StateTally

Illinois Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

Illinois Department of Employment Security administers unemployment benefits under 820 ILCS 405/401, using a formula that caps weekly payments at $628 for single claimants, $748 for those with a non‑working spouse, and $859 for claimants with a dependent child, all payable for up to 26 weeks.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. · Ver esta página en español

Before taxes.
Before taxes.
A non-working spouse or a dependent child changes both the rate and the cap.
The law behind this calculator: Illinois Department of Employment Security — weekly benefit amount table — 820 ILCS 405/401; IDES table CLI110L.

How Illinois calculates it

  • Identify the two highest‑earning quarters of wages and add them together.
  • Divide that sum by 26 to get the claimant’s average weekly wage.
  • Multiply the average weekly wage by the applicable rate: 47.0% if alone, 56.0% with a non‑working spouse, or 64.3% with a dependent child.
  • Apply the 2026 maximum weekly caps: $628 for the 47.0% rate, $748 for the 56.0% rate, and $859 for the 64.3% rate.
  • Only one allowance is used – either the spouse or the child – and the child allowance always yields the higher benefit.
  • Pay the resulting weekly amount for up to 26 weeks.

Worked example

In the worked example, the claimant’s two highest quarters earned $13,000 and $12,000. The average weekly wage is ($13,000 + $12,000) ÷ 26 = $962. With no dependents the rate is 47.0%, giving $962 × 47.0% = $452, so the weekly benefit is $452 for up to 26 weeks. If the claimant has a dependent child, the 64.3% rate would apply, subject to the $859 maximum.

Frequently asked questions

How many weeks can I receive unemployment benefits in Illinois?

Illinois provides unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks per claim.

What is the maximum weekly benefit if I have a dependent child?

The child allowance uses a 64.3% rate and is capped at $859 per week for benefit years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Does Illinois give a higher benefit for a non‑working spouse or a child?

Illinois pays either the spouse or the child allowance, never both, and the child allowance always pays more than the spouse allowance.

How is my average weekly wage calculated for unemployment benefits?

The average weekly wage is the sum of the two highest‑earning quarters of wages divided by 26.

What are the benefit rates and caps for 2026?

For 2026 the rates are 47.0% with a $628 cap for claimants without dependents, 56.0% with a $748 cap for a non‑working spouse, and 64.3% with a $859 cap for a dependent child.

Is the calculation different in Chicago, Naperville or Lake Forest?

No. Benefits are set by the Illinois Department of Employment Security under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Chicago, Naperville, Lake Forest is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in Illinois. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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StateTally. (2026). Illinois Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026). Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://statetally.com/unemployment/illinois/