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.
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 North Dakota’s Unemployment Program Overview page here.
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.
Learn more about how Unemployment Insurance payments work here.
To qualify for Unemployment Insurance in North Dakota, you must:
You can learn more about North Dakota’s requirements to qualify for Unemployment Insurance on page 9 of this handbook.
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.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance in North Dakota, complete the following three steps:
Watch a video to learn what documents and information you need here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access North Dakota’s Unemployment claim portal.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance over the phone, call the automated telephone service at (701) 328-4995.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the North Dakota Job Service Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at:
For more information about the application process, click here.
The amount of Unemployment Benefits you receive is based on your past reported earnings by employers that you have worked for in North Dakota. To determine how much an applicant will receive in Unemployment Benefits each week, the North Dakota Job Service takes the total of your highest 2.5 quarters and divides the figure by 65.
The maximum weekly benefit amount (WBA) is $748.
For more information about how Unemployment Insurance payments are calculated, click here and scroll down to “Claimants,” then choose “Benefits Estimator” to access the calculator.
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.
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 Waiting Week here. Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application here.
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.
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.
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 (701) 328-4995.
It’s important to remember that your Unemployment benefits may be denied or delayed if you do not file your weekly certification.
If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal with the North Dakota Job Services. The determination letter you receive will state the last day you can file an appeal.
To file an appeal online, sign into your UIICE account here.
To file an appeal by mail, send a letter of disagreement to:
Appeals Section
P.O. Box 5507
Bismarck, ND 58506
To file an appeal by fax, send a letter of disagreement to (701) 328-2728
For more information about the appeal and hearing process, click here.
If you have general questions about North Dakota Unemployment Benefits, call the North Dakota Job Service’s customer service center at (701) 328-4995.
Contact your local Unemployment Office or visit an office in person. Find your nearest Unemployment Office location and contact information here.
The North Dakota Job Service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, except for observed holidays listed here.
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 our free guide here.
If you have general questions about North Dakota Unemployment Benefits or an Unemployment Insurance claim, call the North Dakota Job Service’s customer service center at (701) 328-4995.
If you have questions about the appeals process or wish to file an appeal, you can call the Job Service Appeals Line toll-free at (800) 351-9098.
If you have questions about appeals, call the Unemployment Claim appeals line at (208) 332-3570, or call the toll-free number (800) 621-4938. Or, learn about the appeals process on page 40 of this handbook.
The North Dakota Job Service’s customer service center is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, except for observed holidays noted here.
You may want to contact your local Unemployment Insurance office before visiting the location to perform services. Find an office location in your area and all contact information in the chart below. Or, visit the North Dakota Job Service office location page here.
| Location | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | 1601 E Century Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503 | 701-328-5000 |
| Devils Lake | 301 S College Drive, Devils Lake, ND 58301 | 701-662-9300 |
| Dickinson | 66 Osborn Dr. Dickinson, ND 58601 | 701-227-3100 |
| Fargo | 1350 32nd St. S Fargo, ND 58103 | 701-239-7300 |
| Grand Forks | 1501 28th Ave South, Grand Forks, ND 58201 | 701-795-3700 |
| Jamestown | 1307 12th Ave NE, Ste. 3 Jamestown, ND 58401 | 701-253-6200 |
| Minot | 3416 N Broadway, Minot, ND 58703 | 701-857-7500 |
| Wahpeton | 524 2nd Ave N, Wahpeton, ND 58075 | 701-671-1550 |
| Williston | 422 1st Ave W Williston, ND 58801 | 701-774-7900 |
To find more information on North Dakota Unemployment Benefits and Services, visit:
To file an Unemployment Insurance claim online:
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 our free guide here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance in North Dakota, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access North Dakota’s Unemployment claim portal. To apply for Unemployment Insurance over the phone, call the automated telephone service at (701) 328-4995.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the North Dakota Job Service Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at:
For more information about the application process, click here.
If you have already applied for Unemployment Insurance, you can check the status of your claim by logging into the Unemployment Insurance Internet Claims Entry (UIICE) portal here.
You can also call the North Dakota Job Service at (701) 328-4995.
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.
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. 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 Waiting Week here.
Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application on page 19 of this handbook.
If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal with the North Dakota Job Services. The determination letter you receive will state the last day you can file an appeal.
To file an appeal online, sign into your UIICE account here.
To file an appeal by mail, send a letter of disagreement to:
Appeals Section
P.O. Box 5507
Bismarck, ND 58506
To file an appeal by fax, send a letter of disagreement to (701) 328-2728.
For more information about the appeal and hearing process, click here.
For help with an Unemployment Insurance application, or for any further questions about your Unemployment Insurance claim, call the North Dakota Job Service’s customer service center at (701) 328-4995.
You can also visit or call a local Unemployment Office for further assistance. Find your nearest Unemployment Office location and contact information here.
The North Dakota Job Service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, except for observed holidays listed here.
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 our free guide here.