(via the Illinois Federation of Teachers)
On June 5, Governor Pritzker signed into law legislation which allows non-instructional and non-administrative employees of schools, colleges, and universities to qualify for unemployment this summer. This means that many IFT PSRPs who work as custodians, teacher aides, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, clerical workers, and in other non-teaching positions can receive unemployment during the summer months if they are not working or are unable to find a job.
This is a change from the prior law, which did not allow employees with regular nine or 10 month non-instructional positions to qualify for unemployment over the summer if the employee had not been laid off from their job and if the employee had “a reasonable expectation of continued employment” in the fall.
The IFT and our labor union community strongly supported this legislation in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. It will remain in effect through 2020.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) manages unemployment benefits. They have created two fact sheets to help you understand this new, temporary benefit. View the Information Sheet and the Claim Process fact sheet online.
Who qualifies?
PSRP members who are non-instructional and non-administrative who do not work at their school, college, or university over the summer.
When is this benefit available?
March 15, 2020 through January 2, 2021
What if I receive deferred pay over the summer?
If you receive “summer paychecks” because your employer spreads out your pay for work you completed during the school year, you still qualify for unemployment under this law. If you are receiving wages over a 12-month period but do not perform your job duties during the summer months or vacation breaks, you are not considered to have “worked” during those times, even if you may be receiving a paycheck.
How do I apply?
Review the IDES Information Sheet and Claim Process.
Go to the IDES website to begin you application if you believe you qualify.