Illinois unemployment calculator
Estimate your Illinois unemployment benefit: 47.0% of your average weekly wage, from $51 to $628 a week for up to 26 weeks. July 2026 rules.
- ๐บ๐ธ US federal & state rules
- DOL state law summary, July 2026
- See sources
Estimated Illinois weekly benefit
$415.77
your average weekly wage (two highest quarters รท 26) ร 47.0%
- Maximum weeks
- 26
- Total over the claim
- $10,810
- Per month
- $1,800
This is an example. Enter your numbers above and press the button to see your own result.
Illinois rules
| Minimum weekly benefit | $51 |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $628 ($859 with dependents) |
| Weeks | 26 |
| Waiting week | yes, one unpaid week |
| Dependents allowance | yes |
- Illinois adds an allowance for dependents, which is not included. The state's maximum with dependents is $859.
- Based on the U.S. Department of Labor summary of state laws, July 2026. Benefits are taxable income, and eligibility depends on why you left the job and whether you are looking for work.
Show the math
| Highest quarter | $12,000 |
|---|---|
| Second highest quarter | $11,000 |
| Base period total | $43,000 |
| Formula | your average weekly wage (two highest quarters รท 26) ร 47.0% |
| Before limits | $415.77 |
| Weekly benefit | $415.77 |
What to do next
How it works
Illinois sets the weekly benefit as 47.0% of your average weekly wage. The result is limited to a minimum of $51 and a maximum of $628 and paid for up to 26 weeks. Enter the wages from your base period quarters and the calculator applies that formula. Illinois also pays an allowance for dependents, which is not included in the estimate.
Things to keep in mind
The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Your highest quarter drives most formulas, so check your pay stubs for the quarter where you earned the most.
Figures come from the U.S. Department of Labor's summary of state laws, July 2026. The Illinois agency makes the actual determination, and benefits are taxable income.
Sources
Rules applied as of 2026-07-01. See the sources below for details.
- Significant Provisions of State UI Laws, Effective July 2026Checked 2026-10-19
Frequently asked questions
How much is unemployment in Illinois?
The weekly benefit is 47.0% of your average weekly wage, with a minimum of $51 and a maximum of $628 ($859 with dependents). Benefits last up to 26 weeks.
How long does unemployment last in Illinois?
26 weeks for a regular claim. Extended benefits can apply when the state unemployment rate is high.
Can I work part time and still collect in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois ignores earnings up to 50% of your weekly benefit and reduces the benefit dollar for dollar above that.
Is there a waiting week in Illinois?
Yes. The first eligible week is unpaid in Illinois, so the first payment arrives after the second week of the claim.