Illinois Rolls Out New Rules For Unemployed Receiving Benefits

By aaroncynic in News on Mar 23, 2012 9:20PM

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced this week new rules for individuals receiving unemployment benefits. In order to stay on unemployment, those receiving benefits will now be required to submit paperwork detailing work search history and fill out a skills assessment. In addition, beneficiaries must bring completed paperwork to in person interviews with IDES staff. IDES Director Jay Rowell said in a press release “The renewed emphasis is designed to ensure individuals are doing everything possible to update their skills and are prepared to re-enter the workforce.”

The new regulations apply to those transitioning from the state unemployment program to the federal emergency program. If individuals fail to comply, they will lose their benefits. The Chicago Tribune reports letters to about 8,000 people will be impacted.

The overall unemployment rate in Illinois dropped to 9.1 percent in February, according to CBS News. While this is the sixth month unemployment has been in decline in the state, the rate is still much higher than the national unemployment rate of 8.3 percent. Greg Rivara, a spokesperson for IDES told CBS "February's jobs number is another positive sign in Illinois' economic recovery. Illinois continues its steady economic growth fueled by monthly increases in job creation and falling unemployment rates.”