Unemployment Checks Go Missing; State Offers Optional Check Issue

Delay in Delivery of Jan. 23 Unemployment Checks

[January 31, 2008]  CHICAGO -- On Wednesday, James P. Sledge, director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, expressed his concern and outlined two options for clients who have not received their Jan. 23 unemployment checks due to a U.S. Postal Service error:

"We at IDES share your frustration if you are among the unemployment insurance benefit check recipients missing your check dated Jan. 23, 2008. Although the U.S. Postal Service admits that they received delivery of checks, they have not yet been able to identify the location or time of delivery to the recipients.

"We share two options for you to consider. You can go to our office with two pieces of identification and request a replacement check. By requesting a replacement check, you will have to sign a form indicating that you will not cash the check dated 1/23/08. If you request a replacement check, it will be processed and handed over to the U.S. Postal Service the next day. Your other option is to wait to see if you receive the check currently missing at the U.S. Postal Service. While we are hopeful these will be delivered by the Postal Service in the next few days, we cannot provide a guarantee.

"IDES is keenly aware that you need these funds and that many of you were anticipating using those funds for monthly bill paying. We intend to pressure the U.S. Postal Service for answers to why this has happened, even if the checks are properly delivered in the coming days."

Please contact your local office for information on filing for a replacement check. Local office locations can be found at www.ides.state.il.us.

Also, in an effort to improve service, delivery and convenience to those qualified for unemployment insurance benefits in Illinois, IDES offers the availability of prepaid debits cards and direct deposit of unemployment insurance payments statewide. (Authorization form)

[To download Adobe Acrobat Reader for the PDF file, click here.]

[Text from Illinois Department of Employment Security file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]