Public Act 0030 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB1350 Enrolled LRB096 09823 RLC 19986 b

Public Act 096-0030

AN ACT concerning employment.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Financing Act is amended by changing Section 4 as follows:

(30 ILCS 440/4)

Sec. 4. Authority to Issue Revenue Bonds.

A. The Department shall have the continuing power to borrow money for the purpose of carrying out the following:

1. To reduce or avoid the need to borrow or obtain a federal advance under Section 1201, et seq., of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1321), as amended, or any similar federal law; or

2. To refinance a previous advance received by the Department with respect to the payment of Benefits; or

3. To refinance, purchase, redeem, refund, advance refund or defease (including, any combination of the foregoing) any outstanding Bonds issued pursuant to this Act; or

4. To fund a surplus in Illinois' account in the Unemployment Trust Fund of the United States Treasury.

Paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 are inoperative on and after January 1, 2013 2010.

B. As evidence of the obligation of the Department to repay money borrowed for the purposes set forth in Section 4A above, the Department may issue and dispose of its interest bearing revenue Bonds and may also, from time-to-time, issue and dispose of its interest bearing revenue Bonds to purchase, redeem, refund, advance refund or defease (including, any combination of the foregoing) any Bonds at maturity or pursuant to redemption provisions or at any time before maturity. The Director, in consultation with the Department's Employment Security Advisory Board, shall have the power to direct that the Bonds be issued. Bonds may be issued in one or more series and under terms and conditions as needed in furtherance of the purposes of this Act. The Illinois Finance Authority shall provide any technical, legal, or administrative services if and when requested by the Director and the Employment Security Advisory Board with regard to the issuance of Bonds. Such Bonds shall be issued in the name of the State of Illinois for the benefit of the Department and shall be executed by the Director. In case any Director whose signature appears on any Bond ceases (after attaching his or her signature) to hold that office, her or his signature shall nevertheless be valid and effective for all purposes.

C. No Bonds shall be issued without the Director's written certification that, based upon a reasonable financial analysis, the issuance of Bonds is reasonably expected to:

(i) Result in a savings to the State as compared to the cost of borrowing or obtaining an advance under Section 1201, et seq., Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1321), as amended, or any similar federal law;

(ii) Result in terms which are advantageous to the State through refunding, advance refunding or other similar restructuring of outstanding Bonds; or

(iii) Allow the State to avoid an anticipated deficiency in the State's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund of the United States Treasury by funding a surplus in the State's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund of the United States Treasury.

D. All such Bonds shall be payable from Fund Building Receipts. Bonds may also be paid from (i) to the extent allowable by law, from monies in the State's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund of the United States Treasury; and (ii) to the extent allowable by law, a federal advance under Section 1201, et seq., of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1321); and (iii) proceeds of Bonds and receipts from related credit and exchange agreements to the extent allowed by this Act and applicable legal requirements.

E. The maximum principal amount of the Bonds, when combined with the outstanding principal of all other Bonds issued pursuant to this Act, shall not at any time exceed $1,400,000,000, excluding all of the outstanding principal of any other Bonds issued pursuant to this Act for which payment has been irrevocably provided by refunding or other manner of defeasance. It is the intent of this Act that the outstanding Bond authorization limits provided for in this Section 4E shall be revolving in nature, such that the amount of Bonds outstanding that are not refunded or otherwise defeased shall be included in determining the maximum amount of Bonds authorized to be issued pursuant to the Act.

F. Such Bonds and refunding Bonds issued pursuant to this Act may bear such date or dates, may mature at such time or times not exceeding 10 years from their respective dates of issuance, and may bear interest at such rate or rates not exceeding the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act, as amended and in effect at the time of the issuance of the Bonds.

G. The Department may enter into a Credit Agreement pertaining to the issuance of the Bonds, upon terms which are not inconsistent with this Act and any other laws, provided that the term of such Credit Agreement shall not exceed the term of the Bonds, plus any time period necessary to cure any defaults under such Credit Agreement.

H. Interest earnings paid to holders of the Bonds shall not be exempt from income taxes imposed by the State.

I. While any Bond Obligations are outstanding or anticipated to come due as a result of Bonds expected to be issued in either or both of the 2 immediately succeeding calendar quarters, the Department shall collect and deposit Fund Building Receipts into the Master Bond Fund in an amount necessary to satisfy the Required Fund Building Receipts Amount prior to expending Fund Building Receipts for any other purpose. The Required Fund Building Receipts Amount shall be that amount necessary to ensure the marketability of the Bonds, which shall be specified in the Bond Sale Order executed by the Director in connection with the issuance of the Bonds.

J. Holders of the Bonds shall have a first and priority claim on all Fund Building Receipts in the Master Bond Fund in parity with all other holders of the Bonds, provided that such claim may be subordinated to the provider of any Credit Agreement for any of the Bonds.

