: To check the status of your claim (also to request Federal Income Tax form 1099G) Press 4: Establish or change your PIN Press 5: Obtain general information After dialing Tele-Serve, enter your PIN and answer the automated questions. Do not hang up until Tele-Serve tells you your claim has been accepted. 

For a list of certification questions, please visit the IL Department of Employment Security "I Filed My Claim, What Happens Now?" on page 3 found here. 

Here is also a telecertify guide provided by the State of IL Department of Employment Security with further guidance: Tele-Serve Handbook

Local Mental Health Resources that have updated due to COVID-19

Peer Services

Peer Services is offering free and virtual support in groups for community members struggling with drug or alcohol use on Wednesdays at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Open to adults (18+) in all stages of substance use and recovery. It is confidential, judgement-free and "drop-in" type of participation. Groups are facilitated virtually by PEER counselors via Zoom. To join, please contact Gabriela at ggarcia@peerservices.org. View updated flyers for their services as of April 2020 by clicking here and here. Website: www.peerservices.org Phone: 847-492-1778

JCFS Chicago

Rainbows For All Children

Rainbows for all Children has partnered with Mosaic Therapy to offer six (6) free virtual counseling sessions. Anyone can participate, but target audience is children and families. Therapists provide a safe space for clients to check-in and manage stress & anxiety related to the current national emergency and uncertain times. At this time there is no cost for short term mental health check-ins. Kids and families can receive up to six (6) sessions & they will also work with finding a provider with your insurance for follow up. View updated flyer for their services here, mental health check form here, and their website here.  Contact information: 855-455-0636

Apna Ghar Crisis Resources

Other Services: 

• Counseling
• Legal Advocacy
• Safe/Emergency Housing
• Case Management 
• Supervised Visitation/Safe Exchange Services

24-Hour Crisis Services  Phone: 773-334-4663 or 800-717-0757 Text: 773-899-1041 Email: help@apnaghar.org

View their updated services flyer here and their crisis flyer here. Skokie Location: 847-983-4099

The Center for Enriched Living

The Center for Enriched Living (CEL) is offering free virtual programs seven (7) days a week to teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Participants do not have to be a member of CEL to join a virtual class or program and there is no charge for participating.

Programs are free to any teen and adult who has a developmental disability. The programs run 7 days a week and cover a wide variety of interests. Our current catalog of virtual programs includes teen & adult social clubs, cooking, book club, fitness, virtual travel and adventures, art classes, dance parties and much more. Wifi and a computer are all you need to participate.

 CEL also has a Technology Lending Library to temporarily borrow an iPad or laptop.

To join the CEL community and learn more about FREE virtual programs and the technology lending library, contact Michael Welsh at Michael@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org or Megan Cross at Megan@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org.  For current program options, visit www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org/virtual-programs. 

Turning Point

Turning Point services is offering services below at this time. All of which are free of cost. 

The Living Room 

Crisis support for adults led by Recovery Support Specialists who have lived experience with mental illness.

The Living Room at Turning Point has re-opened remotely during this time period. With the extension of Governor’s orders and people’s need for being able to have some peer support, we have decided to offer phone and video conference support to our guests.

For those wondering what this will look like, from 3-8pm a clinician will answer calls to 847-933-9202. Once assessed and determined to be appropriate for The Living Room, a guest will be given the option to talk by phone or by video conference (Zoom) with a RSS and the RSS will reach out within 30 minutes to discuss the crisis, not unlike a visit into The Living Room. Should we receive multiple calls, our clinicians will respond in the order received based on voicemails left with callback numbers. After 7:15pm, guests may be contacted back the following day of operation at 3pm.

24/7 crisis phone line 

Crisis support to anyone of any age led by a team of therapists 847-933-0051 follow the prompts to speak with a crisis worker

This is an alternative option during Living Room hours, especially if someone needs assistance with getting to the emergency room during this time.

Typically, the Living Room is an in person support. Now that we are offering this support virtually, it differs from our crisis phone line in that it is led by Recovery Support Specialists, only serves adults, and allows the option to communicate via video.

Call 4 Calm text line

We are proud to be a partner of the Illinois Call4Calm text line service. Text “Talk” to 552020 (or “Hablar” for Spanish). This is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support for anyone experiencing stress and in need of a listening ear. A Turning Point therapist will call the person to talk on the phone within 24 hours.

Call4Calm is a statewide mental health support during the pandemic, and Turning Point responds to support calls for people residing in Niles Township (SKOKIE IS INCLUDED).

