I'm very angry that the person I spoke to Debbie hung up the phone on me I'm trying to get some help for 6 weeks she was rude and not helpful at all Getting the run around, had interview then denied Then I got letter that I'm approved but no money deposited yet.I'm a U.S. Citizen and I need some help and this person was unprofessional and very disrespectful. read more

Terrible costumer service. Nobody answered and nobody call you back. Stay on hold more than hour and then just hang up.

The ladies that work at IDES always have an attitude for no reason. I spoke to a lady named Katrina and she was just rude no reason when I specifically was asking for one thing. When I talk to the men they're always nicer and more professional. read more

This is the most useless government facility that I have ever had to deal with. It seems like everyone here gets a bonus for every time they deny an applicant. It would make a lot of sense considering the fact that barely anyone seems to get approved for benefits. I personally haven't met a single person that has ever obtained unemployment benefits in the state of Illinois. No matter what age you are or how long you have been unemployed, rest assured that this agency will not help you in any way. They are literally paid to deny people unemployment benefits. It doesn't matter whether you are a disabled veteran, a parent that's been laid off or an even a senior citizen, they will waste your time and deny you benefits all while having a devilish grin on their face. IDES has been reported to the authorities but it seems as though that nobody cares that the people in these offices have put false information on applicants' forms to make them appear unqualified, lied to the government about how many people are truly unemployed within the state, or even the fact that homeless is on the rise and that people are starving to death. All that matters is that your taxes go to a bunch of degenerates in this office that don't want you to survive. Because if the people working here actually did their jobs, they wouldn't lie on so many government documents and instead actually try to help their citizens when they're down on their luck. But no, this is Illinois and our moto is we don't care about helping people. Think about how often you have to skip meals or even go a day without eating, all while these employees get paid a lot of money just to sit around all day barely answering their phones and deny qualified citizens the right to get the assistance that they so desperately need. The personnel take forever to go through your paperwork while you rush to give them all the complex documents that they ask for. They seem to not be able to give you a valid reason why they deny you or give you a chance to explain your situation or even apologize for wasting all of your time. So, the big question is what's going on in these facilities that appear to abuse your tax dollars on a service that doesn't seem to even exist. They say that the devil works hard, but IDES works harder. read more

Absolute garbage. People up front are OK but it is the people at the top are crooks. This is what you get when you ask for free stuff. Oh you know you pay for this stuff? I want a refund of all the money my employer paid in UI insurance. Dilapidated old building. Worthless job board. Better just go 100% all online. What you say they can't even get online and phone stuff right? ....worthless read more

Bernadette. That's all I can say. Bernadette made the experience SO easy and SO painless. She's a master of customer service and she's extremely knowledgable and patient. I feel so at ease knowing my benefits are on the way thanks to her. If you get her on the phone know you're in great hands!! Thanks again, Bernadette! read more

It's funny I worked my whole life and never collected unemployment, not that there's anything wrong with that but, I have recently tried to collect unemployment and of course I picked the worst time of my life to do that. It was during the Wuhan virus, and somewhat comically after I retired. It was also during my second career. My complaint is that the whole system sucks, including our Governor. He tells us what we can't do but him and his family do what they want to do, because they have money. Anyway back to the unemployment office. They say they're open for us during this trying time from 3:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. but when you call at 3:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. they say they're closed. They sent me a letter that says to call the office at those times and yet the message on the recording for the unemployment office says they are closed. And to call at regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. How can you have a message like that and have millions of people out of a job? A billionaire governor tells everybody they should stay home while his wife vacations in Florida and he does whatever he does, but yet everybody else has to follow the rules, lose their jobs and businesses, and he can't handle the simplest thing like making sure the unemployment office is working the hours it tells everybody it is and to be there for the Illinois residents who need the support at this time. So thanks a lot Governor fathead we all know you're sitting comfortable and one of your many toilets while most of us are doing what we can to get by without your help. I gave it one star because I was able to get through to the answering service. Today 5/15/20 I made 155 calls. "I am sorry we are extremely busy it will not be able to take your call" BS. Today 05/15/20 I started making phone calls and of course the message says they are open Monday through Fridays 8:00 to 5:00 they are not open on Saturdays but if you go online it tells you Saturday is the day for everybody to call. Again there is got to be somebody with some sort of knowledge that can make this work. Today is May 20th 2020 and so far I have made over 1,200 phone calls and have never been able to talk to somebody. You would think if they sent you a letter telling them to call you that they would give you a different phone number from the one where everybody is calling for unemployment. Complete morons and it starts with the toilet moron himself. read more

