Progress Illinois

Now what? How do I really find out if I qualify?

It's official and It is finally over!!! I would like to thank all the people responsible for this up-to-the-minute Site. Adam and Josh I'm talking about you guy's. Also, I would like to thank all the informative posters out there for their help and input into things. Together you guy's made this the best place for information on the web. Thanks so much and I wish you all the best of luck.

Tamjo75...You should receive a letter in about a week or so with instructions pertaining to your qualifications and call in date. If you qualified for the last extension and state EB this most likely you'll qualify for this as well. Just have to wait for that letter from IDES. Hope this helps.

Does this also include the extra $25

I think they extended the 25 bucks thing until the end of the years and then after that I don't know.

Sorry I'm asking so many questions but my 2 kids Christmas depend on this extension......

OMG, I didn't think this day would ever come. This site is truly wonderful! Believe it or not, I'd race to work everyday just to get on this site to see the updates (can't afford internet at home anymore!)
Okay everyone, breathe easy, it's coming...just a little more time. We've been through a lot, the sunshine is comimg through the cracks at the end of the tunnel...don't give up!
LOVE YOU ALL!

IloveEvanstonillinois

if my benefit year ended in september will I be eligible for this new extension?

I just talked to someone at IDES and they did not have a clue who would be eligible. I told her i ran out in September and she said until they get the guidelines they do not know who would be eligible. Now I am sick to my stomach worried that I will not get them. Hopefully I just talked to someone who does not have a clue, has anyone gotten the same response? Help

Hello Everyone...

This is information from IDES website. Look's like for all who live in Illinois wont see a check until the day before Thanksgiving! If I recieve any additional information I will post it!

November 6, 2009
President Obama signed legislation today giving Illinois workers additional unemployment benefits. Those who have exhausted their unemployment insurance benefits, or will do so within the next several weeks, may be eligible for an additional 20 weeks of benefits. Next week, the Department will begin notifying individuals by mail. The additional benefit payments will start the week of November 23. Please check this site for continued updates.

www.ides.state.il.us

Thanks but I keep seeing the word may be eligible what does that mean?

Press Release from Pat Quinn...

http://www.ides.state.il.us/pdf/release/extension.pdf

Thank you again but either I am an idiot or just reading to much but thhat press release said for people who would have exhausted their benefits. I guess i will just have to see if I qualify everyone keeps saying yes but i guess i will not believe it until I get a LETTER in the mail. Thanks for the info

mkx:
I am in the same boat, exhausted my unemployment benefits in Sept. I call tela-serve and its says "YOU HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL BENEFITS UNDER YOUR CURRENT UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIM" Then tela-serve basically says "GOOD BYE". I can not tell you if we are eligible, but everyone on this web site says we will be eligible. That being said.... this site has been VERY HELPFUL and ACCURATE. Good luck

I also would like to thank all for this website. The info was fantastic. Pretty crazy that I had to use an Illinois site considering I live in NC! thanks again.Take care everyone and God Bless...

GW IN IL:
Thanks for the info. I just called tela-serve to check my balance and it says the same thing..... "YOU HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL BENEFITS UNDER YOUR CURRENT UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIM". Just have to play the waiting game a little longer and hope for good news via mail or checking tela-serve. After a couple of weeks I will have to go down to my local office (I would rather go get a tooth pulled). Good luck everyone! And thanks again for the quick reply to my question.

Thanks to progressillinois.com for this portal so that all of us have a place to gather and find the information we so desperately needed.

Thanks to nelp.org for fighting for our employment rights. You may or may not know but nelp.org was a driving force in spreading the word to elected officials about the need and importance of enacting a extended unemployment bill.

this post got pretty quiet.

It seems like everyone quit talking. We need to keep each other posted with what is going on with on unemployment. I t would be nice to know when people start getting their letters and things like that. We all talked before we shoild continue to support one another over the next couple of weeks. Just a thought

I live in Georgia and I am waiting on an update from my local unemployment office. During the last extension, I received a letter within five days giving instructions to just continue to certify -- I hope things go the same way for this extension.

McDermott Will Push For UI Extension Through 2010, National Journal Group Inc.

http://www.nelp.org/page/-/unemployedworkers/McDermott%20Will%20Push%20F...

Has anyone tried calling the Tele-serve this morning to see if their account has been updated. Like MKX I am afraid i won't qualify so i checked and no change yet.

No Change yet on Tel-serve for me either. I called the Lawrence Office(Chicago) and when I finally managed to speak to a human being I was told they have no information yet and that she didn't even know whether this would be EB, EUC, or even how IL would plan to administer this. *Sigh* Not a weight off of my chest yet!

Hey Adam,

I live in CA and this was on the the EDD's website over the weekend.

Although the new extensions do provide the potential for up to 20 additional weeks of benefits for higher unemployment states, including California, it’s likely six weeks of those benefits won’t be available due to pending federal filing deadlines at the end of the year.

Do you have any idea what this means?

I have no clue what that means, I thought they extended it to 12/2010.

If this doesn't cover people who have lost benefits in august or september, it is going to be a catastrophe....

I don't see how the people at the IDES don't know what the hell is going on and who will qualify...?

I am using the email addresses from the business cards I received during my several trips to the unemployment office (i.e., orientation, registration, classes, etc) -- I have received three responses so far -- I tried this method after getting frustrated with trying to call.

What are the responses your getting??? I checked some other state websites, seems like they all say it begins th 8th of November so if you file weekly you can file on 11/15 and if your biweekly you file on 11/22. I hope this is the case in illinois. people will need thier checks for the holiday.

