State Unemployment Benefits in Illinois

Benefits at and after the death

Eligibility never extends beyond the date the claimant died. IDES pays benefits due a deceased claimant first to the claimant's designated direct deposit account, then to the debit card it assigned them.^{1, 2}

Only if neither the direct deposit account nor the debit card is possible does IDES issue a paper check, made payable to "The Estate or Heirs of" the claimant, never to more than one payee and never to a named individual.^{1, 2}

Who may claim a final payment

When the claimant died before certifying for benefits, 56 Ill. Adm. Code 2830.200(b) has an individual with first-hand knowledge of the matters asserted make the certification.^{1, 2}

Documents for a final payment

The individual submits a completed certification form, an affidavit attesting to their first-hand knowledge, the truth of the matters asserted and their relationship to the claimant, and a certified copy of the death certificate.^{1, 2}

Benefit checks already issued to the claimant and not presented for payment are returned to the Director, or an affidavit is submitted stating they were lost, stolen, or destroyed.^{1, 2}

Deadline

If the certification form is not received within nine months after the date of death, any benefits due the deceased claimant revert to the State's unemployment trust fund.^{1, 2}

Governing law: 56 Ill. Adm. Code 2830.200

Certification form, affidavit and certified death certificate for a claimant who died before certifying

nine months after the date of death; any benefits due the claimant revert to the State's unemployment trust fund^{1, 2}

1. 1.56 Ill. Adm. Code 2830.200
2. 2.56 Ill. Adm. Code Part 2830