While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

  1. What Is Unemployment Insurance?
  2. What Are Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
  3. How to Qualify for Unemployment Benefits
  4. When to Apply for Unemployment
  5. How to Apply for Louisiana Unemployment Insurance
  6. How Unemployment Insurance Benefit Amounts Are Calculated
  7. I Just Applied for Unemployment Insurance. Now What?
  8. What Happens After You Are Approved for Unemployment Benefits?
  9. How to Appeal an Unemployment Insurance Denial
  10. Need More Help?
  11. View or Download Our Free Guide

What is Unemployment Insurance?

Unemployment Insurance is a benefit program designed to replace part of the income of recently unemployed or underemployed workers. Unemployment Insurance is available to workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Learn more about Unemployment on the Louisiana’s Unemployment Program Overview page here.

What are Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

Unemployment Insurance Benefits are weekly payments given to eligible workers who apply to and are accepted into the program. These payments are typically provided via direct deposits to the beneficiary’s bank account.

You can learn more about how Unemployment Insurance payments work here. Navigate to the bottom of the page, find the tab labeled “Reemployment Services” and click the link that reads “Other Unemployment Services.”

How to Qualify for Unemployment Benefits

To qualify for Unemployment Insurance in Idaho, you must:

  • Have lost your job due to no fault of your own.
  • Be able to work.
  • Be actively seeking work.
  • Meet Idaho’s monetary and personal eligibility requirements.

You can learn more about Louisiana’s requirements to qualify for Unemployment here. Navigate to the bottom of the page, find the tab labeled “Reemployment Services” and click the link that reads “Other Unemployment Services.”

When to Apply for Unemployment

Apply for benefits online here during the week you are seeking payment, when your hours have been reduced or when you are no longer employed. Do NOT wait until the week is over.

Learn more information on when to apply for Unemployment Insurance here.

How to Apply for Unemployment

To apply for Unemployment Insurance in Louisiana, complete the following three steps:

  1. Gather the documentation related to your previous employment and information you will need for the application.

Learn what documents and information you need here.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether online or over the phone. 

To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access Louisiana’s Unemployment claim portal. To apply for Unemployment Insurance over the phone, call 866-783-5567.

  1. Submit the Unemployment application, which is also known as filing a claim. 

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Louisiana's Workforce Commission at 866-783-5567 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You must call within your designated time slot, which depends on your Social Security Number (SSN):

  • Monday, if your SSN ends in 0000-2499.
  • Tuesday, if your SSN ends in 2500-4999.
  • Wednesday, if your SSN ends in 5000-7499.
  • Thursday, if your SSN ends in 7500-9999.

Note that Fridays are open to anyone interested in filing for Unemployment Insurance via phone.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking, please contact Louisiana Relay at 711, 1 (800) 846-5277 (Teletext) or 1-800-947-5277 (Voice).

How Unemployment Insurance Benefit Amounts Are Calculated

The amount of Unemployment Benefits you receive is based on your past reported earnings by employers that you have worked for in Louisiana. To determine how much an applicant will receive in Unemployment Benefits each week, the Louisiana Workforce Commission takes the average quarterly earnings in your base period and multiplies it by .04. Then, it multiplies the result by 1.05 and the new result by 1.15.

The minimum weekly benefit amount in Louisiana is $10. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $287.

You can find out more about the base period and how benefits are calculated on page 6 of this document.

I Just Applied for Unemployment Insurance. Now What?

  • Report Your Waiting Week

The week after you file your unemployment claim is called the Waiting Week. During the Waiting Week, you must file a Weekly Certification Application through the claimant portal and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements. You can find the Louisiana claimant portal here.

If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week. You are not paid for the Waiting Week, but you do receive a Waiting Week credit.

Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application on page 2 of this document.

  • Start Looking for Work 

Keep track of your work-search contacts. You are required to make at least two contacts per week to receive payments and waiting week credit.

  • Discuss Possible Issues 

If you were discharged or quit your last job, expect a call (or email if that is your preferred contact method) to determine if you are eligible for unemployment insurance.

You can learn more about what to expect after applying here.