Scenerio I gave when I called 4 minutes ago;
I have exhausted all 79 weeks, my BYE on 3/02/2010, H/N worked within this time period.
I called the 1-800-244-5631, IDES main office-Chicago Loop, and the person told me that 1) they have no details about this new legislation but, 2) "you'd receive something in the mail.

She said nothing more. Cold!

You would think people at IDES would be more polite. I do not understand how they do nmot have info. Is there anywhere on the federal govt websites where we could find what is being sent out to the states? We deserve answers and that is their job to help people like us.

Well that's better than what I got. While I was speaking to a representative this morning, someone in background said, "tell her we don't have no info and she holding us up from going lunch -- I want to use my coupon..."...

Yeah you should have said...well i have no lunch, how would you like to not have breakfest, lunch or dinner.

I just dont know why they don't know since this has been in the works for several months.

Yeah I guess they are probably working on that today gettign the system all ramped up and the letters, I guess it will take some time. But you would think they would have some answers. I tried to read the bill, but there is so much confusing stuff in it.

I'm not sure if this will help anyone, but this is what Indiana's unemployment web site states.

November 6, 2009
New Federal Unemployment Extension Available in Indiana on November 23
The federal government has enacted another extension of unemployment benefits. The legislation will provide up to 20 weeks of additional benefits in Indiana. Hoosiers who have previously exhausted their unemployment benefits, but remain unemployed, will be able to apply for this extension beginning November 23 through Uplink

Off subject. did Steven Tyler really quit Aerosmith?

Oh by the way, UPLINK is how we submit our work searches in Indiana.

Those who have exhausted their unemployment insurance benefits, or will do so within the next several weeks, may be eligible for an additional 20 weeks of benefits. Next week, the Department will begin notifying individuals by mail. The additional benefit payments will start the week of November 23

that is for Illinois

they should have just let us call in this week and get the checks. or next week..ny york gets there first check the week of 11/15 according to thier website

i have a call in on the 16th. i was exhausted on the 2nd. i have no clue whats going on.

i dont know if i need to send in the job search form. or call or anything....all IDES told me was i would get something in the mail and to check my TELESERVE account.

GW in IL did they say when the account would reflect your new balance or just to call in everyday to check it...I wonder when it will be in there. I was hoping this morning so i could breath a sigh of releif. I been watching this bill since day one. I want to relax now and know that the next 20 weeks are going to be ok

GW IN IL:

Knowing IDES they have given themselves a "7 day window", just in case we need more time! lol
The 16th might be all of call in day! At least I hope so! That would be really nice for everyone in Illinois! And of course it will be retro the day our President signed this bill into law!

Me neither... This has been one bumpy ride, and I honestly don't trust what's written in the bill! I'm only counting on my regular payment! If I so happen to recieve more then it would be more I can buy for my daughter for Christmas!

I just talked to IDES and he told me that they are still waiting for the guidelines and could not say whether i would be eligible or not, but he thinks so. I ran out the beginning of September. He was very nice, but just did not have any info.

I just talked to IDES and he told me that they are still waiting for the guidelines and could not say whether i would be eligible or not, but he thinks so. I ran out the beginning of September. He was very nice, but just did not have any info.

I hope everyone have a wonderful holiday season! I wish you the BEST! Take care. Blessing's... :)

I found this link on IDES website for all who would like to go back to school! I hope this helps...

http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/opportunity/index.html

The Government should have at least made this 2 weeks retro for the people who have already exhausted all extensions previously. IDES is really not much of any help and they're being instructed to say that they don't know anything. What concerns me is that the press release on the website says "you MAY be eligible." I can only wonder what that means. I'm scared to get a temp job because it might be held against me for the extension.

I think you may be right!! I spoke with someone today at IDES and they were asking me if I have had ANY kind of income, Full, Part, or Temp! Because if you had income no matter how large or small your paycheck you would NOT qualify for this extention! I hope I'm not scaring anyone, and I can not provide a link because I spoke with someone on the phone today! They told me this is how it's written in the bill! This may not be good for alot of people! I'm hoping this guy is wrong! This may be worth looking further into! I would suggest it!He said he told me more than he should have, but I told him I did appreciate it!

WOW, thanks for the tip! I had a feeling that recent employment of any kind would be the determinant factor in all of this regarding eligibility.

Everybody, especially those in IL, please post your recent experiences with IDES so that we can all keep each other informed. Thank you.

What I believe what is going to happen is if you got a part time or temp job, and that job paid you lower than your original benefit amount, and you got laid off that job due to no more hours avalible, they may base your new benefit amount on that paid amount! This is what I gathered from the conversation! I see this new extention has alot of new strict rules! I hope the guy I spoke with is wrong, and I hope I'm wrong too! If I find out any more info I will post it!

That sounds plausible as well. I agree that this extension has A LOT of red tape, but I'm hoping we all come through fine and soon.

wHERE COULD A FIND THE AMENDED BILL AND TRY TO READ IT? IF I CAN UNDERSTAND IT.

I gathered the impression from OpenCongress.org's Benefit Wiki (http://www.opencongress.org/wiki/Project:Benefit_Wiki) that the bill was comprised of this: EUC Tier 2 got an additional week; for states with an unemployment rate above 6.5%, a new EUC Tier 3 with 13 weeks; and for states with an unemployment rate above 8.5%, a new EUC Tier 4 with 6 weeks. Given Illinois' above-10% unemployment rate, it's probably safe to assume that Illinois gets all 20 weeks.

It sounds from others' comments as if there is not an official answer from IDES yet, but I would like to know whether this will be implemented before or after the State Extended Benefits (EB) program. Anyone have any input on that?

