No Fault

• To be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits in the state of Illinois, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own. If, for example, you were laid off as part of your employer's cost-cutting measures, and satisfy the remaining requirements as well, you can receive unemployment benefits. Similarly, if your employer went out of business or closed some of its operation and you find yourself without a job as a result, you can receive benefits.
  
  However, if you are unemployed because of your own misconduct, you are not eligible for benefits. Being fired for attendance will therefore make you ineligible for unemployment benefits. Quitting your job will also make you ineligible for benefits.
  
  

Wage Requirement

• Another requirement for eligibility is meeting the minimum income threshold before you find yourself unemployed. What matters is whether you have earned enough during the "base period." The base period is the first four of the last five quarters of your employment. You must have earned at least $1,600 during the base period. In addition, a minimum of $440 must have been paid to you during a quarter that was not your highest-paid quarter.
  
  

Looking for Work

• To remain eligible for benefits, you must be actively looking for work. You will also need to document your job search efforts and be ready to present proof when required. If you receive a suitable job offer while you are receiving benefits, you must accept the offer or lose unemployment compensation. A suitable job is defined as one that is commensurate with your education and experience.
  
  

Benefit Amount

• Your weekly compensation depends on various factors, including how much you have earned during your base period, your marital status and how many children you have. The minimum weekly compensation is $51 a week. For a single claimant, the maximum is $385 per week. If you have a non-working spouse, you can receive up to $458 per week. Claimants with children can receive up to $531 per week.