K. To the extent that Fund Building Receipts in the Master Bond Fund are not otherwise needed to satisfy the requirements of this Act and the instruments authorizing the issuance of the Bonds, such monies shall be used by the Department, in such amounts as determined by the Director to do any one or a combination of the following:

1. To purchase, refinance, redeem, refund, advance refund or defease (or any combination of the foregoing) outstanding Bonds, to the extent such action is legally available and does not impair the tax exempt status of any of the Bonds which are, in fact, exempt from Federal income taxation; or

2. As a deposit in the State's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund of the United States Treasury; or

3. As a deposit into the Special Programs Fund provided for under Section 2107 of the Unemployment Insurance Act.

L. The Director shall determine the method of sale, type of bond, bond form, redemption provisions and other terms of the Bonds that, in the Director's judgment, best achieve the purposes of this Act and effect the borrowing at the lowest practicable cost, provided that those determinations are not inconsistent with this Act or other applicable legal requirements. Those determinations shall be set forth in a document entitled "Bond Sale Order" acceptable, in form and substance, to the attorney or attorneys acting as bond counsel for the Bonds in connection with the rendering of opinions necessary for the issuance of the Bonds and executed by the Director.

(Source: P.A. 93-634, eff. 1-1-04; 94-1083, eff. 1-19-07.)

Section 10. The Unemployment Insurance Act is amended by changing Sections 401, 409, and 601 as follows:

(820 ILCS 405/401) (from Ch. 48, par. 401)

Sec. 401. Weekly Benefit Amount - Dependents' Allowances.

A. With respect to any week beginning prior to April 24, 1983, an individual's weekly benefit amount shall be an amount equal to the weekly benefit amount as defined in this Act as in effect on November 30, 1982.

B. 1. With respect to any week beginning on or after April 24, 1983 and before January 3, 1988, an individual's weekly benefit amount shall be 48% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; provided, however, that the weekly benefit amount cannot exceed the maximum weekly benefit amount, and cannot be less than 15% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar. However, the weekly benefit amount for an individual who has established a benefit year beginning before April 24, 1983, shall be determined, for weeks beginning on or after April 24, 1983 claimed with respect to that benefit year, as provided under this Act as in effect on November 30, 1982. With respect to any week beginning on or after January 3, 1988 and before January 1, 1993, an individual's weekly benefit amount shall be 49% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; provided, however, that the weekly benefit amount cannot exceed the maximum weekly benefit amount, and cannot be less than $51. With respect to any week beginning on or after January 3, 1993 and during a benefit year beginning before January 4, 2004, an individual's weekly benefit amount shall be 49.5% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; provided, however, that the weekly benefit amount cannot exceed the maximum weekly benefit amount and cannot be less than $51. With respect to any benefit year beginning on or after January 4, 2004 and before January 6, 2008, an individual's weekly benefit amount shall be 48% of his or her prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; provided, however, that the weekly benefit amount cannot exceed the maximum weekly benefit amount and cannot be less than $51. With respect to any benefit year beginning on or after January 6, 2008, an individual's weekly benefit amount shall be 47% of his or her prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; provided, however, that the weekly benefit amount cannot exceed the maximum weekly benefit amount and cannot be less than $51.

2. For the purposes of this subsection:

With respect to any week beginning on or after April 24, 1983, an individual's "prior average weekly wage" means the total wages for insured work paid to that individual during the 2 calendar quarters of his base period in which such total wages were highest, divided by 26. If the quotient is not already a multiple of one dollar, it shall be rounded to the nearest dollar; however if the quotient is equally near 2 multiples of one dollar, it shall be rounded to the higher multiple of one dollar.

"Determination date" means June 1, 1982, December 1, 1982 and December 1 of each succeeding calendar year thereafter. However, if as of June 30, 1982, or any June 30 thereafter, the net amount standing to the credit of this State's account in the unemployment trust fund (less all outstanding advances to that account, including advances pursuant to Title XII of the federal Social Security Act) is greater than $100,000,000, "determination date" shall mean December 1 of that year and June 1 of the succeeding year. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, for the purposes of this Act only, there shall be no June 1 determination date in any year after 1986.

"Determination period" means, with respect to each June 1 determination date, the 12 consecutive calendar months ending on the immediately preceding December 31 and, with respect to each December 1 determination date, the 12 consecutive calendar months ending on the immediately preceding June 30.

"Benefit period" means the 12 consecutive calendar month period beginning on the first day of the first calendar month immediately following a determination date, except that, with respect to any calendar year in which there is a June 1 determination date, "benefit period" shall mean the 6 consecutive calendar month period beginning on the first day of the first calendar month immediately following the preceding December 1 determination date and the 6 consecutive calendar month period beginning on the first day of the first calendar month immediately following the June 1 determination date. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the 6 calendar months beginning January 1, 1982 and ending June 30, 1982 shall be deemed a benefit period with respect to which the determination date shall be June 1, 1981.

"Gross wages" means all the wages paid to individuals during the determination period immediately preceding a determination date for insured work, and reported to the Director by employers prior to the first day of the third calendar month preceding that date.

"Covered employment" for any calendar month means the total number of individuals, as determined by the Director, engaged in insured work at mid-month.

"Average monthly covered employment" means one-twelfth of the sum of the covered employment for the 12 months of a determination period.

"Statewide average annual wage" means the quotient, obtained by dividing gross wages by average monthly covered employment for the same determination period, rounded (if not already a multiple of one cent) to the nearest cent.