After 8 weeks of not being paid dealing with the automated system and 3 different employees later Marlene Silva finally took the time (3hrs) to help me resolve the issue. . . You need more people like her. Thank you Marlene read more

We live in interesting times. Folks please believe that there are ALOT of people want to be of service and want to help you with their claim expertise. I just got off of the phone with IDES claims specialist Clarence who spent 2.5 hours reading, listening and adjusting my claim. He was knowledgable, patient, and even tempered through the whole process. Answering ALL of my questions with concrete answers. I wish YELP had a ten star measure. I would highlight ten stars for the help I received from both Mildred and Clarence. The tag team that resolved my ONE year issue-which was my error. read more

John at the IDES location in Aurora IL office is EXTREMELY unprofessional! Called my number from a number that did not come up under IDES. John asked for me by my first name and began asking personal information. I questioned who he was and to verify where he was calling from before I provided any of my personal information. John became rude and yelled out, "this is a joke"! While he was throwing a tantrum, I googled the number. I informed John we cld proceed with the call. Long story short I explained and it was noted in the system how I was unable to file my claim due to a glitch on "their end". .... I repeat, their end.. no fault of my own. So I ended up missing out on 2 weeks of checks. This unprofessional idiot decides to deny my claim bc he feels I gave him a hard time. Even though I apologized and informed him I was a victim of identity theft before and did not want to give personal information not knowing for certain whom I was speaking too. Total case of retaliation. Oh! And when I asked John if I cld ask a quick question, he blew hard and told me he was trying to hurry up and "get up off of the phone". I called to file a complaint. Never heardbk. RIDICULOUS read more

This place is clean. I think that the folks here try hard to make an unpleasant experience the best it could be. I would give it a better rating but its so depressing. read more

IDES - Public Services & Government Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

The customer service at this place is decent when you show up in person. However, the customer service on the phone basis is nonexistent. If you call the main number it takes four minutes for you to get through an automated system before they tell you no one is available and then it hangs up. If you call the 800 number, you're on hold for over a half hour each time. Or you're hung up on without speaking to anyone. Best bet is to go in person, but be prepared to wait about 45 minutes to have a question answered maybe 5 minutes. read more

300 Calls later I have still not talked to anyone! This is a rotten way to treat folks.

"Your call is important to us." NO IT ISN'T. Can never get through on the phone. The website offers NOTHING to get the important info you need. Agents are condescending and rude. They bow down to the employers. Report nasty employers and bad bosses to the EEOC. Illinois government workers are the worst in the nation. read more

Well firstly the chick who talks in the automated messages seems like she just woke up. Furthermore John, and four other staff members really don't know what they are doing. They had mentioned Illinois failed to pay me 1800$ and i haven't seen it. They aren't willing to reach out as to why it has taken months to receive this money. They are also rude as if they are the ones doing us a favor by being there. No it's your job... DO IT, and if you don't like it then don't work there. read more

I really got some Great service today from a lady by the name of Shani. She was extremely patient and more than helpful to me. She even went the Extra mile for without even being asked to. Need more people like her working there that's for damn sure! read more

Calling IDES by phone is a joke - the phone tree is ridiculous and simply hangs up on you at the end. Don't even bother. It would more honest of IDES to add a recorded message up front, saying that they simply don't have the resources / interest in answering the phone. (Value: $0.00) Ok, so I made a special trip to the Arlington Hts. office to see if they had any kind of employer contacts that I could leverage to get some kind of an entry-level job. The guy I spoke to said no and was quick to give me a bunch of handouts on AARP, resume writing, job websites, etc., but really didn't do much beyond that. (Value: $0.05) Later, I called the number listed on the AARP sheet and was advised that they didn't have any kind of programs to help match 55+ workers with area employers either. WTF. (Value: $0.00) So, I made a trip / phone calls for NOTHING. IDES does a poor job of actually help people find work. Their "job search" website is a joke - poorly designed and very tedious for the applicant. In the end, you are alone and ON YOUR OWN in the job search. IDES and IL bureaucrats fluff up the newspapers / website with hype about how they are helping to build a strong IL workforce, but in reality, they ain't gonna do shit for you. read more