Given the way the HR 3548 funds have been tiered above, it'd make more sense for it to happen after the EUC Tier 2 is exhausted but before state extended benefits. But what makes sense to me might not necessarily be what IDES feels makes sense to them.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I also have a question for any fellow Illinois unemployed who are or were on the State Extended Benefits (EB) program. My understanding is that unlike the initial six months and the federal extension, with the State Extended Benefits program, you have to fax in a form in order to get your benefits. How did the logistics of that work out?

(i) Were you able to easily get a non-busy fax line? Given that TeleServe seems to be busy every time I try to call it except quite early or quite late, I'm concerned about that. If I'm faxing from a Kinko's or UPS Store, it's not like I'm going to have the option of looking over their shoulder and making sure they retry and retry and retry for hours ...

(ii) Are the jobs you're applying to the kind of jobs you apply to on Monster and CareerBuilder and so on? If so, how did you handle logging in jobs for employers that didn't print their name on their online advertisement -- and did the unemployment department accept that?

I'm not sure I follow you, Driver.

The form does ask for "Employer Name and Address." But CareerBuilder, Monster, these are major job-searching portals where tens of thousands of Illinois unemployed go to find work; I can't see IDES not counting people's applications there as legitimate job contacts and legitimate applications. If you're an office worker in Chicago, that's pretty much THE most likely places you're going to be shopping for work; ruling them out for purposes of EB would effectively rule out tens of thousands of people.

And, In The Same Boat, I could print out the "You've just applied to..." screen that appears after applying to a CareerBuilder (or Monster) advertisement, along with a copy of the advertisement itself.

Goodmorning all, Has anyone called Teleserve to see if there is any change in your account or is it still saying you have exhausted all your benefits? Mine still says you have exhausted all benefits so i just wanted to see if anyone else checked thiers. My EB ran out in late August.

I just got off phone w/ NC unemployment. They have a "special" line set up for emergency benefits. She told me they knew NOTHING.... and could not even tell me if i was eligible. My benefits ran out in JUNE. However she did say it would be a month before anything went out. Maybe she knew something after all. Its sad to say but i need money to file bankruptcy.

garry from NC, I am so sorry to hear you have to file, I filed two years ago. Now I am in over my head again. It really sucks!

I keep this site posted on any change to my ides account. Thanks everyone I am so happy we have a place to chat with other people about these things.

Many of you here know more than the employees at the unemployment offices. As i stated my benefits ran out in June. Is it possible i will get this extension? And thanks Progress IL for this blog. It has been very helpful and informative.

garry from NC, I am so sorry to hear you have to file, I filed two years ago. Now I am in over my head again. It really sucks!

I keep this site posted on any change to my ides account. Thanks everyone I am so happy we have a place to chat with other people about these things.

Well.... seems like everybody has gotten off this site stairing at the monitor and now settng at the window looking at the mailbox waiting on a letter. Make sure you have a very comfortable chair. It might be a bit of a wait. But hang in there guys. My kids are grown and i really only have to take care of myself. Those of you with children and no income i can only say that my prayers goes out to you. Stay strong.

Hello all from Wa state. Down to my last 2 weeks of EUC and praying I get this latest extension.

Anyone know if I'd get this EUC or possibly EB first?

At any rate, our unemployment office knows nothing yet either.

According to the bill, i think it states that you have to use your state EB first before you can begin to use the tier 3 & 4

I have been reading the recent posts (I feel for everyone) -- this article by NELP should help answer your questions...

http://nelp.3cdn.net/9636998c6a1ade2dea_fnm6iiwvg.pdf

read this: http://washingtonindependent.com/67159/jobless-benefits-extension-stiffs...

they forgot something.

that article in the washington independent was an eye opener

So, this means what? That since the Senate took so long and now IDES is taking so long we'll get the end of November and some of December? My benefit years runs out December 21, 2009...so basically this gets me, what? Two checks?

if u have exhausted your benefits its fine your going to get the 14 or 20 week extention, but if ur benefit year ends soon your in trouble. my benefit year end in March of 2010, so I won't recieve my full 20 weeks of benefits before my benefit year ends in March of 2010. That means we all will be back in the same bout, if the benefits are not puch through 2010. Add the weeks up from now until your benefit year ends and see how many weeks of benefits you really going to recieve.

Why the heck would congress keep a Dec 31st deadline on the bill when they knew it was help up for so long int he Senate? Doesn't make any sense, they will have to modify it. This is ridiculous.

Why the heck would congress keep a Dec 31st deadline on the bill when they knew it was help up for so long int he Senate? Doesn't make any sense, they will have to modify it. This is ridiculous.

And people wonder why the US is in the shape it is..... God be with us all.....

If you exhaust your benefits before Dec. 31 you will get the full 14 or 16 weeks, even if your year ends, you will just have to open a new claim. when i was on the EB my year ended befroe i received my last check and i reopened it and got my last check. Now i will get the 20 weeks because i have an open case, it just says exhausted all benefits now until they update the case. If you are on your regular benefits or your EUC tier 1 and it runs out after January 1st you will not get the additional 14/20 weeks.

Latest update from IDES web site...
November 10, 2009
Have you exhausted your benefits? Are you eligible for the additional 20 weeks of unemployment insurance made possible through the extension passed by Congress and signed by President Obama? The Department is working with federal authorities to make that determination. Notification letters to claimants could arrive next week. Additional benefit payments will start the week of November 23. Please check this site for continued updates.

Just an FYI Everyone my IDES account was updated when I called in this morning. Thank God I was at the end of my rope ready to hand. Good Luck everyone. Keep praying for the extension til the end of 2010, as many of us know. with a degree and experience, it will be actually hard to find a good job.