"Statewide average weekly wage" means the quotient, obtained by dividing the statewide average annual wage by 52, rounded (if not already a multiple of one cent) to the nearest cent. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Section to the contrary, the statewide average weekly wage for the benefit period beginning July 1, 1982 and ending December 31, 1982 shall be the statewide average weekly wage in effect for the immediately preceding benefit period plus one-half of the result obtained by subtracting the statewide average weekly wage for the immediately preceding benefit period from the statewide average weekly wage for the benefit period beginning July 1, 1982 and ending December 31, 1982 as such statewide average weekly wage would have been determined but for the provisions of this paragraph. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Section to the contrary, the statewide average weekly wage for the benefit period beginning April 24, 1983 and ending January 31, 1984 shall be $321 and for the benefit period beginning February 1, 1984 and ending December 31, 1986 shall be $335, and for the benefit period beginning January 1, 1987, and ending December 31, 1987, shall be $350, except that for an individual who has established a benefit year beginning before April 24, 1983, the statewide average weekly wage used in determining benefits, for any week beginning on or after April 24, 1983, claimed with respect to that benefit year, shall be $334.80, except that, for the purpose of determining the minimum weekly benefit amount under subsection B(1) for the benefit period beginning January 1, 1987, and ending December 31, 1987, the statewide average weekly wage shall be $335; for the benefit periods January 1, 1988 through December 31, 1988, January 1, 1989 through December 31, 1989, and January 1, 1990 through December 31, 1990, the statewide average weekly wage shall be $359, $381, and $406, respectively. Notwithstanding the preceding sentences of this paragraph, for the benefit period of calendar year 1991, the statewide average weekly wage shall be $406 plus (or minus) an amount equal to the percentage change in the statewide average weekly wage, as computed in accordance with the preceding sentences of this paragraph, between the benefit periods of calendar years 1989 and 1990, multiplied by $406; and, for the benefit periods of calendar years 1992 through 2003 and calendar year 2005 and each calendar year thereafter, the statewide average weekly wage, shall be the statewide average weekly wage, as determined in accordance with this sentence, for the immediately preceding benefit period plus (or minus) an amount equal to the percentage change in the statewide average weekly wage, as computed in accordance with the preceding sentences of this paragraph, between the 2 immediately preceding benefit periods, multiplied by the statewide average weekly wage, as determined in accordance with this sentence, for the immediately preceding benefit period. However, for purposes of the Workers' Compensation Act, the statewide average weekly wage will be computed using June 1 and December 1 determination dates of each calendar year and such determination shall not be subject to the limitation of $321, $335, $350, $359, $381, $406 or the statewide average weekly wage as computed in accordance with the preceding sentence of this paragraph.

With respect to any week beginning on or after April 24, 1983 and before January 3, 1988, "maximum weekly benefit amount" means 48% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the nearest dollar, provided however, that the maximum weekly benefit amount for an individual who has established a benefit year beginning before April 24, 1983, shall be determined, for weeks beginning on or after April 24, 1983 claimed with respect to that benefit year, as provided under this Act as amended and in effect on November 30, 1982, except that the statewide average weekly wage used in such determination shall be $334.80.

With respect to any week beginning after January 2, 1988 and before January 1, 1993, "maximum weekly benefit amount" with respect to each week beginning within a benefit period means 49% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar.

With respect to any week beginning on or after January 3, 1993 and during a benefit year beginning before January 4, 2004, "maximum weekly benefit amount" with respect to each week beginning within a benefit period means 49.5% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar.

With respect to any benefit year beginning on or after January 4, 2004 and before January 6, 2008, "maximum weekly benefit amount" with respect to each week beginning within a benefit period means 48% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar.

With respect to any benefit year beginning on or after January 6, 2008, "maximum weekly benefit amount" with respect to each week beginning within a benefit period means 47% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar.

C. With respect to any week beginning on or after April 24, 1983 and before January 3, 1988, an individual to whom benefits are payable with respect to any week shall, in addition to such benefits, be paid, with respect to such week, as follows: in the case of an individual with a nonworking spouse, 7% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the higher dollar; provided, that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 55% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the nearest dollar; and in the case of an individual with a dependent child or dependent children, 14.4% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the higher dollar; provided, that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 62.4% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar with respect to the benefit period beginning January 1, 1987 and ending December 31, 1987, and otherwise to the nearest dollar. However, for an individual with a nonworking spouse or with a dependent child or children who has established a benefit year beginning before April 24, 1983, the amount of additional benefits payable on account of the nonworking spouse or dependent child or children shall be determined, for weeks beginning on or after April 24, 1983 claimed with respect to that benefit year, as provided under this Act as in effect on November 30, 1982, except that the statewide average weekly wage used in such determination shall be $334.80.

With respect to any week beginning on or after January 2, 1988 and before January 1, 1991 and any week beginning on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1993, an individual to whom benefits are payable with respect to any week shall, in addition to those benefits, be paid, with respect to such week, as follows: in the case of an individual with a nonworking spouse, 8% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided, that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 57% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; and in the case of an individual with a dependent child or dependent children, 15% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 64% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar.

With respect to any week beginning on or after January 1, 1991 and before January 1, 1992, an individual to whom benefits are payable with respect to any week shall, in addition to the benefits, be paid, with respect to such week, as follows: in the case of an individual with a nonworking spouse, 8.3% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided, that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 57.3% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; and in the case of an individual with a dependent child or dependent children, 15.3% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 64.3% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar.

With respect to any week beginning on or after January 3, 1993, during a benefit year beginning before January 4, 2004, an individual to whom benefits are payable with respect to any week shall, in addition to those benefits, be paid, with respect to such week, as follows: in the case of an individual with a nonworking spouse, 9% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided, that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 58.5% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; and in the case of an individual with a dependent child or dependent children, 16% of his prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 65.5% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar.