What Happens After You Are Approved for Unemployment Benefits?

You must file a Weekly Certification Application every week you are receiving Unemployment Benefits until you are employed again. This weekly claim is like a follow-up application that certifies your continued eligibility for the program, and proves you are actively applying for new jobs.

Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application here.  File your Weekly Certification Applications here or by phone at (866) 783-5567.

How to File an Appeal If You Are Denied Unemployment Benefits

If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal. You can submit an appeal to the Louisiana Workforce Commission online, online or by mail within 15 days.

To file online, log into the HIRES portal here. You will use the same login credentials that you used during the application process.

To file an appeal by mail, send a letter explaining your disagreement to:

Louisiana Workforce Commission
Appeals Unit
O. Box 94094
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9094

The letter must be postmarked within 15 days of when you received the denial notice. You must include this denial notice with your letter of appeal.

Need More Help?

If you have general questions about Idaho Unemployment Benefits, call the Louisiana Workforce Commission at 1 (866) 783-5567.

You can find additional contact information by visiting the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s contact information page here.

Find answers to other topics related to Unemployment Insurance on the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s FAQs page here.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for observed holidays noted here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.

  1. Contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission Unemployment Agency
  2. Unemployment Offices in Louisiana
  3. Need More Help?
  4. View or Download Our Free Guide

Contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission Unemployment Agency

If you have general questions about Louisiana Unemployment Benefits or an Unemployment Insurance claim, call the Louisiana Workforce Commission at 1-866-783-5567.

If you need phone assistance, the Louisiana Workforce Commission has a designated call-in schedule based on your Social Security Number (SSN). You may only call for assistance during your allotted time slot, which is:

  • Monday, if your SSN ends in 0000-2499.
  • Tuesday, if your SSN ends in 2500-4999.
  • Wednesday, if your SSN ends in 5000-7499.
  • Thursday, if your SSN ends in 7500-9999.

Note that Fridays are open to anyone in need of phone assistance.

Call center hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for the observed holidays listed here.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking, please contact Louisiana Relay at 711, 1-800-846-5277 (Teletext) or 1-800-947-5277 (Voice).

You can also contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission via email at HiRE@lwc.la.gov. You must include your full name, phone number, email address and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) in order for your request to be processed.

Unemployment Offices in Louisiana

You may need to contact your local Unemployment Insurance office for specific questions or application assistance. Find contact information for all Louisiana Unemployment Offices below. Or, visit the Louisiana Workforce Commission locations page here.