Also so you know it was an amount that reflects the first 14 weeks....So I am not sure with the 14 weeks running out after the dead line if that will qualify me for the extra 6. Oh and the first certification is 11/24 which sucks cause it's so close to thanksgiving. but i guess i have something to be thankfull for now.

I'm happy for you, and also I'm happy to hear that! But IDES is closed today, so I don't understand how that was possible! That's a little strange! My balance still says $0
Everyone who lives here in Illinois check your balance and post what it says! If you don't mind!! I woild think if they would update everyones account in the state of Illinois!! Don't you think??

I live in IL. My benefits exhausted first week of Sept. 09. I just check teleserve and they have put my balance on! Good luck to all-God knows i needed this!

Sounds like a joke to me too!! Looks like Josh turned off the REG system! So anyone can post anything they want!! I would not trust what anyone says until you have checked your balance, and call IDES tomorrow if you don't have a balance be then!

Anybody check Teleserve balance?????????????

I have, and it says the same thing! No Change! I believe someone is posting jokes! IDES is closed today so I'm sure this is not true!

I did the same and my the same, no change.
IDES posted that letters will start coming next weeck. Post was from yesturday.

It's a stupid joke Gary! This website is a joke! I see why now they don't have many bloggers!!

I checked teleserve just a few seconds ago.....
no balance as of yet....still says I have exhausted all benefits

just Tuesday IDES posted about working on with federal on the rules of new extension.
How com ebalance change Wensday?

I know today is a holiday but they must have updated the balances yesterday-it takes a day to post to your acct. I called teleserve and went through the prompts to check avail balance. Yesterday it said "your benefits have exhausted".This morning is gave me a balance amount. This is not a joke-I would not play games especially when many people are counting on this extension.

I would suggest everyone call IDES tomorrow to see it such change has taken place! I would not trust what anyone says here until you have money in your account!!

" Are you eligible for the additional 20 weeks of unemployment insurance made possible through the extension passed by Congress and signed by President Obama? The Department is working with federal authorities to make that determination. "
strange. Yesturday IDES was working with fed on questions of guidlines, today is holiday........

Don't worry Gary... They are LYING! No change has taken place yet! Let's move on!!

Just called telaserve..... still says "exhausted".

Let's just take this joke as a lesson learned!! Can't believe everything you read, or hear! This nightmare is almost over, we don't have much longer to wait! This time next week thing's will be diffrent!

It is sad to hear ppl say that this is a joke. I am not sure where anyone else lives but my unemployment office is location in Elgin,IL. Maybe they work faster than others. I know that this morning at 6:30a my balance reflected a balance-yesterday it did not. If a worker submitted the information yesterday-it would reflect the next day-holiday or not. Geez ppl,how am i benefiting by lying to you.

They are probably doing it in alphabitical order or according to the date that you exhausted your benefits, it updates nightly and the teleserve is working today even though the office is closed. I can promise you I know how you feel getting false hope, but this is true, I am sure your accounts will update in the next few days. Like I said maybe it is alphabitical my last name is B or when you exhausted, which I did in late august. Don't be discouraged if yours hasn't changed yet. Keep the Faith.

My last name starts with B as well, and my benefits ended the end of August as well! But still no change for me!! I'll check my balance once a day! And that's it!! Thing's will happen in it's due time! No need to be on here going back and forth!

I just called. No change from yesterday.

Thank you Janet. I feel bad that ppl think I am giving false info. My last name starts with an E and I received my last check Sept.2--Yes, everyone please be patient your time will come. I was only posting to let everyone know that it is moving along-not for people to be upset or discouraged.

This website is a joke! Why did Josh turn off the REG system! I'm out of here!!

"Veterans Day is a federal holiday. As such, the Federal Reserve is closed on Wednesday, November 11. Customers scheduled to receive payments this week might receive it one day later. Although IDES offices will be closed Wednesday, services are available on this website." From IDES web site.
...No balance of money can be transfered TODAY. Fed is CLOSED.
Very strange stories with balances change......

Everyone, I have two words for you: QUIT. FIGHTING.

Those of you who haven't seen any change: stop accusing those who say they did of lying.

Those of you who have seen a change: no need to post further "I see a difference" updates. By this point, that piece of news has made it and thus is no longer revelatory.

Infighting at this point is a really asinine way to proceed.

Good morning All -

Wow! I just discovered this blog a week ago. I am happy to have found you. I will be at the end of my first 26 weeks in mid December and am so afraid.

I did not get a normal payment today in my account from the Marion IL IDES for what it is worth. I guess my branch did not get theirs entered on Tuesday and will be a day behind.

Guys, this is a silly question but will I next get the automatic Federal EIB for 20- 33 weeks or the State 14-20 week EB? That is if it ever comes from what I am reading.

Just having a peer group to talk with is great.

I'm from Il and just called Teleserve. Although my account is still exhausted my benefit year ended last week so I'm thinking I may have to go to IDES and reopen or start a new year before my account will reflect the new extension of 14 weeks. Also I don't believe the posters here are lying about their account balances. It may be a holiday today but computers don't get them off (or the IT staff in a lot of cases).

@ILunemployed09: the National Employment Law Project Questions & Answers About Benefit Extensions under H.R. 3548 PDF which Living in Georgia links to above states that, unless you're already into state EB, you're almost certainly going to get the new federal extension before state extended benefits.

Of course, what some people are fretting about here is that Tier 4 of that extension is clerically impossible to get to unless Congress reauthorizes the whole EUC federal extension program prior to December 31, 2009.

People! If You remember how it was at previous extensions, account ballances was updated for all of us in one day, or not?
It is not about "fighting", just to clear the situation of how it will work for us all. Thanks!