With respect to any benefit year beginning on or after January 4, 2004 and before January 6, 2008, an individual to whom benefits are payable with respect to any week shall, in addition to those benefits, be paid, with respect to such week, as follows: in the case of an individual with a nonworking spouse, 9% of his or her prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided, that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 57% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; and in the case of an individual with a dependent child or dependent children, 17.2% of his or her prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 65.2% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar.

With respect to any benefit year beginning on or after January 6, 2008 and before January 1, 2010, an individual to whom benefits are payable with respect to any week shall, in addition to those benefits, be paid, with respect to such week, as follows: in the case of an individual with a nonworking spouse, 9% of his or her prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided, that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 56% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; and with respect to any benefit year beginning before January 1, 2010, in the case of an individual with a dependent child or dependent children, 18.2% of his or her prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 65.2% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar.

The additional amount paid pursuant to this subsection in the case of an individual with a dependent child or dependent children shall be referred to as the "dependent child allowance", and the percentage rate by which an individual's prior average weekly wage is multiplied pursuant to this subsection to calculate the dependent child allowance shall be referred to as the "dependent child allowance rate".

With respect to any benefit year beginning on or after January 1, 2010, an individual to whom benefits are payable with respect to any week shall, in addition to those benefits, be paid, with respect to such week, as follows: in the case of an individual with a nonworking spouse, the greater of (i) 9% of his or her prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, or (ii) $15, provided that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed 56% of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar; and in the case of an individual with a dependent child or dependent children, the greater of (i) the product of the dependent child allowance rate multiplied by his or her prior average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, or (ii) the lesser of $50 or 50% of his or her weekly benefit amount, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar, provided that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week shall not exceed the product of the statewide average weekly wage multiplied by the sum of 47% plus the dependent child allowance rate, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar.

With respect to each benefit year beginning in a calendar year after calendar year 2009, the percentage rate used to calculate the dependent child allowance rate shall be the sum of the allowance adjustment applicable pursuant to Section 1400.1 to the calendar year in which the benefit year begins, plus the percentage rate used to calculate the dependent child allowance rate with respect to each benefit year beginning in the immediately preceding calendar year, except as otherwise provided in this subsection , provided that the total amount payable to the individual with respect to a week beginning in such benefit year shall not exceed the product of the statewide average weekly wage, rounded (if not already a multiple of one dollar) to the next higher dollar and the sum of 47% plus the percentage rate used to calculate the individual's dependent child allowance. The Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the percentage rate used to calculate the dependent child allowance rate with respect to each any benefit year beginning in calendar year on or after January 1, 2010, shall not be less than 17.3% or greater than 18.2%. The dependent child allowance rate with respect to each benefit year beginning in calendar year 2011 shall be reduced by 0.2% absolute below the rate it would otherwise have been pursuant to this subsection and, with respect to each benefit year beginning after calendar year 2010, except as otherwise provided, shall not be less than 17.1% or greater than 18.0%. Unless, as a result of this sentence, the agreement between the Federal Government and State regarding the Federal Additional Compensation program established under Section 2002 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or a successor program, would not apply or would cease to apply, the dependent child allowance rate with respect to each benefit year beginning in calendar year 2012 shall be reduced by 0.1% absolute below the rate it would otherwise have been pursuant to this subsection and, with respect to each benefit year beginning after calendar year 2011, shall not be less than 17.0% or greater than 17.9%.

For the purposes of this subsection:

"Dependent" means a child or a nonworking spouse.

"Child" means a natural child, stepchild, or adopted child of an individual claiming benefits under this Act or a child who is in the custody of any such individual by court order, for whom the individual is supplying and, for at least 90 consecutive days (or for the duration of the parental relationship if it has existed for less than 90 days) immediately preceding any week with respect to which the individual has filed a claim, has supplied more than one-half the cost of support, or has supplied at least 1/4 of the cost of support if the individual and the other parent, together, are supplying and, during the aforesaid period, have supplied more than one-half the cost of support, and are, and were during the aforesaid period, members of the same household; and who, on the first day of such week (a) is under 18 years of age, or (b) is, and has been during the immediately preceding 90 days, unable to work because of illness or other disability: provided, that no person who has been determined to be a child of an individual who has been allowed benefits with respect to a week in the individual's benefit year shall be deemed to be a child of the other parent, and no other person shall be determined to be a child of such other parent, during the remainder of that benefit year.

"Nonworking spouse" means the lawful husband or wife of an individual claiming benefits under this Act, for whom more than one-half the cost of support has been supplied by the individual for at least 90 consecutive days (or for the duration of the marital relationship if it has existed for less than 90 days) immediately preceding any week with respect to which the individual has filed a claim, but only if the nonworking spouse is currently ineligible to receive benefits under this Act by reason of the provisions of Section 500E.

An individual who was obligated by law to provide for the support of a child or of a nonworking spouse for the aforesaid period of 90 consecutive days, but was prevented by illness or injury from doing so, shall be deemed to have provided more than one-half the cost of supporting the child or nonworking spouse for that period.

(Source: P.A. 93-634, eff. 1-1-04.)

(820 ILCS 405/409) (from Ch. 48, par. 409)

Sec. 409. Extended Benefits.

