IL HB5260

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that waiver applicants are eligible unless the Department of Employment Security proves by clear and convincing evidence they do not meet required criteria.

Allows individuals whose waiver applications were denied prior to the bill's effective date to reapply for a waiver under the new presumption standard.

Requires the Department to mail notice to all previously denied waiver applicants informing them of their right to reapply.

Applies to benefits received between March 8, 2020 and the end of COVID-19 disaster periods declared by gubernatorial proclamation, where recoupment would be against equity and good conscience and benefits were received without fault.

Requires waiver requests to be submitted within 45 days of the Department's notice that an applicant may request a waiver.