Gary the point is you can't believe everything you read on any blogs, we don't know the people or the intentions good or bad. Personally to post something like that tells me it was wasn't true because its way too soon. Everyone in Illinois from past experience that we will be getting the letter fo ides and another letter from ides starting Saturday into next week.

Thank's BJ!
Agree with all Your rational points.

Not a problem,Gary. You're a good person with good intentions and we are all very anxious from the pass several weeks of fighting to the the bill passed and now waiting to get the payments. JOBS and more JOBS in 2010 is what we all want, can't handle another fight with Congress again after this 20 weeks ends.

Joe will WILL have to go into the IDES office to do a new claim with a new BYE. Also no one has gotten the account balances loaded yet, Illinois has to wait for DOL information to upload everyone's system at the same time, all IDES letters go out generally at the same time and not alphabetically. Too much goofiness on the blogs and not to be believed. Best to wait on the letters as everyone knows instead of this mass-hysteria. Its silly. All anyone has to do is check your previous IDES statements from the last extensions.

I just called IDES and my benefits still show exhausted. It did say my benefit year ends 9/10 so hopefully they will update it tomorrow.

I think this site has been so helpful...thank you all for posting comments that have helped me and kept me informed. My question is: Does anyone know if my last EUC payment was for week ending Oct. 31, and I have already received notification that I am to start EC benefits with weeks ending Nov. 7 and Nov. 14, will I have to continue on EC or will I be eligible for this latest EUC extension? Please post an answer, I would appreciate any info. And if you have any pointers for filling out the EC work search paperwork, I'd be very thankful for them. Take care everyone and hang in there.

Those whose BYE has ended for 2009 and exhausted the 79 wks will be advised to come into the nearest IDES office to complete a new "Additional claim info" sheet because they have to update your information and move your BYE up to same month,day, but year will be 2010. So if your BYE ended 9/10/09 it will be 9/10/10 with a trip to the IDES office too. IDES cannot automatically change/Udate your BYE to 2010. Plus you'll probably get one of those heart stopping letters saying you're not eligible when actually you are but its your BYE thats stopping everything. BE PREPARED.

i just called teleserve 12 25 central they are not udated at all zreo balance

according to the article in the washington independent this will probably be the last extension given -- essentially no more past june 2010...the govt can't keep funding these.

i went in office yesterday, waited in a long line and was told to go home. Il. has no info yet and to wait for letter!

Well, I don't want to tick anyone off, but after reading where some people were saying they had been updated and called liars, I called Telserve to check my own balance and it has been updated(Remaining Balance 3,848) I certify on Mon. November 23rd. This is 7 payments, so 14 weeks. IDES had the info all along, I believe. It was just a matter of someone in the main offices pushing a button or flipping a switch. They ARE government, after all. It will help, though-even without the other 6 weeks! My last name is di Galeotti so sometimes they do d and sometimes G I never know. Anyway, the people who said their balance was updated are not lying.

Boy it's funny as soon as Josh turn off the reg system so many come out the wood work! Nothing has been updated! It's too soon and you know it! This time next week your story would be more believible! How nice you come here when IDES is closed, and no one has a way to call to confirm what you are saying. I wonder why you did not say this yesterday, or even tomorrow when they are open! Pleasssssse... Spair us all!

My benefits expired 8/2009 I just checked my balance and it has been updated. 4797.00 call in dAte is 11/23/2009.

Thanks for the Teleserve info all. I hope it's a sign some progress is being made. My account balance hasn't changed yet, but in the past I have seen balance changes days before a letter arrived.

From what I'm hearing on other sites some states appear better prepared than others. Could be a long week for many. Hang in there folks.

I am a handful of weeks away from being at the end of my first stae 26 week period.

Has anyone ever had IDES audit the original state 26 week job search sheet?

Mine is not so perfect. We are to search 3 days per week and apply for 5 jobs...via phone,internet or in person. Right or not?

Do they ever ask for this or check up on the info listed? Any do's or don't for the beginners? Thank you for any help in this area. I have never had to use unemployment until this year.

Thank you Stephano di Galeott and Frog....I cant believe some ppl on here are that rude to continue to call us liars... There is a process-not sure how it works, but a few of us did get update account balances today. I hope that everyone else gets theres sometime soon considering the next call in date is 11/23/09

I just called in to check if my account had changed and it said my benefit year ended on November 6. Does this mean I wont qualify for the extension. The stupid senate wasted so much time debating this that I think I might of fallen though the cracks. Does anybody know what happens after your benefit year ends?

To Karlae.....Has your certify day always been Monday?

"out of the woodwork" THATS FUNNY.

NOT

Sad to see some here is starting to believe there own lies! It's almost as if they are on trapped somewhere really really hot, and there's no water in site for miles!! or hungry as hell and they are starting to see a nice juicy hamburger when in fact it's only tunmleweeds!! lol

Please cut it out! We will know soon enough you are LIERS! As soon as tomorrow! I'm gone from this creepy website!!

here we go again....the idiots are here.

this site has never been that reliable..a lot redundant questions and false expectations. take it for what it is, entertainment and a sound off board!

YEP! This site is a piece of crap! Always have been and always will be! I'm sure it will make it in this years website hall of shame!

Now we need congress to suspend the income TAX on the UI benefits!

well calling others Liars is no sounding off.I agree redundant questions. Its pretty reliable....atleast people get some sort of info. If it wasnt for this site people that dont have CSPAN2 would not have known what was going on.

if it's such a piece of crap get out of here then because we don't really wanna hear you whine and cry about it. Alot of people have found some good information here all the while putting p with you assholes. Nobody is forcing you to be here you stupid idiot. I don't like getting burned so I don't put my hand into the fire if you don't like this site do us all a favor and leave and go find on you like or just shut the hell up!!