A. For the purposes of this Section:

1. "Extended benefit period" means a period which begins with the third week after a week for which there is a State "on" indicator; and ends with either of the following weeks, whichever occurs later: (1) the third week after the first week for which there is a State "off" indicator, or (2) the thirteenth consecutive week of such period. No extended benefit period shall begin by reason of a State "on" indicator before the fourteenth week following the end of a prior extended benefit period.

2. There is a "State 'on' indicator" for a week if (a) the Director determines, in accordance with the regulations of the United States Secretary of Labor or other appropriate Federal agency, that for the period consisting of such week and the immediately preceding twelve weeks, the rate of insured unemployment (not seasonally adjusted) in this State (a) equaled or exceeded 4% and equaled or exceeded 120% of the average of such rates for the corresponding 13-week period ending in each of the preceding two calendar years, or (b) equaled or exceeded 5%; for weeks beginning after September 25, 1982 (1) equaled or exceeded 5% and equaled or exceeded 120% of the average of such rates for the corresponding 13-week period ending in each of the preceding 2 calendar years, or (2) equaled or exceeded 6 percent, or (b) the United States Secretary of Labor determines that (1) the average rate of total unemployment in this State (seasonally adjusted) for the period consisting of the most recent 3 months for which data for all states are published before the close of such week equals or exceeds 6.5%, and (2) the average rate of total unemployment in this State (seasonally adjusted) for the 3-month period referred to in (1) equals or exceeds 110% of such average rate for either (or both) of the corresponding 3-month periods ending in the 2 preceding calendar years. Clause (b) of this paragraph shall only apply to weeks beginning on or after February 22, 2009, through the week ending 3 weeks prior to the last week for which federal sharing is provided as authorized by Section 2005(a) of Public Law 111-5 and is inoperative as of the end of the last week for which federal sharing is provided as authorized by Section 2005(a) of Public Law 111-5.

3. There is a "State 'off' indicator" for a week if there is not a State 'on' indicator for the week pursuant to paragraph 2 the Director determines, in accordance with the regulations of the United States Secretary of Labor or other appropriate Federal agency, that for the period consisting of such week and the immediately preceding twelve weeks, the rate of insured unemployment (not seasonally adjusted) in this State (a) was less than 5% and was less than 120% of the average of such rates for the corresponding 13-week period ending in each of the preceding 2 calendar years, or (b) was less than 4%; and for weeks beginning after September 25, 1982, (1) was less than 6% and less than 120% of the average of such rates for the corresponding 13-week period ending in each of the preceding 2 calendar years, or (2) was less than 5%.

4. "Rate of insured unemployment", for the purpose of paragraph paragraphs 2 and 3, means the percentage derived by dividing (a) the average weekly number of individuals filing claims for "regular benefits" in this State for weeks of unemployment with respect to the most recent 13 consecutive week period, as determined by the Director on the basis of his reports to the United States Secretary of Labor or other appropriate Federal agency, by (b) the average monthly employment covered under this Act for the first four of the most recent six completed calendar quarters ending before the close of such 13-week period.

5. "Regular benefits" means benefits, other than extended benefits and additional benefits, payable to an individual (including dependents' allowances) under this Act or under any other State unemployment compensation law (including benefits payable to Federal civilian employees and ex-servicemen pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85).

6. "Extended benefits" means benefits (including benefits payable to Federal civilian employees and ex-servicemen pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85) payable to an individual under the provisions of this Section for weeks which begin in his eligibility period.

7. "Additional benefits" means benefits totally financed by a State and payable to exhaustees (as defined in subsection C) by reason of conditions of high unemployment or by reason of other specified factors. If an individual is eligible to receive extended benefits under the provisions of this Section and is eligible to receive additional benefits with respect to the same week under the law of another State, he may elect to claim either extended benefits or additional benefits with respect to the week.

8. "Eligibility period" means the period consisting of the weeks in an individual's benefit year which begin in an extended benefit period and, if his benefit year ends within such extended benefit period, any weeks thereafter which begin in such period. An individual's eligibility period shall also include such other weeks as federal law may allow.

9. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary of the provisions of Sections 1404, 1405B, and 1501, no employer shall be liable for payments in lieu of contributions pursuant to Section 1404, and wages shall not become benefit wages, by reason of the payment of extended benefits which are wholly reimbursed to this State by the Federal Government or would have been wholly reimbursed to this State by the Federal Government if the employer had paid all of the claimant's wages during the applicable base period. With respect to extended benefits, paid prior to July 1, 1989, wages shall become benefit wages under Section 1501 only when an individual is first paid such benefits with respect to his eligibility period which are not wholly reimbursed to this State by the Federal Government. Extended benefits , paid on or after July 1, 1989, shall not become benefit charges under Section 1501.1 if they are wholly reimbursed to this State by the Federal Government or would have been wholly reimbursed to this State by the Federal Government if the employer had paid all of the claimant's wages during the applicable base period. For purposes of this paragraph, extended benefits will be considered to be wholly reimbursed by the Federal Government notwithstanding the operation of Section 204(a)(2)(D) of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 only when any individual is paid such benefits with respect to his eligibility period which are not wholly reimbursed by the Federal Government.

