How long does an employer have to contest unemployment benefits?

State of illinois, within how many days must an employer contest claim of unemployment filed by former employe?

• I believe that my former employer may want to fight me on unemployment. My last day was July 30th, 2009. I filed the claim on Aug 3rd 2009. I have received my expected checks from unemployment. I will be working again soon with another company. Has time expired for my former employer to fight me on unemployment. thanks

• Answer:

  If you received a handbook, the information should be in there. Generally it's 30 days; however, you may not be immediately notified that your employer is fighting it. I live in Indiana and lost my job last year (had to quit do to a transfer that I couldn't accept). My employer appealed the decision; however, I didn't find out until 4 months later and the hearing took another 2 months. So, after receiving unemployment for 6 months, the decision was reversed and I had to pay the full amount back. Just don't breathe a sigh of relief yet...