I recently faced a frustrating experience with filing for unemployment after being laid off from my remote job in Chicago in August 2026. After moving from Oregon, I thought the process would be straightforward, but it has turned into a nightmare. Firstly, everything is handled by mail or fax, which seems outdated in this day and age. I can't believe that in 2026, the state government can't utilize email or more efficient communication methods to streamline the benefits process. Then, my account was flagged due to an identification issue, which forced me to visit an unemployment office to prove my existence. After finally getting that sorted, I submitted my certifications for two weeks, but no benefits were deposited. When I called to inquire, they told me there was still an identity issue, even after I had already resolved the previous one. They confirmed my direct deposit account, but a week later, I still hadn't received anything. Upon calling again, I was told there was an identity issue with my employer, despite having worked there for two years. This led me back to the unemployment office, where I had to print out months of W-2s showing both my name and my employer's name with my Illinois address. To make matters worse, I received a call stating that I was now being audited and needed to fax in the past six months of my direct deposits and 2025 IRS transcripts, as they apparently don't consider W-2s sufficient for their investigation. It has now been three months since I filed, and I still haven't received any benefits. I'm left wondering why I wasn't notified of these issues sooner. I'm considering reaching out to the state attorney general for assistance. If anyone has suggestions on how to navigate this situation, I would greatly appreciate it.