My family been eating Obama Waffles for over a year!
I need to be able to provide a Turkey in two weeks! I can get all the trimmings at the local Church food pantry.
Please lets me finds a jobez soon!!!!

lol

Questions to all who have had their account balance updated......Has your call in day changed?

Is it Monday or Tuesday?

I'm just searching for a pattern here. Thanks.

Just thinking out loud. The folks that have posted their accounts updated have been Monday and I think 1 Tuesday call date.

My call in day has always been Wednesday. Havn't seen anyone post a 25th call date yet?

You're deluding yourself if you consider the information on here that reliable. I like you have nothing better to do than check these blogs out, big difference I don't take it that serious.

To hedonistic......I've conversed with quite a few good folks on threads just like this one during the course of this. If you scroll back it's not too hard to figure out whose posts are legit.

You are not qualified to make that determination for anyone. That said, I thank you for your no doubt well meant concern.

maybe 1 in 10 are accurate the rest are speculation...at best.

According to the NELP article, if your Tier 2 expire after Nov 8th you move to these new EUC Tier 3 benefits before EB. It looks like nobody is going to get Tier 4(the extra 6 weeks) due to the problem found in the bill.

They have nothing to say yet here at WA State Office. I've heard a notice is to be sent out this weekend.

To hedonistic....

All these threads are the same.... you have to sift through it. Without all those phone calls, emails and faxes we wouldn't be waiting for our accounts to be updated. Not with health care in play.

Personally, I don't think we're done yet. Even Reids office acknowledges further legislation will need to be passed for us to get the full twenty weeks. Lord knows what else they missed. Did they do it on purpose.....beats me.

2.5 million jobs.....15.7 million plus applicants. Bad math from where I sit. Just thoughts. I hope your account gets updated soon.

GW in IL and fellow bloggers: You mentioned earlier that your BYE automatically changed from 04/2009 to 04/2010 - mine did too! I just called and checked my balance and found that my BYE date changed from 09/09 to 09/10. I am at the end of my Tier II EUB. My call dates are usually on Mondays with this upcoming Monday as my last call date for the Tier II benefit. I recieved payment explanations on my last two statements indicating that my entitlement to emergency unemployment compensation (EUC08) will exhaust in the near future and that a claim for state extended benefits (EB) of 20 weeks will be established for me. My question is - do you think that IL IDES will include me on the new federal extension or do you think that I will automatically be moved to the state benefit extension and then reapply if need to? All responses are appreciated. Thanks!

To M in IL.....In my experience Illinois is pretty good about. They have always notified me. If you havn't found work yet and your benefits are about to expire call your local office. Served me well to this point.......Good Luck.

calling your office is good, reading the bill is good. The rest are not really lies, they're just misleading comments. (like trying to establish your own timeline as to when your payment will get to you) A lot of people are just covering their eyes to make things seem more pleasant.

M in IL---According to the NELP explanation(provided in a post above), if you havn't started EB by Nov 8, you will move to Tier 3 EUC as opposed to starting EB.

That is the same situation I will be in(WA state) as I have 2 weeks of Tier 2 left.

Its disappointing to hear that no one will receive Tier 4(if that is in fact what ends up happening).

Yes Pete my call in days have always been on Mondays..

So, if looks like if you've exhausted Tier 2, you move to Tier 3 which is 13 weeks(not 14), and then Tier 4(the extra 6 weeks) won't be available because it'd be 2010 by the time Tier 3 runs out????

@ karlae.......Thanks, otherwise occupied for a while. Could be wrong but it looks like they might be working their way through us based on call in days. Just a guess.

Let's hope tomorrow brings news for others. Thanks again.

Anybody from Illinois, who sertifide on Mondays and Tuesday, and account is $0 for today?

Thanks GW, You certifide on Mn or T and your account is $0.

Just spoke with a former workmate who's a Monday call in...still goose eggs. Keep hoping there's a method to the madness. I've talked to folks on other sites from Illinois that have positive balances now. Let's hope tomorrow brings good news.

I certify on wednesdays and my account was zero and exhausted. I was curious to see if I will be calling in on mondays and not wednesdays because this throws everything off for thanksgiving. My first check will not come until after thanksgiving.

Pete. So far it is no rational to all of it.
But if we put in in the perspective of the message from IDES -that IDES in talks with Fed on guidline of this extension and, make it even more strange.
Maybe they doing some trial run on the computers??????

Gary...I got a feeling the worm is going to turn soon. Quality posters have said their balances have changed. Like most of us, I need all the hope we can get. I'm going to call my local office tomorrow....will post as soon as I talk to them. Just get the feeling their original info of payments the week of the 23rd will hold up. Sounds like New Jersey and a couple of others are on the same path. Quite a few won't be so fortunate it appears.

To Sherbear....I'm in the same boat, hoping for Saturday at best possibly Monday. Rats to that. Beats a sharp stick though.

This is a good site folks....a lot less troll activity.

i just figured up these people that posted actual amounts that they got extended....i dont know about anyone else but but if you divide them by 14 weeks.they add up with change....i have never had CHANGE.

GW IN IL....Neither have I, but I've heard the same thing on other sites. Try to think positive. Based on what I've heard from other states this may actually be something Illinois is good at. Sounds like a stretch...Illinois good at....but it's possible. We've been fighting this for weeks. Tomorrows a new day and we are a whole lot closer. Just try to hold on. Help should arrive in two weeks.

