IDES offices closed Monday to observe Memorial Day

Customers should certify; services available on Internet

[May 25, 2013]  CHICAGO -- Offices of the Illinois Department of Employment Security will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day. All services will be available on the website, and claimants scheduled to certify for benefits should do so. Regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. will resume Tuesday.

Although the offices will close for the holiday, services will be available online at www.ides.illinois.gov. Individuals will be able to file for first-time unemployment benefits; certify for benefits, which is necessary to receive payment; and switch that method of payment to direct deposit.

Because May 27 is a federal banking holiday, the availability of some benefit payments might be delayed. The IDES does not determine federal banking holidays.

IDES customers can use the website to manage their benefit payments. The department encourages direct deposit for the payments. Direct deposit is a simple, smart and secure way to receive benefits. A debit card also is available. There are no fees associated with a debit card at point-of-service counters that accept MasterCard, such as grocery stores, drugstores and convenience stores. Cash is available after qualifying purchases. Fees likely will be assessed with out-of-network ATM machines.

For those looking for a job or an employee, Illinois businesses are hiring and looking for workers on IllinoisJobLink.com, the state's hiring board. The website features more than 100,000 help-wanted ads and is free for workers and employers to use. Job-seekers can build multiple resumes to emphasize different skills and experiences. Business owners can use keyword-matching technology to search resumes and find the best candidate. No-cost human resources recruitment services are available through the website and by calling 877-342-7533. IllinoisJobLink.com compares favorably with private efforts that cost hundreds of dollars.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security is the state's employment agency. It links job-seekers with employers and administers unemployment insurance, re-employment services and labor market information. In doing so, it assists families during difficult times, helps businesses prosper and advocates for taxpayers by fighting waste, fraud and abuse. IDES does so through its offices and Illinois workNet Center partners.

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