Illinois Unemployment Benefits Calculator
Estimate your weekly benefit amount (WBA) and total benefits for Illinois. Enter your high-quarter wages or annual salary. Max $808/week, up to 26 weeks.
Use this Illinois unemployment benefits calculator to estimate your weekly benefit amount (WBA) and total benefits. Illinois calculates your weekly unemployment benefit using your base-period wages, often the high-quarter (highest-earning quarter). This calculator estimates your WBA using the common formula (high-quarter ÷ 26), capped between Illinois's minimum ($51/week) and maximum ($808/week). You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks, subject to eligibility.
How unemployment benefits are calculated in Illinois
Illinois sets your weekly benefit amount (WBA) using wages from your base period—usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Many states use a formula based on your high-quarter wages (the quarter in that period when you earned the most). A typical calculation is high-quarter wages divided by 26, rounded down to the nearest dollar, then capped between the state minimum and maximum. In Illinois, that range is $51 to $808 per week. This Illinois unemployment calculator uses that approach to give you an estimate; your state agency will apply the exact formula and base-period rules when you file.
Unemployment benefit limits in Illinois
In Illinois, the maximum weekly benefit is $808 and the minimum is $51. You can receive regular unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks, depending on your work history and state law. Total benefits over the benefit year are limited by both your weekly amount and the number of weeks. Higher earners often hit the $808/week cap; lower earners may receive the minimum. Use the calculator above to see where your high-quarter wages place you within Illinois's range.
Eligibility and how to file for unemployment in Illinois
To qualify for unemployment in Illinois, you generally must have lost your job through no fault of your own, meet minimum earnings or base-period requirements, and be able and available to work. Each state sets its own eligibility rules. File your claim with Illinois's unemployment agency as soon as possible after becoming unemployed—most states allow you to file online. You will need your Social Security number, details of your recent employers, and your wages. The state will determine your actual weekly benefit amount and duration after reviewing your base period. This calculator is for estimation only; your official benefit is set when your claim is approved. Unemployment benefits are taxable income for federal tax; you can choose to have tax withheld.
Base period and high-quarter wages in Illinois
Your base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. For example, if you file in January 2026, the base period is often October 2024 through September 2025. Your high-quarter is the single quarter in that period in which you earned the most. Illinois uses these wages to determine both eligibility and your weekly benefit amount. If you enter your annual salary in this calculator, we estimate your high-quarter as one-fourth of that amount. For a more accurate estimate, use your actual high-quarter wages from your base period if you know them.