Ask Terry Questions Regular UI Certification vs. PUA Certification

Regular UI Certification vs. PUA Certification

By Terry Savage on May 17, 2020 | Wild Card

Hi, Terry – I completed an Illinois UI application, but since I’m an independent contractor, I was denied any benefits – however, the letter I received said that I need to certify every 2 weeks. On Monday, I applied for PUA but have not heard back yet if I’ve been approved for PUA assistance.

My question – Do I still need to certify for UI on the regular IDES site even though I was denied benefits? Do I wait until after I hear about any PUA benefits before I begin certifying? Or do I need to do both? (I can’t find anything on the IDES or PUA sites, and I can’t get through on the phone.)

Also, do you happen to know the phone number for the new PUA customer service center? I can’t find that either.

Thanks so much for your help. I listen to & learn from you on WGN.

Terry Says

I can only give you my best guess which is to suggest you continue to certify on the traditional site. This is such a mess. They’ve added hundreds of new workers to their call site but it is still backed up!
Please write back and let me know when you get your PUI benefits, as I’m trying to track how long between authorization and payment.

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