SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WJPF) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security will begin offering in person services again at some American Job Centers throughout the state.

IDES offices have been closed to the public for over a year.

Beginning Wednesday, four offices statewide, including Mt. Vernon, will be open by appointment only. Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. To schedule an appointment, individuals should call the IDES Scheduling Hotline at (217) 558-0401 and request a callback.

Appointments must be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the appointment time. An appointment may be scheduled for one of the following reasons:

Identity verification for an unemployment insurance claim
Assistance registering with IllinoisJobLink.com
Assistance documenting work search activities
Employment services, including resume and job search guidance
Request to use the Resource Room to use computers with internet and other resources

Appointments will be available Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm. Each appointment will be 20 minutes in length and visitors will be afforded a 10-minute grace period. Visitors who schedule an appointment must bring a photo ID and any other documentation required for the appointment. A scheduled appointment is required for entrance into one of the offices. Individuals who arrive at an office without an appointment will be asked to schedule an appointment through the Scheduling Hotline for a later date.

Masks or face coverings are required when entering an office. If a visitor has been experiencing any symptoms or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 within 14 days prior to their appointment, they will be required to reschedule the appointment.

In the coming weeks, IDES says it will continue to reopen additional offices on a phased basis and will announce the availability of phone appointments to further assist claimants.