State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) is imploring Governor J.B. Pritzker to act as quickly as possible to get unemployment benefits to self-employed “gig” workers.
Self-employed “gig” workers, according to ADP Research Institute, make up 18 percent of Illinois’ workforce. Under the recently signed federal stimulus law, these gig workers are now eligible for unemployment benefits, and states must modify their websites in order to review these claims. Unfortunately, no modification has been made to the Illinois Department of Employment Security’s (IDES) website. Therefore, no claims can be submitted.
Sen. Rezin notes that weeks ago, Illinois constituents were told the IDES website would be improved, and access would be enhanced. However, based on what lawmakers are hearing from their constituents, delays with the site continue, and frustrations continue to mount.
“It is imperative that the state provides timely access to all existing benefits during these challenging times,” said Sen. Rezin. “It is unacceptable that we are not provided relief to eligible recipients, especially when other states already have their system in place to handle similar claims.”
A number of other states like New York and Iowa have already provided guidance for gig workers on their websites, and Michigan began accepting claims online April 13. Unfortunately, Illinois lawmakers have been told Illinois’ IDES website will not be able to accept claims until May 11.
“We must not make the recovery from this health crisis, any harder than it already is,” said Sen. Rezin.