This page provides essential information regarding key state-specific labor laws, employee rights, and compliance requirements. Our goal is to ensure you have easy access to the necessary documents and information to understand your rights and obligations while working remotely in Illinois.
Tax Withholdings
As a fully remote employee, you are responsible for ensuring the correct amount of federal and state income tax is withheld from your paycheck.
- Federal Income Tax: Complete Form W-4 (IRS) Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate to figure the correct amount of federal income tax to have withheld from your paycheck.
- State Income Tax: As a fully remote employee working in Illinois, you are required to complete Form IL-W-4, Employee's and other Payee's Illinois Withholding Allowance Certificate. This form allows you to determine your correct Illinois income tax withholding. If you do not submit this form, your witholdings will be withheld at the default rate.
Please submit both completed forms to the Payroll Office via the secure Payroll Office FileSender.
Leave Policies
Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA)
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PLAWA grants most Illinois employees the right to earn up to 40 hours of paid time off per year, usable for any reason without requiring justification. Leave accrues at one hour per 40 hours worked.
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Limited Exemptions: This Act does not apply to certain higher education employees, including part-time college/university student-employees working for their school, and some short-term temporary employees of higher education institutions. It also exempts employees covered by certain existing local ordinances or collective bargaining agreements.
Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance
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Most Cook County employers must provide eligible employees with at least 40 hours of paid leave annually. This leave accrues at one hour per 40 hours worked, can be used for any reason, and caps at 40 hours per year.
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Exemptions include: Certain temporary college/university student-employees, specific short-term higher education employees, and those covered by certain collective bargaining agreements.
Workplace Rights & Posters
Cook County
Workers' Compensation
Worker's Compensation coverage extends to remote employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness while performing their job duties. For an injury to be covered, it must arise out of and in the course of employment. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Risk Management.
How to Claim Unemployment Insurance Benefits
If you become unemployed through no fault of your own and meet eligibility requirements, you may be able to claim Unemployment Insurance Benefits through the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) website. You must generally be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work.
Important Note: This information is a summary and is subject to change. For complete details and the most current regulations, please refer to the official Illinois Department of Labor website and consult with Lehigh University's HR and Payroll departments for specific guidance.