| | Currently, the vast majority of claimants in Illinois already qualify monetarily under the current base period definition. Based on historical data, this change would increase the number of first payments for UI by approximately 2.7%. For calender year 2002, that would have represented 12,600 individuals. Because these individuals tend to have less earnings than other claimants, their corresponding UI benefit amounts tend to be below average. Therefore, historical data suggests that the overall increase in benefit payments would be approximately 1.5%. For calender year 2002, that would have represented $37 million (out of a total statewide benefit payout of nearly $2.5 billion). Illinois' unemployment trust fund is currently insolvent, so any increase in outlays will add to the amount of funds needed to restore the fund's solvency. |