When it comes to getting unemployment benefits, you can once again talk to someone face-to-face at the Illinois Department of Employment Security office in Ottawa.
In-person appointments are now available at the state office in the South Towne Mall in Ottawa. You first need to call an IDES scheduling hotline and request a callback. Appointments must be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the appointment time. Each client will be given 20 minutes during their appointment.
The department of employment security is reopening offices across the state using a phased approach.