Stadelman announces IDES in-person workforce and unemployment services available now

ROCKFORD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security will be reviving its in-person workforce and limited unemployment services at the American Job Center in Rockford, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced Thursday.

“Many working families have experienced real trouble due to the devastating social and economic impacts of COVID-19,” Stadelman said. “The restoration of in-person unemployment and workforce services will make their lives easier and help them return to work.”

IDES appointments are available now but must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance for in-person assistance at 303 North Main Street in Rockford. To schedule an appointment, people should call the IDES scheduling hotline at 217-558-0401 and request a callback.

An appointment may be scheduled for one of the following reasons:

• Identity verification for an unemployment insurance claim
• Assistance registering with IllinoisJobLink.com
• Assistance documenting work search activities
• Employment services, including resume and job search guidance
• Request to use the Resource Room to use computers with internet and other resources

Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. To ensure efficiency, each appointment will be 20 minutes and visitors will be afforded a 10-minute grace period.

In the coming weeks, IDES will continue to reopen additional offices on a phased basis and will announce the availability of phone appointments to further assist claimants.

People are strongly encouraged to use the IDES website to apply for benefits, enroll in direct deposits, change passwords, engage in work searches and connect with an employment services professional, among other services. They can also continue to receive help from an IDES expert over the phone by requesting a callback at 800-244-5631. As a reminder, if a callback is received at an inconvenient time, claimants may reschedule the callback for a specific time with a call center agent.

Peters strengthens mental health crisis response

CHICAGO – Illinois will become the first state to provide people experiencing mental health crises with more appropriate responses thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“Our goal as public servants must be to provide treatment, not trauma,” Peters said. “Trained mental health officials responding to mental health emergencies is how we provide that treatment. The alternative is how we risk furthering trauma.”

Read more: Peters strengthens mental health crisis response

Governor signs Senator Fine measure to ensure coverage of mental health treatment

SPRINGFIELD – To better support Illinois residents, a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) will significantly increase access to medically necessary health care, giving people with mental health and substance use disorders the ability to access treatment sooner, get back on their feet and move forward with the support they need.

“Insurance companies should provide coverage for mental health treatment along the same guidelines as other types of medically necessary treatment,” Senator Fine said. “Breaking down barriers for those seeking mental health treatment by expanding insurance coverage is essential.”

Read more: Governor signs Senator Fine measure to ensure coverage of mental health treatment

Murphy extends commission to give residents a voice in pandemic recovery

SPRINGFIELD – To help plan Illinois’ post-pandemic recovery and ensure the state sees it through, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) sponsored a law to give the legislature a voice in the reopening process by reinstating the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission.

“Thanks to all the residents who have gotten their vaccine, the pandemic is ebbing, but our work isn’t finished,” Murphy said. “As we recover and rebuild, the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission will offer lawmakers an avenue to communicate our constituents’ feedback and ideas.”

Read more: Murphy extends commission to give residents a voice in pandemic recovery