Well. It's February. I filed for and received unemployment but it stopped suddenly end I couldn't get into my account. Called in a few hundred times starting in May to get it sorted but didn't get through until October (thanks). apparently someone had changed all my info and "why didn't I call to report that?"........ so I did the whole process of reporting it as fraud but they "couldn't" help change my password so I could access the account. Called a few hundred more times to get it fixed and they called back today, In February, only to say "oh well it looks like there was fraudulent activity, why didn't you report it?" and apparently they can't help me and they've flagged it. so here we are, ten months later and the situation STILL ISNT RESOLVED. read more

These offices are horrible. The on line site is horrible. The phone number 800-244-5631 Is worse than disgusting. Not one time have I been able to get a hold of a person or get an answer from this or the site. I need a 1099G for taxs.. Since February I have been looking and calling for one. This entire and I mean ENTIRE system, offices, employees, etc need to be re worked. read more

Awful! I filed a complaint against them with the governors office. I had the pleasure of going to this office with my dad, who had a minor issue. It has now turned into a nightmare. There were 5 other people in this office when we got there, they were all waiting. They employees were talking, joking, and laughing for 4 hours before helping anyone. They are very rude, have no work ethic, and need to be fired. They work for us! We are the tax payers and if they cannot do their job they need to be removed. read more

The woman at the front desk was very friendly and nice to me, which is untypical for a government center/office. I waited no more than 10 minutes to speak with someone. Stuart, who helped complete my claim, was extremely kind and informational. He didn't make me feel dumb or uncomfortable once. Couldn't have been more pleased with my time there with him. Thank you sir! read more

Just being laid off is like a death! Everyone at this office was Awesome! 3 hours later but the remained kind, respectful and cheerful. THANK YOU ARLINGTON HEIGHTS IDES! Great bunch of people. This branch was amazing. read more

Absolutely rediculous. They literally are letting people who came in over 20 min after I did go before me because someone dropped their ticket so they handed this idiot the number when all I have to do is hand them a piece of paper!!! Furious I said something and they just shrugged their shoulders like oh well! These should be the unemployed people, their incompetence is absurd. read more

I called in 10 minutes before closing to discuss how long I would have to wait for them to correct the account information that they have set up for my direct deposit after I waited already one week for them to make this correction and they told me it only takes 4 days for them to correct this.the first person hung up on me after he stated that this hasn't been done yet and when I asked him why this hasn't happened yet he hung up on me acting like the connection was bad to which it wasn't. It was now 2 minutes before closing of the phone lines so he decided to hangup the phone on a Friday and go about his day. How rude...this is what we pay taxes for? It's crazy how these people in government jobs don't appreciate them and get away with having poor customer service because there is no quality assurance of how they deal with the public. What makes matters worst is that I was able to get back on the phone line before they closed them with somebody else and when I proceed to verify my account he asked me to repeat myself so I proceeded to repeat everything slow and clearly so there couldn't be in mishaps. Apparently didn't like that because once I started telling him the reason for my call he proceeded of interrupt me and say he had all the information in the computer so I don't need to talk. ...how rude? I told him I just want to make things easier for you to understand because I have spoken with 2 other people prior and they asked me the same rhetorical questions to no avail .he then stated well maybe that's why you are having phone problems and hung up on me . I demand that someone needs to seriously do something about this it's bad enough that I'm not employed. But to not do your job properly I feel as though you should join seats with me,because you don't deserve a government job treating people this way!! read more

This is absolutely just worthless they don't seem like they care whether or not we get unemployment but they expect us to sit at home and starve to death even with people who have families.Maybe we all should take action and report them to the attorney generals and let them know how lousy their services are.I'm never seen a mess like this ever when I was trying to get a hold of somebody like the I DES. They do not care they don't care about any of us I've read some reviews below and I'm sorry you've experience that that's horrible.We are going through this pandemic together and they need to make it easier for all of us who are not working or who can't work because of the virus. The ones he wrote below the reviews I believe it I believe they're rude and inconsiderate and do not care and sit around and laugh .They need to be fired if there's a way you guys can take a picture of that sent it to the attorney generals and see how they like it then they can get in a lot of trouble or put it on the news. If we all work together and get this done we can complete this situation that we're in and with families that need to be fed.Illinois is a disaster ready to happen We all have enough stress As it is and the governor wonder why we are so upset.He said he would add an extra week to the pandemic check that we're supposed to get or through our accounts.I haven't seen a dime yet I won't believe it until I see it. read more