Yes it is

At this point a sense of humor is all I have left. I can't afford to pay attention and if I had a nickel it would die of loneliness.

Good night all

Many thanks to all who responded to my question and for your advice! Special thanks to Pete, Hedonistic and Seascrub for sharing your thoughts and advice! I am so glad that we have a blog to discuss our concerns about our unemployment benefits and that I am not alone on this journey because for a long time, I really felt isolated, ashamed and alone! It's been a real struggle for my family and me - both financially and psychologically (my self-esteem and confidence went down the drain a long time ago). I am very grateful that we have a platform to share our concerns and people like you - Pete, Hedonistic and Seascrub to bounce thoughts and feedback to. Thank you very much!

Just came back, last scan before night night; My call date has always been on a Monday. I have almost always had an uneven balance making me always have one last payment of benefits as a single week rather than a two week. I have no idea why that is, but it's just always been that way. I have questioned, but never really got a straight answer, so I haven't bothered to ask in a year. My call date did not change, though...so perhaps the person who said they are working through us via call dates may have caught their train of thought-that would have never occurred to me. Anyway, I am neither delusional, nor lying-and for the person that stated it, all I can say is this; I posted my name, what's yours?

OK, do You all remember my pessimism yesturday............
I got a account balance, certifide date. Thanks God!
It is no system, I will certifide on Monday 23. Good luck!

YIPPPEEEE! I'm in ILLINOIS and checked my balance 20mins ago and the money for 14 weeks is there. Did anyone get the IDES letter yet, might be too soon.

Mine says It is still exhausted and that I should call the office. Does anyone else get the same message? I am just curious to see if I have to call or just wait. This is driving me crazy.

shearbear - I do have same thing months ago.
probobly some problem with benefits year.
Office will fix it. Do not just sit, call or go to the office.
it will be OK!

sherbear. I'm not sure how IDES works but it appears alot of Illinoisans have posted payment added this morning. Probably so many people to handle, that they are breaking it down to some today, some tomorrow. Don't panic! If you exhausted 79 weeks of benefits, you are eligible for HR 3548.

My benefit year ends 4/2010. So i guess I will just wait another day and try again. If it is not updated tomorrow I will call them then. Thanks!

wow...my account HAS been updated as of this morning. keep calling. i did notice that the balance is not "even". its only enough for 13 weeks with a small amount left over.

account update called teleserve today 11/12/2009. 13 weeks only call in day the same Monday the 23rd.

Gary....Glad to hear it. My account was also updated with 13 weeks. Thanks for the info yesterday folks....big help.

called ides and my money is there account balance

has anybody called the office to see when letters are going out

Illinois how did you get the call in date of 11/23rd, option #2 just gave me my balance?

Have tried calling but can't get through. Can anybody?

Joe....Goes without saying, keep a close eye on your mail box. A former workmate just called me....he and his niece both had their accounts updated today.

To those that havn't heard anything yet I truly feel for you. We all know the waiting is agonizing. Keep checking your account....good news should be coming.

I am so happy for those of you getting your extension today!

Question. I am appoaching the end of my first 26 weeks of state unemployment. Do they ever ask for the job search sheet? Espeacially at some point during the EUC? If so, is it that big of a deal as far as 3 days 5 aps? How long should we hang on to these?

Thank you again!

Does anyone know why it isn't for the 20 weeks? Are they waiting to see what our 3-month average is for unemployment rates before they add that on? What's going on with the rest of the weeks? Thanks...

anybody with a wednesday call in date get their account updated? When is your new call in date?

Finally got through to my local office and the woman I talked to said that they haven't gotten their instructions on the extension yet and that no accounts have been updated to reflect this new extension. They are waiting to hear from Springfield.

I called on my balance today also and it's only for alittle over 13 weeks? Are they maybe adding the rest on seperately? You would think that would waste more time.

For the people who have new balances as of today, before this new balance had you exhausted all of the previous extensions?

Sherbear.....Mine has always been a Wednesday call in. Teleserve did not give me next call in date. Not that unusual. All I can do is wait for my letter. I really don't want to tie up their phones today...sure they're getting bombarded.

I hope that helps a bit.

ILunemployed: They just might ask for the forms to be brought in at ANY time so complete them as you go along and keep them handy. I got off 26wks of UI last year and IDES never asked for my work form but you never know.

LostinIL......Yes, I had a zero balance since early Sept.

Thanks for replying. The reason I asked is when I spoke with someone today at my local office she told me that there is no way the new balances people are seeing are from this new extension as they don't have the go ahead from Springfield yet. This is so confusing and frustrating.

@ tiffany bowers.....Congress will need to pass additional legislation for that to happen. Reids office acknowledges that. Afraid our work is not done on that front.

@LostinIL....Where is your local office? Obviously that info is inaccurate accounts have changed.

My local office is in Aurora, IL.

My last check was aug 31st. I had called the last few days to check my balance and it always said I had exhausted all my benefits. Just today I had a balance on there for aprox. 13 weeks. I am just wondering why it wasn't for 20 weeks since thats what we are supposed to get. IDES is always so confusing. Maybe they are doing balances in alphabitical 9order like someone else said. My last name starts with G. They definately put money in my account that was zeroed out since Aug but not for 20 weeks...

Anyone else from Aurora office here that can help LostinIl?

I'll try my office and see what they say. My balance has changed so they have to acknowledge that. Back soon.

What the heck was the point in passing 20 weeks for states over 8.5% if they have to pass something else to get that? That kinda defeats the purpose of giving 20 weeks. Why wouldn't they just give us 20 weeks instead of 13? Then it would of just got carried over into 2010 regardless. Whats the point of passing a bill for 20 weeks if theyre spliting it up past the deadline? Congress never stated that when they passed this...

