IFT recently shared news that unemployment benefits will be available for paraprofessionals, on June 25th Governor Pritzker signed into law legislation which allows non-instructional and non-administrative employees of schools, colleges, and universities to qualify for unemployment. This means that many IFT PSRPs that 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. IFT also stated that it would be retroactive too. The IFT supports this legislation as a response to the Coronavirus pandemic. It will remain in effect through September 4, 2021. Please reach out if there is anything that I can do to assist in this matter, but IDES has created two documents and a video to assist in filing. View the Information Sheet and the Claim Process fact sheet online, go to IDES website to begin the application process.
Have a wonderful day,
Steve Elza
President, Local 1211
