The weekly work search rule in Illinois
IDES does not post a set number. You must actively look for work on your own each week and register on IllinoisJobLink.com.
Answer questions about your work search when you certify for benefits. Keep a record of when and where you apply. IDES may ask you to show it, and IllinoisJobLink.com history can serve as proof.
File and certify on the Illinois Department of Employment Security site. The rules can change, so check IDES's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| Illinois rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | IDES does not post a set number. You must actively look for work on your own each week and register on IllinoisJobLink.com. |
| How you report it | Answer questions about your work search when you certify for benefits. Keep a record of when and where you apply. IDES may ask you to show it, and IllinoisJobLink.com history can serve as proof. |
| Enter each activity online | No, you keep your own record |
| Keep records | Keep your written work search record for each week you claim until 53 weeks have passed from the end of that week. If an appeal about your work search is pending, keep it until the matter is settled. |
| Agency | Illinois Department of Employment Security |
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security (ides.illinois.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
Keep your work search log free
Write down each activity the day you do it: the date, the employer, how you contacted them, the job, and what happened. If the state asks to see your search, the log is your proof.
The free work search log in Capstone Careers keeps it for you: each application you send through Capstone Careers goes on it by itself, you add the ones you do elsewhere, and you can save the week as a PDF.
Need more applications to reach your number? See openings near you and get a resume written for each one.
Training while you are on unemployment in Illinois
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in Illinois.
Sources
- Illinois Department of Employment Security: work search rules
- Illinois Department of Employment Security (ides.illinois.gov)
- Illinois Department of Employment Security (ides.illinois.gov)
- Illinois Department of Employment Security (ides.illinois.gov)
- Illinois Department of Employment Security (ides.illinois.gov)