I have had to utilize unemployment three times in my life so far, and twice has been from this office. This office has left the best impression with me. Some general rules of thumb; if you call and the line disconnects- just keep calling back to back until you can get in queue. Also, if you get denied but your UI Finding letter indicates you to keep certifying; give them a call and your denial of benefits may be reversed. read more

After 4 months of trying to fix my claim (a IDES agent messed up my claim) I still haven't received any help to fix a problem I didn't even caused. I have been broke for 4 months now, trying to get a job (no one is hiring anyone with out reliable way to work) the last time I certified was back on January 4th, I didn't receive any benefits at all, I have called multiple times(getting passed off to agent to agent with no help what's so ever) every time they make another call back to speak with a higher up, I never get a call back. At this point I'm very annoyed with how this system runs because I can never talk to a person that will fix my claim (im tired of hearing that automation they have set up for the call back. I have done everything on my part multiple times. I just want this issue resolved. I graduate from high school and this is the slap in the face I get from the state, im unemployed, trying to go to college but now im homeless because of someone else's mistake. Honestly this place doesn't even deserve the 1 star rating. If anyone in this establishment sees this search up my name and give me a call, because this is ridiculous at this point. read more

I think they do pretty well for what their purpose is. They don't get a lot of funding and are usually understaffed. It is a great place for any job seekers to go and use their resources for free - computers, printers, fax machines, job leads, etc (you do not have to be receiving unemployment to use their resources). Plus they have low-cost computer classes which are a great service. I know several of the workers there that do a great job, some others aren't as good but like I said they are understaffed. read more

It's been a few months now and both call backs I'd gotten from them I was busy so I rescheduled for another call back. My thing is I've given the needed information, I've waited patiently while everything around me is seemingly falling apart. I have not once gotten two call backs. It's been one call back and a voicemail. The first time I did manage to speak with them they were very nice. They explained the further actions of need to take. I'm hoping that if they see this, even though I assume they are very busy, that they grant individuals the two phone calls when it gets around to their turn to be contacted. I'm in danger of being evicted, I owe money to those who've been able to help me get by. I'm just ready for this process to go through and everything to be settled. I'm sure these people working for IDES are good people who want to help. I think the most stressful part is the waiting while things we need to have taken care of are being put on hold. Some of us already have received the IDES card, instead of this game of phone tag I really wish they'd just give people what they're asking for. I understand people are making false claims and essentially wasting the time of those in need. Everything I'm trying to get done is legit and very much so needed. So please if you're making false claims, or claiming on the behalf of people who have passed away, cut it out and stop making their job harder. I will do a follow up review once this has all been settled for myself and good luck to those who have legit claims and need that same level of help. read more

I love the way they have a recording saying they are busy and then automatically disconnect you without giving you a chance to pick that you wish to hold anyway. I get this mental pic of everyone there with their feet on their desks laughing (or sleeping) read more

IDES in general is horrid. Don't even bother calling the toll free number because no one answers. Even here the wait is long, but the staff were surprisingly helpful and respectful. read more

Costumer service is horrible. I brought there paper work which was approval that I am attending school. In order to get paid i needed to do that. I left paper work there, I got copies of that with stamps from IDES. In next two weeks I did certification and still I didn't get paid. I came back to office it came out that mine paper work on school just disappeared. When I tried to explain what happened people there were very mean. After my third certification and not being pain for 6 weeks I found out from someone that my case was moved to Rockford IL. They told me just give them a call and you will fix your case. Knowing that, I knew that just calling I will not be able to do nothing, because I never could get anybody on phone from IDES office in Arlington Heights IL, I drove to Rockford IL and I live in Schaumburg IL, Nobody from Arlington Heights IL office in 6 weeks explain to me what is really a situation, nobody cared about my situation there. Every time if I have to go there I fill already depressed. read more