LocationAddressPhone NumberHours
Abbeville407 Charity Street, Abbeville, LA 70510(337) 893-1986M-W: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
F: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Alexandria5610-B Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, LA 71303(318) 767-6030M-Th: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Algiers3520 General DeGaulle Dr, Algiers, LA 70831(504) 658-4580M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Arcadia1119 South R R Ave, Arcadia , LA 71001(318) 263-8456Only open Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bastrop250 Holt Street, Bastrop, LA 71270(318) 283-0849M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:00 PM)
Th: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Baton Rouge4523 Plank Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70805(225) 358-4561M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Belle Chasse1112 Engineers Road , Belle Chasse, LA 70037(504) 392-5803M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Bogalusa420 Avenue B, Bogalusa, LA 70427(985) 732-6630M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Bossier City4000 Viking Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111(318) 741-7360M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Chalmette201 W. Judge Perez Dr, Chalmette, LA 70043(504) 355-4439M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Colfax207 Main Street, Colfax, LA 71417(318) 627-5251M, W, Th, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tu: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Columbia404 Wall Street, Columbia, LA 71418(318) 649-5398M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:00 PM)
Th: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Coushatta615 E. Carroll Street, Coushatta, LA 71019(318) 932-9570Only open Tuesday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Crowley11 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley, LA 70527(337) 788-7550M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Deridder1102 West First St, DeRidder, LA 70634(337) 462-5838M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Farmerville303-B E. Water St, Farmerville, LA 71241(318) 368-9606M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:00 PM)
Th: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Ferriday105 North E. E. Wallace Blvd, Ferriday, LA 71334(318) 757-9213M, W, Th, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tu: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Franklin600 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538(337) 828-0257M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Gonzales1721-D South Burnside Ave, Gonzales, LA 70707(225) 644-0335M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Gretna1900 Lafayette Street, Gretna, LA 70053(504) 227-1283M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Hammond1745 S.W. Railroad Avenue, Hammond, LA 70403(985) 902-4200M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Harrisonburg204 Sicily Street, Harrisonburg, LA 71340(318) 744-5445Information Not Available
Homer3940 Hwy 79, Homer, LA 71040(318) 927-3338Only open Tuesday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Houma807 Barrow Street, Houma, LA 70360(985) 876-8990M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Jena1050 Courthouse Street, Jena, LA 71342(318) 992-8264M, W, Th, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tu: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Jennings203 East Academy, Jennings, LA 70546(337) 824-2797Information Not Available
Jonesboro182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, LA 71251(318) 259-3801M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:00 PM)
Th: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Lafayette706 East Vermilion Street, Lafayette, LA 70501(337) 262-5601M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Lake Charles4250 Fifth Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70697(337) 475-4900M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Lake Providence407 2nd Street, Lake Providence, LA 71254(318) 559-1618Only open Monday & Tuesday
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Laplace975 Cambridge Drive, LaPlace, LA 70068(985) 652-3471M, Tu, W, F: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Th: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Luling737 Paul Maillard Road, Luling, LA 70057(985) 783-5030M, Tu, W, F: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Th: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Lutcher2289 Texas Ave, Lutcher, LA 70071(225) 869-9773Information Not Available
Mansfield142 Lake Road, Mansfield, LA 71052(318) 871-2391M, Tu, Th, F: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
W: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Many1125 West Mississippi Ave, Many, LA 71449(318) 256-2698M, Tu, Th, F: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
W: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Marksville320 Cottage Street, Marksville, LA 71351(318) 240-8820M, W, Th, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tu: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Metairie1801 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001(504) 838-5678M, W, Th, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tu: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Minden310 Homer Road, Minden, LA 71058(318) 373024M, Tu, W, F: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Monroe1162 Oliver Rd, Monroe, LA 71201(318) 362-3058M, T, W: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Th, F: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Morgan City7710 Hwy 182 East, Morgan City, LA 70381(985) 380-2448M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Napoleonville4847A Highway 1, Suite C, Napoleonville, LA 70390(985) 369-1810M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
New Orleans3400 Tulane Ave. 2nd Flr., New Orleans, LA 70119(504) 658-4500M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Natchitoches303 Bienville Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457(318) 357-3145M, Tu, Th, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
W: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
New Iberia124 E. Main Street, New Iberia, LA 70560(337) 373-0010M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
New Roads305 E. Main Street, New Roads, LA 70760(225) 638-6852M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Oak Grove310 Skinner Lane, Oak Grove, LA 71263(318) 428-8640M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:00 PM)
Th: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Oberlin602 Court Street, Oberlin, LA 70655(337) 639-2175M-F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
*Closed Thursday 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Opelousas1305 Diesi St, Opelousas, LA 70570(337) 948-1330M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Plaquemine23425 Railroad Avenue, Plaquemine, LA 70764(225) 687-0969M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Rayville146 Christian Drive, Rayville, LA 71269(318) 728-3348M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:00 PM)
Th: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Ruston307 North Homer Street, Ruston, LA 71270(318) 254175M, Tu, Th, F: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
W: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Shreveport2900 Dowdell Street, Shreveport, LA 71133(318) 676-7788M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Slidell316 E. Howze Beach Lane, Slidell, LA 70461(985) 646-6410M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
St. Francisville5681 Commerce Street, St. Francisville, LA 70775(225) 635-6635M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
St. Joseph107 Arts Drive, St. Joseph, LA 71366(318) 766-3606Only open Wednesday
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
St. Martinville215 Evangeline Blvd, St. Martinville, LA 70582(337) 394-2205M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Tallulah405 North Cedar St, Tallulah, LA 71284(318) 574-0140W, F: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Thibodaux1711 Ridgefield Road, Thibodaux, LA 70301(985) 446-3016M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Ville Platte417 West Magnolia Street, Ville Platte, LA 70586(337) 363-6241M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Walker9384 Florida Blvd, Walker, LA 70785(225) 667-1874M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Th: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Winnfield201 North Bevill Street, Winnfield, LA 71483(318) 628-4641M, W, Th, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tu: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Winnsboro3290 Front Street, Winnsboro, LA 71295(318) 435-5687M, Tu, W, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:00 PM)
Th: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Need More Help?