Please reach out to each organization directly for continual updates as programs change. Thank you!

Emergency Financial Assistance with the Village of Skokie Human Services

The Skokie Community Foundation has raised funds through the Skokie Spirit Shines Through campaign.  This generous grant was provided to Skokie Human Services to offer urgent support to those most impacted by Stay in Place orders due to COVID-19.   

Information on financial and emergency assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities and food is available. Funding is limited. For more information, please call 847/933-8208 or 847/933-8252.

Niles Township General and Emergency Assistance 

Niles Township Government is administering General Assistance and Emergency Assistance through phone service and their website. Niles Township residents can contact their office for an application or download it from our website. Once your application is completed and you have all the necessary documents listed on the first page, please call Ruth or Holly at (847) 673-9300 to schedule an appointment. To be directed to their Social Services webpage, click here.  **New rental assistance for families with high school students** Please reach out to Niles Township. For questions or concerns you may email the social workers at socialworker@nilestownshipgov.com or by telephone: (847) 673-9300. 

Suburban Cook Call Center

If you are about to become homeless, newly homeless, or just need help accessing services:

Suburban Cook Call Center –   1-877-426-6515   8:30 am-4:30 pm Monday – Friday

Call the Suburban Cook Call Center, or when places safely re-open, go to any Entry Point Walk-In Center or access location to be evaluated for services. Please use the following chart to best fit your needs. Chart provided by Suburban Cook Call Center: 

Family Support And Community Engagement (FsACE) Program- CEDA

COVID-19 Flyer-PDF Version

www.cedaorg.net Phone: (312) 795-8948

FsACE offers services that empower families to become self-sufficient through family support, health/nutrition, professional development programs and more. FsACE has expanded its services in order to provide relief to Suburban Cook County communities during this health crisis.

Services may include the following: 

• Water bills that are past due- Cap of $300
• Telephone bills that are past due- Cap of $150
• Prescription cost- retail or mail order- Cap of $100
• Cleaning supplies or other necessary items- a gift card of $50 will be provide to cover this expense
• Emotional Counseling- Payment made directly to medical provider or family counselor for services as a result of the pandemic crisis.-Cap of $250
• Child Care-Payment for childcare for in home or facility daycare. Program is not for those receiving child care subsidy. Cap is $500. 
• Housing Counseling. Please visit CEDA’s website here for housing counseling. 

Consumers who have experienced a COVID-19 related event (i.e. loss of job, reduction in hours, increased household expenses as a result of ‘stay in place order’, illness or death of family member as a result of COVID-19) should contact the information referral line at (312) 795-8948 to begin the application process.

CEDA’ Partner Intake Site Locator: Due to Covid-19, our Partner Intake Sites are not conducting face-to-face intake. However, you may apply for assistance with one of our Partner Intake Sites via phone. 

Intake demand is high, so please be patient. Please leave a message if you are unable to speak someone when calling. Many places are still closed with staff working from home. 

Available Programs

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Home Weatherization
• ComED Residential Special Hardship
• Peoples Gas Share the Warmth
• Energy Efficient Kits

ComEd and Nicor have Relief Programs to help Skokie residents during these times. In addition to LIHEAP, for eligible customers, these resources are of financial assistance, grant options and flexible payment options for customers affected by the pandemic. 

ComED

Please apply directly to ComEd online or call to Bill Payment Assistance Program Credit: 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661).

ComED Bill Assistance: PDF Flyer in English l PDF Flyer in Spanish

Solicite directamente a ComEd en línea o llame al Crédito del Programa de asistencia al: 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334- 7661).

Nicor

For Nicor, please reach out to partner agencies Energy Aide Local Agencies listed below for Cook County or directly to Nicor for additional eligibility questions at: 1-888-Nicor-4-U (1-888-642-6748).

Nicor Energy Aide Program: Eligibility Information l Local Agencies for Cook County l Additional Agencies

Para Nicor, comuníquese con las agencias asociadas Agencias locales de Energy Aide para el condado de Cook o directamente con Nicor para preguntas de elegibilidad adicionales al: 1-888-Nicor-4-U (1-888-642-6748).

ComEd y Nicor tienen programas de ayuda para ayudar a los residentes de Skokie durante estos tiempos. Además de LIHEAP, para los clientes elegibles, estos recursos son opciones de asistencia financiera, becas, y opciones de pagos flexibles para los clientes afectados por la pandemia.