Illinois Unemployment Guide: Navigating the System If you've been laid off in Illinois, you are dealing with the state's Department of Labor or Employment Security. Here is the strict, math-focused breakdown of the 2026 projected maximum benefits and how your tech severance package will interact with them. The Math: Max Benefits and Duration Illinois calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarters in your base period. Maximum Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA): $605 (Individual) to $827 (With Dependents) per week. Minimum Weekly Benefit Amount: $51 per week. Maximum Duration: Up to 26 weeks. Total Maximum Payout: up to $21,502. The Requirements To qualify for benefits in Illinois, you must meet the standard structural criteria: Unemployed through no fault of your own: Layoffs, reductions in force, or position elimination. Physically able to work. Available for full-time work. Actively looking for work: You must log your job search activities weekly in the state portal.…