Illinois: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 10 topic we track for Illinois on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Illinois compares.

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Workers' comp deadlines · Workers' comp benefits · Paid leave programs · Final paycheck rules · Minimum wage · Unemployment benefits · Meal break laws · Tipped minimum wage · Payday frequency · Rest break laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Workers' comp deadlines

Tell your employer	45 days (90 days for radiation exposure)
File a claim	3 years from accident, or 2 years from last payment

Workers' comp benefits Single detailed source

Waiting period	3 days
Waiting days paid back	After 14 days
Max weekly benefit (2026)	–

Paid leave programs

State program	No state paid leave or disability program
Status	No program

Final paycheck rules Single detailed source

If you are fired	At separation if possible, no later than next payday
If you quit	Same

Minimum wage Checked on official source

State minimum wage	$15.00 (employers with 4 or more workers)
Next change	No change scheduled

Unemployment benefits Single detailed source

Maximum weekly benefit	$628 ($859 with dependents)
How long it lasts	26 weeks

Meal break laws Checked on official source

Meal break required	20 minutes no later than 5 hours into a shift of 7.5+ hours

Tipped minimum wage Checked on official source

Minimum cash wage	$9.00
Most tips can count	$6.00 (40%)

Payday frequency Checked on official source

Required frequency	Twice a month (monthly for executive, administrative and professional staff)

Rest break laws Checked on official source

Paid rest break	Two paid 15-minute breaks per 7+ hour shift