by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times
November 22, 2021
SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Monday that debit cards will no longer be accepted as a payment method for unemployment insurance benefits. IDES is encouraging claimants who receive benefit payments by debit card to switch to direct deposit.
The change comes as a result of KeyBank’s decision to discontinue the use of debit cards for unemployment insurance benefits. Claimants will still be able to access any remaining funds on their KeyBank debit card, but no further payments will be made to those cards beginning December 27.
IDES will send additional information to claimants via email about how this change may affect their benefit payments, as well as detailed instructions on how to switch to direct deposit. IDES will also collaborate with stakeholders to provide information and resources to individuals who do not currently have access to a direct deposit option.
Frank Conklin, Illinois Political Columnist for The Chicago Times. Views and comments expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Chicago Times.
The Chicago Times 