Certifying for Your Benefits in Chicago

How do I certify that I’m still unemployed so I can keep getting my benefits?
When it’s time for you to certify for your benefits (this means that you confirm that you still don’t have a job), you’ll get a “statement of certification” in the mail. When you get this, you can use the Tele-Serve line to call and certify or, you can go and certify in person. Click here for a list of locations you can go to and certify for your unemployment benefits.

To use Tele-Serve to certify, call 1-888-337-7234 (Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.); TDD: 1-800-662-3943 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm).

What do I need to have when I call to certify?
When you call to certify for your benefits, you’ll need to have your:

• Social security number
• Personal identification number (PIN)
• Earnings before taxes
• Statement of certification

What questions are they going to ask when I call?
Click here to find out what questions you’ll be asked when you call to certify for your benefits.