Illinois New Hire Reporting: Chicago restaurant guide
Illinois Department of Employment Security (via HFS portal)
What it is
Every Illinois employer must report each newly hired employee (and newly engaged independent contractor) to the state New Hire Directory within 20 days of the first day on payroll.
When a restaurant needs it
Within 20 days of each hire, ongoing.
How to apply
Register on the Illinois New Hire Reporting website and submit the web form or a file upload; or fax/mail the IDES New Hire form. Payroll providers usually do this automatically.
Documents you’ll need
- Employee name, address, SSN and hire date
- Employer name, address and FEIN
Good to know
Help line 800-327-4473. Reporting is used for child-support enforcement; it's separate from IDES unemployment registration.
Official source
IDES — new hire reporting · Illinois New Hire Reporting portal
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.