B. An individual shall be eligible to receive extended benefits pursuant to this Section for any week which begins in his eligibility period if, with respect to such week (1) he has been paid wages for insured work during his base period equal to at least 1 1/2 times the wages paid in that calendar quarter of his base period in which such wages were highest, provided that this provision applies only with respect to weeks beginning after September 25, 1982; (2) he has met the requirements of Section 500E of this Act; (3) he is an exhaustee; and (4) except when the result would be inconsistent with the provisions of this Section, he has satisfied the requirements of this Act for the receipt of regular benefits.

C. An individual is an exhaustee with respect to a week which begins in his eligibility period if:

1. Prior to such week (a) he has received, with respect to his current benefit year that includes such week, the maximum total amount of benefits to which he was entitled under the provisions of Section 403B, and all of the regular benefits (including dependents' allowances) to which he had entitlement (if any) on the basis of wages or employment under any other State unemployment compensation law; or (b) he has received all the regular benefits available to him with respect to his current benefit year that includes such week, under this Act and under any other State unemployment compensation law, after a cancellation of some or all of his wage credits or the partial or total reduction of his regular benefit rights; or (c) his benefit year terminated, and he cannot meet the qualifying wage requirements of Section 500E of this Act or the qualifying wage or employment requirements of any other State unemployment compensation law to establish a new benefit year which would include such week or, having established a new benefit year that includes such week, he is ineligible for regular benefits by reason of Section 607 of this Act or a like provision of any other State unemployment compensation law; and

2. For such week (a) he has no right to benefits or allowances, as the case may be, under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, or such other Federal laws as are specified in regulations of the United States Secretary of Labor or other appropriate Federal agency; and (b) he has not received and is not seeking benefits under the unemployment compensation law of Canada, except that if he is seeking such benefits and the appropriate agency finally determines that he is not entitled to benefits under such law, this clause shall not apply.

3. For the purposes of clauses (a) and (b) of paragraph 1 of this subsection, an individual shall be deemed to have received, with respect to his current benefit year, the maximum total amount of benefits to which he was entitled or all of the regular benefits to which he had entitlement, or all of the regular benefits available to him, as the case may be, even though (a) as a result of a pending reconsideration or appeal with respect to the "finding" defined in Section 701, or of a pending appeal with respect to wages or employment or both under any other State unemployment compensation law, he may subsequently be determined to be entitled to more regular benefits; or (b) by reason of a seasonality provision in a State unemployment compensation law which establishes the weeks of the year for which regular benefits may be paid to individuals on the basis of wages in seasonal employment he may be entitled to regular benefits for future weeks but such benefits are not payable with respect to the week for which he is claiming extended benefits, provided that he is otherwise an exhaustee under the provisions of this subsection with respect to his rights to regular benefits, under such seasonality provision, during the portion of the year in which that week occurs; or (c) having established a benefit year, no regular benefits are payable to him with respect to such year because his wage credits were cancelled or his rights to regular benefits were totally reduced by reason of the application of a disqualification provision of a State unemployment compensation law.

D. 1. The provisions of Section 607 and the waiting period requirements of Section 500D shall not be applicable to any week with respect to which benefits are otherwise payable under this Section.

2. An individual shall not cease to be an exhaustee with respect to any week solely because he meets the qualifying wage requirements of Section 500E for a part of such week.

3. For the purposes of this Section, the "base period" referred to in Sections 601 and 602 shall be the base period with respect to the benefit year in which the individual's eligibility period begins.

E. With respect to any week which begins in his eligibility period, an exhaustee's "weekly extended benefit amount" shall be the same as his weekly benefit amount during his benefit year which includes such week or, if such week is not in a benefit year, during his applicable benefit year, as defined in regulations issued by the United States Secretary of Labor or other appropriate Federal agency. If the exhaustee had more than one weekly benefit amount during his benefit year, his weekly extended benefit amount with respect to such week shall be the latest of such weekly benefit amounts.

F. 1. An eligible exhaustee shall be entitled, during any eligibility period, to a maximum total amount of extended benefits equal to the lesser of the following amounts:

a. 1. Fifty percent of the maximum total amount of benefits to which he was entitled under Section 403B during his applicable benefit year; or

b. 2. Thirteen times his weekly extended benefit amount as determined under subsection E; or .

c. Thirty-nine times his or her average weekly extended benefit amount, reduced by the regular benefits (not including any dependents' allowances) paid to him or her during such benefit year.

2. An eligible exhaustee shall be entitled, during a "high unemployment period", to a maximum total amount of extended benefits equal to the lesser of the following amounts:

a. Eighty percent of the maximum total amount of benefits to which he or she was entitled under Section 403B during his or her applicable benefit year;

b. Twenty times his or her weekly extended benefit amount as determined under subsection E; or

c. Forty-six times his or her average weekly extended benefit amount, reduced by the regular benefits (not including any dependents' allowances) paid to him or her during such benefit year.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "high unemployment period" means any period during which (i) clause (b) of paragraph (2) of subsection A is operative and (ii) an extended benefit period would be in effect if clause (b) of paragraph (2) of subsection A of this Section were applied by substituting "8%" for "6.5%".

3. Notwithstanding paragraphs subparagraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection F, and if the benefit year of an individual ends within an extended benefit period, the remaining balance of extended benefits that the individual would, but for this subsection F, be otherwise entitled to receive in that extended benefit period, for weeks of unemployment beginning after the end of the benefit year, shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the product of the number of weeks for which the individual received any amounts as trade readjustment allowances as defined in the federal Trade Act of 1974 within that benefit year multiplied by his weekly benefit amount for extended benefits.

