Okay, you meant to keep your job, but things happen, especially in this crazy economy.  If you were laid off or fired, you probably qualify for unemployment benefits.  (If you were on a show, and the show closed, then you were laid off.)

Where does the money come from?

It comes from your former employer, who paid state payroll taxes for every week you worked.  If you're an artist, the job you lost was either your day job or a gig, so you didn't see any employer-sponsored benefits:  severance pay, vacation days, health insurance, or a 401(k).  This is the only benefit you'll see.  Take it! 

How does it work?

In Illinois, you’re paid 47% what you were paid at your job, with the maximum benefit being $369/wk.  You're paid once every two weeks.  You have to pay tax on the money, so you might as well have it taken out for you, which is an option as you're opening a claim.

How do I file?

Click here for information, to open a claim online, or to find a local office.  After your claim has been approved, call in to file for benefits every 2 weeks.  Don’t forget!  Also, keep track of all the places you look for work while you collect benefits.

For Illinois performers, part-time workers, etc...

If you’re on a low-paying or part-time gig, you might still collect unemployment.  You can make up to 50% of your unemployment rate without affecting your benefit amount.  After that, they start taking away dollars.  Here’s an example:

Your unemployment benefit:   $200/wk.  (Half is $100.)

Your low-paying gig:  $150/wk which is $50 over the halfway mark.

$200/wk benefit - $50 = $150/wk unemployment

So you make $200/wk on your gig, and still get $150/wk in unemployment!