It even says Illinois is eligible for 20 weeks on the IDES website..

My call in day is Monday
Money usually gets to my account on Wednesdays,
My remaining balance is $4059 and the benefit year will end march 22 2010

Because of the holiday yesterday the payment has not been posted. (on Wed)

I just checked my account today , money is still not there 10:40 am).

When i check the payment information i get the Msg: "No payment has been processed ending 0ct 31 2009 and week ending Nov 7 2009, you will be receiving a notice of of possible ineligibility in mail, if you have not received the notice by nov 16th please contact your local office)

should i be worried ?
Or there is a delay in payment and it will be posted to my account tomorrow?

Does anyone have the same problem today?

Here is some info taken straight from the WA state sight. Its pretty clear that, if you haven't expired one Tier, you won't qualify for the next come end of the year(hopefully Congress will fix this). They do seem to be adding the 1 additional week of Tier 2 that was just authorized as of Nov 8th, making Tier 2 14 weeks instead of 13.

From the WA State site:

"EUC is a federal emergency extension that provides up to 53 additional weeks of unemployment benefits. You must run out of your regular benefits by December 19, 2009, to qualify for EUC benefits.

The EUC program has four tiers. Federal law requires you to run out of benefits in a tier before we can pay the next tier. You must run out of a tier by December 26, 2009, to get the next tier.

Tier 1 -
We can pay up to 20 weeks of tier 1 benefits.

Tier 2 -
We can pay up to another 13 weeks of benefits. We will send you a Statement of Wages and Hours if you qualify for these additional weeks. You do not need to apply or contact us to receive these additional weeks. If you run out of tier 1 benefits by December 26, 2009, we will automatically set up these benefits.

Effective 11/8/2009, tier 2 was expanded by one week. We can now pay up to 14 weeks of benefits after you run out of tier 1 benefits. We will automatically add up to one more week of benefits to your tier 2 benefits if you already been set up for tier 2.

Tier 3 -
Effective 11/8/2009, we can pay up to another 13 weeks of benefits. We will send you a Statement of Wages and Hours if you qualify for these additional weeks. You do not need to apply or contact us to receive these additional weeks. If you run out of tier 2 benefits by December 26, 2009, we will automatically set up these benefits.

Tier 4 -
Effective 11/8/2009, we can pay up to another 6 weeks of benefits. We will send you a Statement of Wages and Hours if you qualify for these additional weeks. You do not need to apply or contact us to receive these additional weeks. If you run out of tier 3 benefits by December 26, 2009, we will automatically set up these benefits"

Just spoke with my local office. I was informed that my call in day is Wednesday the 25th. Regarding why 13 weeks is my account he said it's done in tiers. When the 13 weeks expires the then add the 7 additional. He also stated that they're really just up and running on this today.

@LostinIL....Whoever you talked to was uninformed....I would try calling again and hope you get someone else.

If you don't expire Tier 3 by years end(Dec 27th, 2009), you will not be receiving Tier 4(at least as it stands now).

Of course, with a fresh 13 weeks nobodies will expire by then so NO ONE will see Tier 4 unless Congress fixes this ridiculous error on their part.

You'd think there'd be enough lawyers in the room that SOMEBODY would've caught this.

My last name starts with an F and still no updated balance. How can so much different information be out there? I guess I must not qualify for this latest extension. Thanks for all of your replys.

Thanks for replying. The reason I asked is when I spoke with someone today at my local office she told me that there is no way the new balances people are seeing are from this new extension as they don't have the go ahead from Springfield yet. This is so confusing and frustrating.

Hello LostinIL...

I just spoke with someone at IDES, and they told me the same thing!! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!?!!

So in other words the balance we see in our account does not reflect this new extention!! WTF!!

Every state(and us!!) are now dependent on the program and programmers who do the upgrades necessary to implement this.

There are unemployed workers with many different scenarios, and all this must be programmed into the various states' applications.

I expect some to get there info and situations defined more rapidly, based on their current unemployment status.

Each state is going to be different, and it could even be very different within each state.

I'm hoping the programmers in my state have it figured out and get this thing going ASAP.

Anyone who has already seen a positive update is very fortunate.

I knew this was too good to be true!

@ Amber.....It is true. I don't post false info and I understand how you feel. There are thousands of people to go through. The waiting is awful. If it helps at all I've received extension letters 3 days before call in date. Try to hang in there. If you exhausted all 79 weeks you should qualify. Keep checking your account balance. That has always changed before I received a letter.

People now need to contact their Congressman and push for an extension of the EUC program which expires Dec 27, 2009.

On that date, no unemployed workers can qualify for any further Tiers, meaning you will not be getting the extra 6 weeks of Tier 4. Whatever Tier you are on at that date_Dec 27, 2009, that is all you will get.

Only 14 additional weeks---as it stands right now---unless Congress passes further legislation.

@seascrub....You are absolutely correct. I'm already working on it but it's impossible to get everyone else focused on it until they see funds in their accounts.

Pete:

This was not pointed against you or anyone! I have a updated balance as of this morning, and I called IDES to ask why it was only
13 weeks and not 20 as promised, and he told me that what we see in our account is NOT the new extention! He said he does not know where that came from! He's looking into this and once I recieve a call back I will post what he found out! This is NUTS!!

Amber....That's OK. No offense taken. It's like talking to any government office it depends who and what office you talk to.

I spoke with my local office (Grayslake) this morning and he specifically acknowledged it was the h.r.3548 extension and it will be disbursed in tiers of 13 weeks then 7. So go figure. I do know congress still has work to do for us to get the full amount.