G. 1. A claims adjudicator shall examine the first claim filed by an individual with respect to his eligibility period and, on the basis of the information in his possession, shall make an "extended benefits finding". Such finding shall state whether or not the individual has met the requirement of subsection B(1), is an exhaustee and, if he is, his weekly extended benefit amount and the maximum total amount of extended benefits to which he is entitled. The claims adjudicator shall promptly notify the individual of his "extended benefits finding", and shall promptly notify the individual's most recent employing unit, with respect to benefit years beginning on or after July 1, 1989 and the individual's last employer (referred to in Section 1502.1) that the individual has filed a claim for extended benefits. The claims adjudicator may reconsider his "extended benefits finding" at any time within one year after the close of the individual's eligibility period, and shall promptly notify the individual of such reconsidered finding. All of the provisions of this Act applicable to reviews from findings or reconsidered findings made pursuant to Sections 701 and 703 which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this subsection shall be applicable to reviews from extended benefits findings and reconsidered extended benefits findings.

2. If, pursuant to the reconsideration or appeal with respect to a "finding", referred to in paragraph 3 of subsection C, an exhaustee is found to be entitled to more regular benefits and, by reason thereof, is entitled to more extended benefits, the claims adjudicator shall make a reconsidered extended benefits finding and shall promptly notify the exhaustee thereof.

H. Whenever an extended benefit period is to begin in this State because there is a State "on" indicator, or whenever an extended benefit period is to end in this State because there is a State "off" indicator, the Director shall make an appropriate public announcement.

I. Computations required by the provisions of paragraph 4 6 of subsection A shall be made by the Director in accordance with regulations prescribed by the United States Secretary of Labor, or other appropriate Federal agency.

J. 1. Interstate Benefit Payment Plan means the plan approved by the Interstate Conference of Employment Security Agencies under which benefits shall be payable to unemployed individuals absent from the state (or states) in which benefit credits have been accumulated.

2. An individual who commutes from his state of residence to work in another state and continues to reside in such state of residence while filing his claim for unemployment insurance under this Section of the Act shall not be considered filing a claim under the Interstate Benefit Payment Plan so long as he files his claim in and continues to report to the employment office under the regulations applicable to intrastate claimants in the state in which he was so employed.

3. "State" when used in this subsection includes States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. For purposes of this subsection, the term "state" shall also be construed to include Canada.

4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, effective with weeks beginning on or after June 1, 1981 an individual shall be eligible for a maximum of 2 weeks of benefits payable under this Section after he files his initial claim for extended benefits in an extended benefit period, as defined in paragraph 1 of subsection A, under the Interstate Benefit Payment Plan unless there also exists an extended benefit period, as defined in paragraph 1 of subsection A, in the state where such claim is filed. Such maximum eligibility shall continue as long as the individual continues to file his claim under the Interstate Benefit Payment Plan, notwithstanding that the individual moves to another state where an extended benefit period exists and files for weeks prior to his initial Interstate claim in that state.

5. To assure full tax credit to the employers of this state against the tax imposed by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, the Director shall take any action or issue any regulations necessary in the administration of this subsection to insure that its provisions are so interpreted and applied as to meet the requirements of such Federal Act as interpreted by the United States Secretary of Labor or other appropriate Federal agency.

K. 1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, an individual shall be ineligible for the payment of extended benefits for any week of unemployment in his eligibility period if the Director finds that during such period:

a. he failed to accept any offer of suitable work (as defined in paragraph 3 below) or failed to apply for any suitable work to which he was referred by the Director; or

b. he failed to actively engage in seeking work as prescribed under paragraph 5 below.

2. Any individual who has been found ineligible for extended benefits by reason of the provisions of paragraph 1 of this subsection shall be denied benefits beginning with the first day of the week in which such failure has occurred and until he has been employed in each of 4 subsequent weeks (whether or not consecutive) and has earned remuneration equal to at least 4 times his weekly benefit amount.

3. For purposes of this subsection only, the term "suitable work" means, with respect to any individual, any work which is within such individual's capabilities, provided, however, that the gross average weekly remuneration payable for the work must exceed the sum of:

a. must exceed the sum of (i) the individual's extended weekly benefit amount as determined under subsection E above plus (ii) b. the amount, if any, of supplemental unemployment benefits (as defined in Section 501(c)(17)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954) payable to such individual for such week; and further,

b. is c. pays wages not less than the higher of --

(i) the minimum wage provided by Section 6 (a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, without regard to any exemption; or

(ii) the applicable state or local minimum wage;

c. d. provided, however, that no individual shall be denied extended benefits for failure to accept an offer of or apply for any job which meets the definition of suitability as described above if:

(i) the position was not offered to such individual in writing or was not listed with the employment service;

(ii) such failure could not result in a denial of benefits under the definition of suitable work for regular benefits claimants in Section 603 to the extent that the criteria of suitability in that Section are not inconsistent with the provisions of this paragraph 3;

(iii) the individual furnishes satisfactory evidence to the Director that his prospects for obtaining work in his customary occupation within a reasonably short period are good. If such evidence is deemed satisfactory for this purpose, the determination of whether any work is suitable with respect to such individual shall be made in accordance with the definition of suitable work for regular benefits in Section 603 without regard to the definition specified by this paragraph.

4. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 3 to the contrary, no work shall be deemed to be suitable work for an individual which does not accord with the labor standard provisions required by Section 3304(a)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and set forth herein under Section 603 of this Act.

5. For the purposes of subparagraph b of paragraph 1, an individual shall be treated as actively engaged in seeking work during any week if --

a. the individual has engaged in a systematic and sustained effort to obtain work during such week, and

b. the individual furnishes tangible evidence that he has engaged in such effort during such week.

6. The employment service shall refer any individual entitled to extended benefits under this Act to any suitable work which meets the criteria prescribed in paragraph 3.

7. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, an individual shall not be eligible to receive extended benefits, otherwise payable under this Section, with respect to any week of unemployment in his eligibility period if such individual has been held ineligible for benefits under the provisions of Sections 601, 602 or 603 of this Act until such individual had requalified for such benefits by returning to employment and satisfying the monetary requalification provision by earning at least his weekly benefit amount.

8. This subsection shall be effective for weeks beginning on or after March 31, 1981, and before March 7, 1993, and for weeks beginning on or after January 1, 1995.

L. The Governor may, if federal law so allows, elect, in writing, to pay individuals, otherwise eligible for extended benefits pursuant to this Section, any other federally funded unemployment benefits, including but not limited to benefits payable pursuant to the federal Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008, as amended, prior to paying them benefits under this Section.

M. The provisions of this Section, as revised by this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, are retroactive to February 22, 2009. The provisions of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly with regard to subsection L and paragraph 8 of subsection A clarify authority already provided.

(Source: P.A. 86-3; 87-1266.)

(820 ILCS 405/601) (from Ch. 48, par. 431)

Sec. 601. Voluntary leaving.

A. An individual shall be ineligible for benefits for the week in which he or she has left work voluntarily without good cause attributable to the employing unit and, thereafter, until he or she has become reemployed and has had earnings equal to or in excess of his or her current weekly benefit amount in each of four calendar weeks which are either for services in employment, or have been or will be reported pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act by each employing unit for which such services are performed and which submits a statement certifying to that fact.

B. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to an individual who has left work voluntarily:

1. Because he or she is deemed physically unable to perform his or her work by a licensed and practicing physician, or because the individual's or has left work voluntarily upon the advice of a licensed and practicing physician that assistance is necessary for the purpose of caring for his or her spouse, child, or parent who, according to a licensed and practicing physician or as otherwise reasonably verified, is in poor physical or mental health or is mentally or physically disabled and the employer is unable to accommodate the individual's need to provide such assistance will not allow him to perform the usual and customary duties of his employment, and he has notified the employing unit of the reasons for his absence;

2. To accept other bona fide work and, after such acceptance, the individual is either not unemployed in each of 2 weeks, or earns remuneration for such work equal to at least twice his or her current weekly benefit amount;

3. In lieu of accepting a transfer to other work offered to the individual by the employing unit under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement or pursuant to an established employer plan, program, or policy, if the acceptance of such other work by the individual would require the separation from that work of another individual currently performing it;

4. Solely because of the sexual harassment of the individual by another employee. Sexual harassment means (1) unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical contact or other conduct or communication which is made a term or condition of the employment or (2) the employee's submission to or rejection of such conduct or communication which is the basis for decisions affecting employment, or (3) when such conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment and the employer knows or should know of the existence of the harassment and fails to take timely and appropriate action;

5. Which he or she had accepted after separation from other work, and the work which he or she left voluntarily would be deemed unsuitable under the provisions of Section 603;

6. (a) Because the individual left work due to verified circumstances resulting from the individual being a victim of domestic violence as defined in Section 103 of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 where the domestic violence caused the individual to reasonably believe that his or her continued employment would jeopardize his or her safety or the safety of his or her spouse, minor child, or parent ; and provided, such individual has made reasonable efforts to preserve the employment.

For the purposes of this paragraph 6, the individual shall be treated as being a victim of domestic violence if the individual provides the following:

(i) written notice to the employing unit of the reason for the individual's voluntarily leaving; and

(ii) to the Department provides:

(A) an order of protection or other documentation of equitable relief issued by a court of competent jurisdiction; or

(B) a police report or criminal charges documenting the domestic violence; or

(C) medical documentation of the domestic violence; or

(D) evidence of domestic violence from a member of the clergy, attorney, counselor, social worker, health worker or domestic violence shelter worker.

(b) If the individual does not meet the provisions of subparagraph (a), the individual shall be held to have voluntarily terminated employment for the purpose of determining the individual's eligibility for benefits pursuant to subsection A.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, evidence of domestic violence experienced by an individual, or his or her spouse, minor child, or parent, including the individual's statement and corroborating evidence, shall not be disclosed by the Department unless consent for disclosure is given by the individual.

7. Because, due to a change in location of employment of the individual's spouse, the individual left work to accompany his or her spouse to a place from which it is impractical to commute or because the individual left employment to accompany a spouse who has been reassigned from one military assignment to another. The employer's account, however, shall not be charged for any benefits paid out to the individual who leaves work under a circumstance described in this paragraph to accompany a spouse reassigned from one military assignment to another.

C. Within 90 days of the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, the Department shall promulgate rules, pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and consistent with Section 903(f)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act, to clarify and provide guidance regarding eligibility and the prevention of fraud.

(Source: P.A. 95-736, eff. 7-16-08.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.