To find more information on Louisiana Unemployment Benefits and Services, visit:

  • The Louisiana Workforce Commission website here.
  • The Louisiana Workforce Commission website Frequently Asked Questions page here.

To file an Unemployment Insurance claim online or by phone:

  • Visit the Louisiana Unemployment Insurance claimant portal here.
  • Call 866-783-5567

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.

  1. How to Apply for Louisiana Unemployment Insurance
  2. How to Check Your Application Status
  3. The Unemployment Benefits Waiting Week
  4. How to Appeal an Unemployment Insurance Denial
  5. Need More Help?
  6. View or Download Our Free Guide

How to Apply for Louisiana Unemployment Insurance

To apply for Unemployment Insurance in Louisiana, complete the following three steps:

  1. Gather the documentation related to your previous employment and information you will need for the application.

Learn what documents and information you need here.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether online or over the phone. 

To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access Louisiana’s Unemployment claim portal. To apply for Unemployment Insurance over the phone, call 866-783-5567.

  1. Submit the Unemployment application, which is also known as filing a claim. 

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact Louisiana's Workforce Commission at 866-783-5567 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You must call within your designated time slot, which depends on your Social Security Number (SSN):

  • Monday, if your SSN ends in 0000-2499.
  • Tuesday, if your SSN ends in 2500-4999.
  • Wednesday, if your SSN ends in 5000-7499.
  • Thursday, if your SSN ends in 7500-9999.

Note that Fridays are open to anyone interested in filing for Unemployment Insurance via phone.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking, please contact Louisiana Relay at 711, 1-800-846-5277 (Teletext) or 1-800-947-5277 (Voice).

How to Check Your Application Status

If you have already applied for Unemployment Insurance online, you can check the status of your claim by logging in to the Helping Individuals Reach Employment (HIRES) portal here.

You can also check the status of your application by calling the Louisiana Workforce Commission at 866-783-5567 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You must call within your designated time slot, which depends on your Social Security Number (SSN):

  • Monday, if your SSN ends in 0000-2499
  • Tuesday, if your SSN ends in 2500-4999
  • Wednesday, if your SSN ends in 5000-7499
  • Thursday, if your SSN ends in 7500-9999

Fridays are open to anyone in need of assistance.

The Unemployment Benefits Waiting Week

You will not begin receiving Unemployment Benefits immediately after submitting the application. By law, you must wait one week before finding out whether you will begin receiving benefits. This is called the Waiting Week. Note that this waiting period may be waived during times of emergency.

The week after you file your unemployment claim is called the Waiting Week. During the Waiting Week, you must file a Weekly Certification Application through the claimant portal and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements. You can find the Louisiana claimant portal here.

If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week. You are not paid for the Waiting Week, but you do receive a Waiting Week credit.

Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application here.

How to File an Appeal If You Are Denied Unemployment Benefits

If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal. You can submit an appeal to the Louisiana Workforce Commission online, online or by mail within 15 days.

To file online, log into the HIRES portal here. You will use the same login credentials that you used during the application process.

To file an appeal by mail, send a letter explaining your disagreement to:

Louisiana Workforce Commission
Appeals Unit
O. Box 94094
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9094

The letter must be postmarked within 15 days of when you received the denial notice. You must include this denial notice with your letter of appeal.

Need More Help?

For help with an Unemployment Insurance application, or for any further questions about your Unemployment Insurance claim, call the Louisiana Workforce Commission at 1 (866) 783-5567.

You can find additional contact information by visiting the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s contact information page here.

Find answers to other topics related to Unemployment Insurance on the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s FAQs page here.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for observed holidays.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.